As in a maternal embrace full of love. A long way made of numerous hairpin bends serve as a prelude to a small village. Meanwhile, during the journey, imposing peaks appear here and there. They draw the surrounding scenery ensuring protection to the precious place we are about to reach. Then you see it the lake that delicately caresses a still uncontaminated territory. We are in Lazio, in the Turano Valley. Here, at an altitude of 600 meters, Colle di Tora is located.
Colle di Tora between man and the environment
Located on a promontory of a lake born from a dam. The suggestive location of Colle di Tora, from which to admire splendid views, is the result of human intervention. The Turano lake is, in all its particular beauty, artificial. Created in 1939 by damming the river of the same name with a dual purpose. Reduce flooding in the Rieti plain and encourage the production of hydroelectric energy. The work in addition to a purpose of utility, has also led to a pleasant aesthetic result. Inlets that intersperse the course of the banks from which winding paths that lead to the elevated mountain villages.
The peaks of the Cicolano Mountains complete the evocative picture. Here there are several small villages that, thanks to their hidden location, escape the tourist waves. It is no coincidence that Colle di Tora, along with other mountain centers, appear intact and untouched. Arriving there, perhaps this is the characteristic that is immediately appreciated. A quiet and silent place, sometimes barren but full of past anecdotes. Those of a distant history, however, still today capable of making its voice heard.
Travel ideas
The territory of the Turano Valley is part of a Lazio hidden, which we do not expect and which probably few people know. An itinerary that allows you to combine naturalistic aspects with cultural itineraries. Colle di Tora is a mix of both. Splendid views of the lake and an overview of the nearby mountains. A landscape which is tinged with different colors as the season changes but which seems to wear its most interesting dress in the summer when, in the evening, you can even meet fireflies.
But Colle di Tora also has a historical role which takes us far back in time. Called by the name of Collepiccolo until 1864, it has an ancient origin probably linked to the city of Sabina. Born in pre-Roman times, it then underwent an important development in the Middle Ages. The traces that are still visible today are from this period. The town square is dominated by the Church of San Lorenzo. In Romanesque style the sober facade invites towards the interior spaces. Here you can see a precious canvas depicting the Madonna del Rosario with Saints Lorenzo and Domenico. Then there is a culinary tradition, the one that makes of Colle di Tora is also a place to savor native dishes.
Dishes that become the protagonists of the village festivals. Like the day that takes place here during spring, entirely dedicated to the preparation of a special focaccia. The "pizzillu coll'erbe". Made with a mixture of wheat flour, cooked on the grill and presented on a bed of chicory. These are the known ingredients of a recipe that, in some respects, still remains secret! But the gastronomic offer also continues in local trattorias with succulent local dishes. Fettuccine alla papalina, marjoram artichoke, panzerotti, Tripe and so on. A rich but still uncontaminated land where you can carve out a corner of tranquility in the admiration of all the beauty it offers.
