The Oil Routes and the Farfa Abbey
Naturalistic & Artistic Itinerary
Starting point
Canneto Sabino, RI
Type of route
Route by Car and on Foot
Stages
4
Duration
40 min by car or 4h by foot
Difficulty
Easy
Sabina is the land of the olive par excellence, just 50 kilometers from Rome, it offers wonderful opportunities for recreation, among the natural beauties, the architecture of the ancient villages, the refined food and a unique welcome, it amazes in all seasons. Oil is the excuse to discover this enchanting land.
Itinerary
Ulivone di Canneto
The first stop, a must and essential, is a visit to the Ulivone di Canneto. A very ancient tree (it seems to be close to 2000 years old) that is located on the private estate of the Bertini brothers. The tree measures 7 meters in circumference and legend has it that it was the king of Rome Numa Pompilius who transplanted it, and it has an annual production of about 12 quintals of olives.
Olive trees have always represented the Sabine territory with their varieties, the most common are: frantoio, leccino, carboncella and rosciola.
Toffia
Continuing towards Toffia, you can visit the town, a charming characteristic village that overlooks the valleys rich in natural beauty. Inside the town, jewels of the past present themselves to visitors such as Palazzo Castellani, Palazzo Gabrielli, not to mention every characteristic corner that allows for an enchanting stop.
Abbazia di Farfa
The third stop on the oil tours includes the Abbey of Farfa
The Abbey of Farfa, located in the municipality of Fara in Sabina, province of Rieti, in Lazio, is one of the oldest and most important abbeys in Italy, with a history dating back to the 8th century. Founded in 680 AD by Benedictine monks led by St. Thomas of Moriana, the abbey played a crucial role in preserving knowledge and traditions during the European medieval period, becoming a religious and cultural center of great importance.
The abbey is also known for its library, which preserves medieval manuscripts and texts of inestimable historical and artistic value. Today, the Abbey of Farfa continues to be an active place of worship, welcoming believers and visitors interested in exploring its fascinating history and admiring its splendid architecture.
Museo dell’Olio della Sabina
For our fourth stop there is the Museo dell’Olio della Sabina, a structure located in Castelnuovo di Farfa, in the province of Rieti, entirely dedicated to the history and culture of olive growing in the Sabina region, in the heart of central Italy.
Founded in 2009 by the Cultural Association “L’Olio della Sabina”, the museum’s main purpose is to promote and spread knowledge of Sabina extra virgin olive oil, a high-quality product recognized internationally.
The museum is located in Palazzo Perelli, a fascinating sixteenth-century building located in the historic center of the town. The museum’s exhibition itinerary is divided into four well-defined thematic sections:
- The history of olive oil in Sabina: This section offers a journey through the history of olive growing in the region, from prehistory to the present day.
- Olive cultivation: Here the various techniques used in olive cultivation are illustrated, from the beginning of the cycle with planting to the olive harvest phase.
- Oil production: This section delves into the different phases involved in the production of olive oil, from the importance of pressing to the complex procedure of conservation.
- Oil in the kitchen: This part of the museum explores the use of oil in traditional Sabina cuisine, highlighting its importance in local gastronomy.
In addition to its permanent exhibition, the museum organizes a series of educational activities and workshops designed for both adults and children, offering an interactive and educational experience for all visitors interested in discovering the fascinating and ancient world of olive oil in Sabina.
FOR INFO AND OPENING HOURS GO DIRECTLY TO THE MUSEUM WEBSITE FROM THE BUTTON BELOW