
Shop like a local, eat like a local. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and tastes of the real Italy.
Step back in time onto cobblestone streets and into ancient churches adorned with 12th-century frescoes. Here, even the tiniest villages are rich in archeological and artisanal history. We have selected three of our favorite places to visit.

Minutes from the villa, the town of Poggio Mirtito has a weekly Friday market with local produce and artisan wares. The market visit will coincide with your cooking workshop and include a visit to the magnificent Farfa Abbey and Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.

Known as the "jewel of Sabina," Casperia is a magnificently restored, ancient hilltop village known as "One of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy" (Borghi più Belli d'Italia). It is also the home of the Chateau. The poet Virgil first mentioned this walled village 1000 years ago in his epic poem the Aeneid. Today, sunny, narrow streets, accessible only on foot, house artist studios, and delightful little restaurants featuring the region's specialties.

This riverside village's walled fortifications, massive entry portals and intricate underground alleyways tell its ancient story. Rieti, which is known as the"navel" or geographic center of Italy, includes the sprawling sanctuary Fonte Colombo with its frescoes, caves and cloisters. Lunch at Fermento Pizzeria, the town's (and maybe Italy's) best pizza. You can then shop on Via Roma or visit any of the four impressive museums.


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