Rocchette e Rocchettine

These two medieval villages in the heart of Sabina bear witness to an eventful past and timeless charm.

Rocchette and Rocchettine, rise as silent sentinels that once strategically guarded the route between the Tiber Valley and the Rieti Plain. Rocchette, originally known as Rocca Bertalda, today keeps alive its ancient tradition as a rural center. Its cobblestone streets and imposing walls overlooking the valley bear witness to a past of defense and pride. Despite its evolution over time, Rocchette has retained its medieval authenticity, offering visitors a dip into the past with every stone and alley.

On the other hand, Rocchettine, also known as Rocca Guidonesca, lives in the shadow of its glorious past. This village, once under the control of the Savelli and Orsini families, is now a ghost town. However, despite its desolation, Rocchettine is a fascinating place to explore. Accessing it is like stepping back in time, wandering through the ruins and trying to imagine the life that once animated these streets.

One element that unites these two locations is their historical legacy. Both fortresses, once owned by the Sabine Diocese, have gone through eras of change and transformation. The church of San Lorenzo in Rocchettine, restored in the 1700s, is the only building still standing and is a poignant testament to the devotion of yesteryear.

Today, Rocchette and Rocchettine are more than just fragments of history. They are an open window to the past, a lesson in resilience and adaptation over the centuries. Every stone tells a story, every alley hides ancient secrets, making these hamlets not only places to visit but also experiences to live. For anyone who loves the charming atmosphere of medieval villages, Rocchette and Rocchettine offer a journey through time, a walk through the ruins of the past that continues to enchant and inspire.