Lake Turano, what to see: five-step itinerary

Lake Turano is undoubtedly one of the most scenic places in Lazio among striking views, great biodiversity and enchanted villages where time seems to stand still. Lake Turano is a reservoir in eastern Sabina, in the province of Rieti, and lies on the edge of the Mount Navegna and Mount Cervia Regional Nature Reserve. A little more than an hour from the center of Rome, it is possible to take refuge in an environment that is still unspoiled, to climb the many paths that start from Lake Turano, but it is also easy to be won over by the great hospitality of the people of these places and to get lost among the many evocative views one can come across while walking through the history-rich streets of its villages. Castel di Tora and Colle di Tora and then again Ascrea, Antuni and Paganico Sabino, there are many small and great jewels of Lake Turano that, still far from the crowded itineraries of mass tourism, are just waiting to be discovered at a slow pace and with an open heart. Here are five must-see stops on your trip to Lake Turano.

1. Colle di Tora

A few houses with an unmistakable white color that almost seem to emerge directly from the turquoise waters of Lake Turano. The village of Colle di Tora sits on a peninsula that juts out toward the center of Lake Turano where the green wooded hills are reflected. The heart of the village is the Romanesque church of San Lorenzo, but what attracts tourists and visitors to this small village of less than 400 inhabitants is above all the relaxed atmosphere in every corner and the absolutely breathtaking views that can be admired as you stroll through the narrow streets and alleys. All around Colle di Tora, nature is the absolute protagonist and the juxtaposition of the greens of the woods with the thousands of colors of the lake is really striking. Impossible then not to be tempted by the many typical traditional Sabine dishes found on the tables of both Colle di Tora and nearby Castel di Tora.

2. Ascrea

Clinging more than lying on the steep slopes of the mountain overlooking Lake Turano, Ascrea is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of these places. Many beautiful hikes depart from here, including a spectacular mule track to the ancient ruins of Mirandella. From Ascrea’s nearly 800 meters above mate level there are incredible views of the waters of the lake and the surrounding mountains, but it is the village itself that holds important treasures that the discerning eye will be able to pick up on, such as the traces of the ancient castle and the walls of the adjoining church.

3. Paganico Sabino

The traces of the first settlements in Paganico Sabino date back as far as the 3rd century BC, but it is the whole history of this beautiful village located on Lake Turano that is rich and varied. There are so many points of interest in the village of Paganico Sabino, starting with its many churches that hold important works of art, but also the many nature itineraries that depart from here to penetrate to discover both the lake, with its unique views, and the hills that surround it. Within the nature reserve of Mount Navegna and Mount Cervia there are many trails suitable for all tastes and of all difficulties. Particularly fascinating is the area of the Caves, which lies between 630 and 780 meters above sea level halfway up the southwest-facing slope of Mt. Cervia and is strongly characterized by the presence of rugged rock walls that repeatedly interrupt the steep slope of the mountain.

4. Vallocchie waterfalls

A short distance from Castel di Tora is a magical place where nature reigns supreme. The Cascate delle Vallocchie waterfalls can be reached thanks to a beautiful path that goes into the midst of lush vegetation between steps and wooden footbridges until you reach a series of small lakes generated by a few jumps of water. A natural staircase that leads to surely the most scenic point of this hike where the water makes a leap of about 30 meters between the limestone rocks. At its foot is a clearing that looks like something out of a storybook and where one has the impression that at any moment one could run into a fairy or a leprechaun so evocative is it.

5. Mount of Antuni

From the top of its hill, the ancient village of Antuni peacefully observes life on the shores of Lake Turano. Connected to the mainland by a thin line of land Antuni has been an abandoned village for almost 80 years now, since it was accidentally bombed during World War II, but it still retains a special charm. Long and careful restoration works carried out at the behest of the Municipality of Castel di Tora have allowed the remains of the ancient medieval village with its defensive walls, but also many noteworthy buildings such as the Del Drago palace, to shine again. Then, for those who feel like walking a bit more, the hermitage of San Salvatore is possible, which is located almost at the level of the lake’s waters and in its natural cave holds splendid 17th-century frescoes. Access is allowed only by guided tour run by the Camminando Con Association (info and reservations on the association’s website).

Lake Turano, what to see: five-step itinerary

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