Best attractions and places to see around Varco Sabino are found in this medieval village in the Rieti province, situated approximately 750 meters above sea level. Varco Sabino is part of the Monte Navegna and Monte Cervia Nature Reserve, offering a blend of historical landmarks and natural beauty. The area is characterized by lush vegetation, including woods of beech and chestnut groves, providing opportunities for excursions. This Varco Sabino location and characteristics make it an ideal destination for exploring both…
Last updated: July 7, 2026
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Highlight • Religious Site
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A nice hike, but the view of the two lakes of Turano and Salto is priceless.
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San ROCCO was chosen as the patron saint for this church and the corresponding parish. Saint Roch was born in the middle of the 14th century in Montpellier, France. He is popularly regarded as the "plague saint" - alongside Saint Sebastian. A characteristic feature of Roch's depiction in paintings and as a statue is that he is usually pointing to a plague boil on his leg; a dog can also often be seen at his feet, because according to legend, when he was caring for plague victims, he himself became ill and withdrew into solitude, and the dog provided him with bread every day. The memorial day of San Rocco in the calendar of saints is August 16th.
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Lago del Salto is a small but successive artificial lake near Rieti whose circumference is about 32 km of asphalted and mostly flat road. A wonderful route to do by bike, even with the family, taking into account both the low car traffic and the good condition of the road surface perfectly passable with MTB, GRAVEL, City Bike, Racing bike etc. and the beautiful naturalistic views of the lake and the mountains. Along the route there are several rest areas where you can rest and eat a sandwich, but there is also a bar with a beautiful view near the dam. Also along the route you will encounter the town of Fiumata, diametrically opposite the dam, and the town of Borgo San Pietro, halfway between Fiumata and the dam, this is the ideal starting point thanks to the large spaces available for parking cars, but above all for the numerous restaurants with a view of the lake, open all year round and offering excellent local dishes, ideal to enjoy especially after a nice ride like this. For those who want to make the undertaking more challenging there is the variant that passes through Varco Sabino and then through the town of Rigatti, the tour is extended by a total of 10 km, testing a truly challenging climb and descent. Definitely worth trying.
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Rocca Sinibalda dominates the lush Turano Valley from above, the second most important river in Sabina after the Velino. The village is dominated by a castle founded around 1060. It was rebuilt as a fortress and noble residence in the 1630s by Cardinal Alessandro Cesarini who hired the famous Sienese architect Baldassarre Peruzzi for the occasion. It can only be visited on certain days. It is therefore advisable to inform yourself before departure.
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The passage over the dam is spectacular and the "jump" below is very impressive.
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The Romanesque bridge dates back to the 11th century, but was probably built on a pre-existing building of an unspecified period, of rare beauty, still usable but which requires urgent and significant restoration. In the two pillars it is possible to notice the three "holes" used to insert wooden poles horizontally, capable of supporting the "centre" for closing the stone arch. As you pass the bridge on the left, going up towards Posticciola, there is still a clear trace of "Garitta Muraria" where the border point with the Papal State and Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was made, and with the "horizontal transhumance" the duty for the ride. Transhumance has an ancient history which most likely coincides with the history of breeding itself and was regulated and disciplined since Roman times by a set of laws of taxes to be paid in the various customs. Transhumance derives from the Latin "trans" (beyond) and "humus" (earth) = pastoralism transmigrating with the seasons, along the sheep tracks (from the Latin "tractoria" = the shepherds' roads). In southern Italy transhumance was divided into "vertical" and "horizontal". The first concerned the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, with several sheep tracks that connected from Abruzzo to Puglia (the most important was the famous "Tratturo Magno"). Horizontal transhumance, however, also of ancient origins, descended into the Roman countryside and increased considerably in 1477, when Pope Sixtus IV forced all the shepherds of the "Kingdom of the Church" to take their animals to winter in the Agro Romano. Transhumance in Lazio reached its peak starting from 1800, when the "vertical" one entered into crisis. This was usually in provincial sections from Umbria towards Civitavecchia, from the Marche towards Polo and Maccarese, from Abruzzo towards the Roman countryside, from Ciociaria towards Anzio and Terracina. http://www.magiadelturano.it/index.php/posticciola/ponte-romanico
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Varco Sabino is nestled within the Monte Navegna and Monte Cervia Nature Reserve, offering lush vegetation and shady mountains perfect for excursions. You can enjoy the emerald-green Lake Salto, popular for activities like wakeboarding, and the nearby Lake Turano, known for its crystalline waters. For breathtaking panoramic views, hike to the View of Lake Turano and Lake Salto from Monte Navegna, where you can admire extensive landscapes from 1508 meters above sea level.
