Orvinio: the authentic charm of a village among the Lucretili Mountains

In the heart of Lazio, nestled among the quiet peaks of the Lucretili Mountains, lies Orvinio, one of the most fascinating and best-preserved villages in the province of Rieti. Included in the circuit of The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy, Orvinio is a small treasure chest of history and tradition.

The name Orvinio has a complex and fascinating history. Once known as Orvinium, the village may have Sabine-Roman origins, as suggested by Latin authors such as Varro and Dionysius of Halicarnassus. In the Middle Ages, however, the village was known as Canemorto, a mysterious name linked to three popular legends: the death of a Saracen chief named Can, the killing of a local tyrant, or that of a rabid dog that terrorized the population. At another time, it was even called Malasorte (“bad luck”).

The name Orvinio was definitively adopted in 1863, during the Kingdom of Italy, to highlight the presumed ancient origins of the place. The first documentary traces date back to 1075, when the “Castle of Canemorto” was mentioned, probably founded in the 12th century near the Abbey of Santa Maria del Piano. It passed through the hands of several noble families: first the Lords of Canemorto, then the Orsini, the Estouteville, the Muti, and finally the Borghese, who restored the castle.

During the French domination, Orvinio was included in the Department of Rome. After the Restoration, it became a governorate seat and, with the Unification of Italy, it was first included in the province of Perugia, then in that of Rome, and finally in the province of Rieti in 1927.

What to see in Orvinio

The main entrance to Orvinio, once protected by walls and towers with a still-intact clock, introduces visitors to a fascinating medieval village, characterized by winding alleys, stairways, squares, and evocative panoramic views. Just before the entrance stands the Church of Santa Maria dei Raccomandati, enriched with frescoes by Vincenzo Manenti and home to the Confraternity of the Gonfalone. Continuing along Via Manenti, one reaches the Church of San Nicola di Bari, patron saint of the village, consecrated in 1536 and restored in 1842, with an external niche showing its original appearance. Outside the village, the deconsecrated Church of San Giacomo (1612) preserves a wooden statue of the saint and further frescoes by Manenti.

In the heart of the village stands the painter’s birthplace and, a little further on, the Malvezzi Campeggi Castle, founded in the 10th century, renovated in the 20th century, and decorated with frescoes by Ascanio Manenti. The viewpoints along Via Segni and next to the castle offer breathtaking views.

In the surrounding area are the remains of the Abbey of Santa Maria del Piano and the Sanctuary of Vallebona, both also decorated with frescoes by Manenti. Orvinio, a climatic resort within the Lucretili Mountains Park, offers unspoiled landscapes, spontaneous blooms among brambles, junipers, and wild orchids, and a rich wildlife, with possible sightings of wolves, nightingales, eagles, and buzzards.

Events and culture

Orvinio is a village that lives all year round thanks to a rich calendar of events linked to tradition, gastronomy, and local culture.

In winter, the village comes alive with strong and ancient flavors: in December, the tasty Sagra del Pizzillu is celebrated, while in January the highlight is the typical dish of the Sagra del Polentone, a moment of sharing and warmth in the heart of the cold season.

With spring comes rebirth and colors. In April, the traditional Orvinio Pasquetta attracts visitors with nature and conviviality, while in May the village blooms with the event Orvinio in fiore, which transforms the streets into an open-air garden.

Summer is the richest season. In June, the Sagra dei Cecamariti and the Orvinio in Arte festival take place. In July, the Sagra della Patata is held, accompanied by a photography exhibition. In August, the town bursts into celebration with the Sagra delle Fettuccine all’Aglione, the Sagra della Polenta, the Summer Carnival, the Village Fair, and the Feast of the Patron Saint.

photo credits Alessandro Blasi