Castel di Tora is a town in the province of Rieti, in Lazio, with less than 300 inhabitants, located in the Turano valley. It is reflected from the north-eastern shore in the Turano Lake. It is part of the club of the most beautiful villages in Italy.
In Castel di Tora it is possible to walk passing under the medieval hexagonal tower of the eleventh century, adjacent to Palazzo Scuderini, and then up the alleys that lead to well-kept and well-kept squares; and still discover walls and turrets transformed into houses and more arches, stairways, caves and cellars carved into the rock, among splendid views and breathtaking views. Perched a stone's throw from Lake Turano until 1864 the town was called Castelvecchio, then it was decided to link its name to Tora, an ancient Sabine settlement in which it took place - in 250 AD. - the martyrdom of Saint Anatolia: a sanctuary is dedicated to her, which stands on a hill not far from the town.
Castel di Tora is one of the sixteen towns that make up the Cultural Association of the "Polentari d'Italia" and the "Polentone di Castel di Tora" is a real institution. lIn the first day of Lent it is celebrated with the Polentone Festival, a tradition that has its roots in the mists of time: a sin of gluttony that is difficult to resist: herring, tuna, cod and anchovies are the ingredients with which the cooks locals prepare the lean sauce with which this specialty is seasoned.
In August there is a party with "Eating under the stars", when between music and folklore you can taste the Roman tripe, beans with pork rinds, fried pizzas, kebabs, grilled sausages and other Turano specialties.
In September, however, you might come across the Strigliozzi Festival, a typical long pasta dish made with durum wheat flour and seasoned with abundant tomato sauce.
Photo: of Alessandro.P.76 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0