Ornaro: History and Landscape

Ornaro combines historic architecture with sweeping landscapes. Ornaro Alto sits on a hill near kilometre 64 of the Via Salaria Nuova; in the oldest part, you can walk through narrow lanes to the Piazzetta della Rocca. Here, historic buildings meet wide-ranging views from the hilltop.

The Rocca and its ownership history

The Rocca di Ornaro Alto dates back to a medieval complex from around the 11th century. Its tower was substantially altered in the 15th century: a base was added and it was raised by one storey. This distinguishes the complex’s approximate date of origin from a later, specifically documented alteration to the tower.

The ownership history of the castle of Ornaro Alto comprises three stages: it first belonged to the Brancaleoni family, then to the Orsini, and finally to the Apostolic Camera. The building’s history and its sequence of owners offer different insights into the castle’s past.

Sant’Antonino Martire and its distinctive details

In Ornaro Alto, Sant’Antonino Martire is the only church within the historic centre. It is also the only surviving church listed by Marini. Its apse contains a well-preserved 16th-century fresco.

Another unusual detail is the high altar: it rests on a milestone from the ancient Via Salaria. The stone marks the 43rd mile and bears the names Valentinian, Valens and Gratian. The church thus brings together a fresco and a tangible trace of the old road: the milestone marks a specific point along its route and names three emperors.

Hilltop views across the Sabina

From Ornaro Alto, the view stretches across the lower Sabina almost as far as Rome. There is also the Turano Valley and, to the north, the mountain scenery around Terminillo. These views offer distinct landscapes: the broad Sabina, with vistas almost to Rome; the valley; and the mountains to the north. Together with its hilltop setting, these views shape the landscape impression of Ornaro Alto.

Two historic roads, two routes to explore

A route from Ornaro follows the ancient Via del Sale through the forest to the provincial road. A section of the ancient Via Salaria, most of which runs through Ornaro, can be explored on foot; numerous rock outcrops and infrastructure remains make its route traceable.

The two roads offer different starting points for planning: the Via del Sale is defined by its route through the forest to the provincial road. Along the Via Salaria, rock outcrops and infrastructure remains help you trace the road’s route. In this way, a forest stretch and the traces of a historic road stand side by side as clearly distinct themes.

Choose the focus of your trip

When looking for a holiday apartment in Ornaro, it helps to start by choosing a theme: would you prefer to focus on the town’s history, or on landscapes and old roads? You can then compare the location details of individual listings with the focus of your trip.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Cittareale, Fiumata, Poggio Vittiano, Rieti, Monte San Giovanni In Sabina, Vacone, Scandriglia, Contigliano.

Go to the main travel overview: Rieti.