Nearby

La Meridiana is nestled on a hillside within a short drive of the village of Oliveto, approximately 600m above sea level and 85km north east of Rome. It is set in an olive plantation of 1500 trees, surrounded by 200 acres of woodland, beautifully demonstrated in the video. Oliveto remains completely untouched by tourism. As such it provides an authentic taste of gentle village life, far removed from the more popular regions of Italy now blighted by too much tourism.

Monteleone is the neighbouring village through which you pass on your way to Oliveto. Its origins date back to Roman times, which explains the existence of an amphitheatre. Its Latin name was Trebula Mutuesca and in its time the town prospered because it was at the junction of two roads, the Via Salaria and the Via Cecilia. Most authorities attest that the former is so named because the Sabine tribes used this road to transport salt from the mouth of the Tiber to their homelands in and near this area. However, it is possible that the name refers to the fact that the road led to the uplands which were free from malaria and provided Salaria or healthy air in summer. The Via Salaria has hardly changed its route in 2000 years. Almost certainly the road existed from prehistoric times as a network of trails and footpaths used for trade, before they were widened and paving stones were laid in classical times.

It is worth driving in the evening to the high point of Monteleone where there is a bar with an open seating area and a magnificent view of olive groves and Palazzo Parisi in the distance. There you will find a beautiful Roman stone carved with a smiling face, so called of a gorgon, but I like to think it represents the sun and I have had it copied and placed above the fireplace at La Meridiana. You may also visit the small archaeological museum.

There are two gems to discover near Oliveto which are off the beaten tourist track. The first is the Romanesque church of San Vittoria which dates back to the 11th century. It is just 6km away on the road to Monteleone and you can normally see the inside on Saturdays and Sundays. The second is Abbazia di Farfa, a beautiful working monastery, 20km from the villa.

Another nearby place to visit is the charming village of Roccasinibalda perched dramatically on a hilltop, around 8km from the villa. It is worth visiting for its great castle which is sometimes open for visits, and you can have a charming evening walk around it and a drink in the piazza.

Palazzo Parisi in the village can also be visited sometimes though we must be consulted beforehand.

Beyond

It is worth planning a few day trips from La Meridiana for there is much to discover within reasonable distance, some of which is relatively unknown to visitors. There are maps in the red ottoman, guide books, and in the salotto an extensive scrap book for sightseeing which provides a variety of excursions for the enthusiast. Here is a selection of the best with an indication of distances and journey times:

Rieti (22kms, 30mins) Not so far but there is so much to see in this town at the centre of Italy, described as the ‘Umbilicus Italia’, that you might wish to spend a day there and eat lunch at the excellent Trattoria Favorita 1982 : the Palazzo Vincentini, seat of the Prefecture, and possibly by Vignola, the Cathedral adjoining, and the four Franciscan monasteries nearby, La Foresta, Fonte Colombo, Greccio and Poggio Bustone, each less than 10kms from Rieti. Saint Francis commenced his mission in the area.

Tivoli (60kms, 70mins) The famous fountains are without any possible challenge the finest in the world. There is also the Villa d’Este, the palace of Cardinal Ippolito d’Este with its fine frescoes, and the ruins of Hadrian’s villa, possibly the largest country house and estate buildings ever constructed.

Labro (about 60kms, 70mins) A completely unspoilt village much of which has been in the ownership of the same family for many years. Enjoy a pleasant stroll on the cobbled paths and you can visit the Castello where the Marchese Riccardo Nobili-Vitilleschi may show you round and explain his family story. The house is full of charming possessions.

Villa Lante at Bagnaia, Palazzo Farnese at Caprarola, and Bomarzo. (about 110kms, 120mins). Garden and architectural enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to all three which make a good day trip. The first two are government owned and close at noon till later in the afternoon. An early start is therefore essential.

Ninfa (140kms, 150 mins) is arguably the most romantic and beautiful garden in the world. There are several books on the garden in the house. Look at its website for opening times in: frcaetani.it

Ascoli Piceno (130kms, 120mins) A magnificent city known to only few people. One of Italy’s secret gems. It makes a wonderful day trip. There are guides in the red ottoman.

Rome (60kms, 75mins) The crowning jewel, Rome, is worth at least a couple of visits during your stay at La Meridiana. If you wish advice as to what you might see, we can help and also suggest an experienced English guide. You can drive or take the train – see Getting there.

There are some fine walks, particularly in the area round Castel di Tora by the Lago di Turano, and nearby Monte Nevegna. You will find in one of the red ottomans a footpath map published by the Commune di Castel di Tora, and a larger one published by the Provincia di Rieti. Neither are particularly good and keen walkers should buy from the tourist office in Castel di Tora a fine map and guide in Italian of the walks, Guida Escursionistica, Monte Catillo, Monte Lucretili, Monti Navegna e Cervia. The office is just outside the village on the right hand side, travelling south.

You can also walk along the recently established Cammino di S. Francesco.  Saint Francis walked over much of the area near Rieti, and from the city to Rome. There are several marked walks, in particular for visitors to Oliveto, from the church of S. Vittoria at Monteleone to Poggio Moiano, also from the church to Poggio San Lorenzo, and to places beyond both villages. There is an excellent website in English  with details which also provides GPX tracks (click on download).  www.viadifrancesco.it. Go to stage 19 for a walk centered on S.Vittoria.

There is also a nice short walk from the house through the olives in Coemese and Coiano to the asphalt road and back, completing the circuit.