CASTEL DI TORA — 52 MILES
Castel di Tora is a small village located on the lake of the same name. It’s origins date back to about 1000 AD, and was first named Castelvecchio. It’s name was changed in 1864 after the unification, in honor the ancient Roman, Thora Thiora. From the 11th through the 18th centuries, the town was under the control of various landlords — first the Abbey of Farfa, followed by the Orsini family, then to Estouteville, back to Orsini, then to the Borghese family, then to Lante Della Rovere, then to the Gentiles, then to the Princess of the Dragon, and finally to the Papal States.
Through it all, Castel di Tora has retained it’s ancient character, and is certified as one of Italy’s most beautiful medieval villages. It’s a quiet town, which is not surprising with only 300 or so residents, and has a splendid panorama, wonderful old town center, lots of the narrow streets and arches, little alleyways, a medieval castle, small piazzas, and lots of steps.
To learn more, go to visitlazio.com