The village offers a rich history, including the Rocca Sinibalda Castle, a historical castle dominating the Turano Valley, founded around 1060. You can also explore the well-preserved Ponte Vecchio of Posticciola, a Romanesque bridge that served as an important transit point. Wander through Varco Sabino's historic center to see ancient stone houses and medieval arches, or visit the Church of San Girolamo, which houses a 15th-century processional cross bas-relief, and the symbolic Church of San Michele Arcangelo.
Yes, the surrounding Monte Navegna and Monte Cervia Nature Reserve provides numerous hiking trails suitable for various levels. A popular route is the 'Monte Navegna Summit Cross – View of Lake Turano loop from Varco Sabino,' which offers splendid views. You can find more hiking options and detailed routes in the Hiking around Varco Sabino guide.
Absolutely. Lake Salto is a significant natural attraction, particularly popular for wakeboarding. Nearby Lake Turano, with its crystalline waters, is also suitable for various water sports, fishing, or simply relaxing by the tranquil landscape.
Many of the natural attractions, such as Salto Dam and San Rocco Chapel at Lake Turano, are considered family-friendly. The general area within the Monte Navegna and Monte Cervia Nature Reserve offers easy excursions and opportunities to immerse yourselves in nature, making it enjoyable for families.
A visit to Varco Sabino is incomplete without savoring the traditional Sabina cuisine, which includes homemade pasta, artisan cheeses, and locally raised meats. Throughout the year, the village also hosts various traditional events and festivals that celebrate local culture and folklore, often featuring food festivals dedicated to typical products and historical re-enactments.
Beyond hiking, the region around Varco Sabino is excellent for road cycling and running. You can find numerous routes, such as the 'Around Lake Salto — ring tour' for road cycling or the 'Castel Di Tora – S.Maria del Piano Trail' for running. Explore more options in the Road Cycling Routes around Varco Sabino and Running Trails around Varco Sabino guides.
The Salto Dam is a significant man-made monument that created the largest artificial lake in Lazio, Lake Salto. Built in the 1940s, it blocks the course of the Salto river and, along with the nearby Turano dam, forms a hydroelectric basin essential for the entire Rieti plain. Despite its anthropic nature, the dam offers beautiful landscapes and a peaceful atmosphere.
The region's lush vegetation and green mountains make it ideal for excursions during spring, summer, and autumn. These seasons offer pleasant weather for hiking, cycling, and enjoying the lakes. While specific winter activities are not highlighted, the natural reserve remains beautiful year-round.
Yes, the area has historical importance as an access route to Abruzzo. You can find a well-preserved Roman Bridge, which stands as a testament to the region's ancient past. Additionally, the Ponte Vecchio of Posticciola, though Romanesque, is believed to be built on a pre-existing structure.
Visitors particularly appreciate the breathtaking views from spots like the View of Lake Turano and Lake Salto from Monte Navegna, where animals graze freely. The peaceful atmosphere and beautiful landscapes around the Salto Dam are also highly valued, making people forget its man-made origin. The rich history of sites like Rocca Sinibalda Castle also captivates visitors.


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