Santa Maria: Nature, Nymphaeum and Festa dell’Ara

Santa Maria combines a secluded natural setting with a local history dating back to the Middle Ages. Around the Ninfeo di Santa Maria, a local medieval name, Roman remains in the surrounding area and a landscape with lush vegetation come together. The Festa dell’Ara adds an August event at which typical local products are sampled. You can therefore plan your stay around different interests: historical traces, landscape, a river hike or the festival.

The Nymphaeum Between Local History and Nature

Locals have known the Ninfeo di Santa Maria since the Middle Ages by the name Grott’e Stolfe (grotta di Astolfo). Santa Maria itself is also one of the medieval settlements in the Montopoli di Sabina area. About 30 years ago, the owner excavated the nymphaeum on a hillside at their own expense. Its history thus ranges from the medieval place name and settlement context to a much more recent excavation carried out at the owner’s expense.

The area around the nymphaeum is secluded and characterised by lush nature. A ditch overgrown with vegetation lies directly beside it. Several Roman remains have been found in the area around the nymphaeum. The local history and the finds in the surrounding area highlight different aspects: the medieval classification relates to Santa Maria, while the Roman remains are found around the nymphaeum.

River Hike: Route and Planning

A description of the guided river hike in the Farfa Valley, published in 2018, follows Via Santa Maria for about 1 km and then continues along Via Pantani to the junction with Via Caprareccia; the tour is classified there as moderately difficult. The specific route and difficulty rating offer two different planning reference points: you can see which roads the section follows and how the guided excursion is classified. Before setting out, check the current route conditions and whether a guide is available.

Festa dell’Ara in August

The Festa dell’Ara is associated with August. It includes a traditional tasting of typical local products, as well as events that promote the area. The tasting focuses on local cuisine, while the accompanying events draw attention to the surrounding area. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check in advance whether it is taking place during your preferred dates and when.

Getting There and Choosing a Holiday Apartment

Those travelling from Rome to Montopoli di Sabina on the SS 313 pass through Santa Maria. This provides a specific reference point for your journey. When looking for a holiday apartment in Santa Maria, you can start by considering your travel dates and interests together: will your visit centre on the August festival, or are local history, nature and a possible day of hiking your priorities? The festival dates and the arrangements for the guided hike are separate points to consider when planning.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Gavignano Sabino, Grotti, Varco Sabino, Poggio Sommavilla, Belmonte In Sabina, Santa Rufina, Torricella In Sabina, Poggio Bustone.

Return to the main travel overview: Rieti.