The Village of Toffia

Toffia, a charming village located in the heart of Italy among the hills of Sabina, is renowned for its rich history and architecture, particularly its ancient buildings that date back to different historical periods.

Venture into the cobblestone streets of this charming village and be transported back in time as you discover the majesty of the palaces that surround the historic center. Each palace tells a unique story, from the imposing mansions of the noble families who ruled the region, to the fascinating residences of the artists and intellectuals who helped shape the cultural fabric of Toffia.

During this itinerary, you will have the opportunity to admire Renaissance and Baroque-style architecture with ornate facades, elegant inner courtyards, and fascinating architectural details. You will travel through the ages exploring the mansions of ancient aristocratic families, discover secret rooms that hold artistic treasures, and lose yourself in the enchanted gardens that surround these historic palaces.

We begin our journey right from the main door, Major Door. We immediately find Palazzo Ruffetti, built by Fabrizio Ruffetti in 1596, perhaps to a design by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger. The commemorative inscription on the stringcourse under the windows of the first level recalls this date, and the palace was completed by his son Mario. Later belonging to theBufalieri family, the palace maintained a didactic vocation, becoming the seat of the Elementary Schools of Toffia in the 1950s.

Just past theToffia Library, there is Palazzo Orsini, built in the 15th century. With its simple and superb lines, it is a magnificent example of humanistic architecture. The Orsini owned more than one mansion in Toffia, which is not surprising considering their rule over the Farfa Commenda from 1437 to 1543 and their rebuilding of the Church of Farfa, consecrated in 1496 over the earlier Carolingian basilica.

Continuing on, we find Casa degli Oddoni and Casa Locchi, attached to each other but from two different historical eras. At the beginning of Via Montecavallo, going up toward the Church of S. Maria Nova, one encounters the eighteenth-centuryPalazzo Palica, then Castellani Brancaleoni, now owned by various owners, which initiates a nobler area of the town.

On Montecavallo Street is the 17th-century Palazzo Palma. On the elevation overlooking the valley, it has a characteristic loggia set between what must have been two watchtowers of the ancient walls. On the lintel of the beautiful travertine portal, two doves with olive palms in their beaks appear.

The Palazzo Castellani Grio, as Palazzo Orsini on Via Porta Maggiore, was built by the Orsini family in the 15th century, during their control over the Commenda Farfense. The building has two floors plus a basement.

Almost attached to the Castellani Palace we find the Monsignor Fido’s House. This 16th-century mansion, now belonging to different owners, was probably home to high prelates connected to the bishopric of Toffia.

We conclude our itinerary withPalazzo Castellani and Palazzo Gabrielli. In the former, in 1878, archaeologist Fiorelli was able to examine, thanks to the courtesy of Messrs. Mariano and Gaspare Castellani, a fragment of a tombstone lying in an underground room. Although very corroded and partly illegible because it was used as a door threshold, it constitutes valuable historical evidence.

Palazzo Gabrielli, according to tradition, was the residence of the Sabine bishops.