Selci: Lanes, Churches and Open-Air Art

Selci combines narrow lanes in its historic centre with churches, art in public spaces and a rich culinary tradition. The Cammino dei Borghi Sabini adds another dimension: this six-day circular walking route passes through Selci and offers an active counterpoint to exploring the town. You can therefore choose different focuses for your trip, from local history and art to several days of hiking.

Historic Lanes, Churches and Art

The ancient Castru Silice gate remains the only entrance to the historic centre and leads directly into its long, narrow lanes. The Rocca Castri is a surviving part of Selci’s first fortifications. A square tower called Roccha Castri houses exhibitions of paintings and agricultural equipment—two different aspects of local history and everyday culture.

The Chiesa del SS. Salvatore is Selci’s parish church and is open continuously during the day. The Chiesa di Santo Stefano is also open continuously during the day. Its origins date back to the 11th century, and it was rebuilt in 1945. Opening arrangements may change, so check access information before your visit. The Chiesa di S. Eleuterio is also a rural church dating from the 11th century, but it is currently inaccessible. Only the façade of the Chiesa di Santa Lucia remains; a work created in 2022 as part of the Selci Visionaria urban renewal project now adorns it.

Art also awaits you in Selci’s public spaces: the PUBBLICA, Residenza d’arte project has turned the town into an open-air gallery. The associated art route runs around the main street. From Via Roma, you can see a mural of a woman with “tired eyes” on a building façade. The Santuario di Vescovio, with its bell tower, is also nearby.

Sabine Cuisine and Local Traditions

The regional cuisine offers more ideas for planning your trip. Fallone is a mildly spicy rolled pizza typical of Torri in Sabina, Selci, Forano and Nazzano. It can be filled with chard, chicory or courgette. Porchetta selciana, meanwhile, is a traditional product of Selci: its distinctive seasoning and preparation are passed down from generation to generation.

The regional tourism description reports that the Tradizionale Sagra Della Porchetta is traditionally held in mid-August and has a history spanning almost 70 years. Check the dates for the relevant year if you would like to include the festival in your travel plans.

Hiking and Choosing the Right Focus

The Cammino dei Borghi Sabini is designed as a six-day circular walking route, and Selci is one of the municipalities it passes through. There is currently no continuous, dedicated waymarking along the entire route. Following the GPX track is recommended for navigation. Check the route information before setting out so you can plan to use the recommended navigation aid. Selci is also designated as a leading town on the Tiberine section of the Via di Francesco.

When choosing a holiday rental in Selci, it may help to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: are you mainly interested in the town’s lanes, churches and art, or would you like the six-day circular walking route to shape your stay? Sabine cuisine adds a regional flavour to either interest. If you would like to combine several of these themes, Selci offers different ways to do so—from the historic centre to the walking routes described here.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Stimigliano, Orvinio, Apoleggia, Cittaducale, Micigliano, Monteleone Sabino, Toffia, Canneto.

For the broader travel overview: Rieti.