The home I am featuring today is located close to Rome in Palombara Sabina. Palombara has a population of 8,000 and is situated on a hill overlooking the Tiber Valley.
The town has a long and rich history, dating back to ancient Roman times. The name Palombara comes from the Latin “paulembra,” meaning “hazel grove,” due to the abundance of hazel trees in the area.
During the Middle Ages, Palombara was an essential center for agriculture and trade. Perched at the foot of Monte Gennaro, the village has a spiral urban plan design that starts in a piazza and winds its way upward, culminating at its stunning 11th-century castle with original frescos by Baldassarre Petruzzi, terra-cotta flooring, and stunning views over the Tiber River Valley. The castle was built around the year 1000 by the Crescenzi Ottaviani family. The Castle was restored in 2008, and it is now possible to visit the Naturalistic Museum and an exhibition of Roman marble sculptures found in 1986 in Formelluccio.
It is precisely next to this castle in the historical center where our completely renovated single-family stone home stands. It is a tower house complete with machicolations and probably served as the gatehouse or barracks in Medieval times. The property is spread over three living levels connected by an elegant wooden staircase and a sizeable terrace with a breathtaking view! On the ground floor, a sitting room is divided by a beautiful sliding door and a regal fireplace hand carved from peperino stone. On the first floor is a living room with a dining area, bathroom, kitchenette, and balcony. On the second floor lies a large double bedroom with a balcony. On the rooftop, you will be rewarded with stunning views over the valley from your expansive terrace. The finishes in this home are quite good, and having two bathrooms is very handy in a multi-story home. Perhaps the purchaser could turn that second floor into another bedroom and transform the downstairs with that impressive fireplace into a kitchen/living area. I love the floors of this home and the little rustic touches. At 108 m² (1162.5 sq ft), this home is large and ideal as both a primary residence and a second home/tourist let. Parking is conveniently located across the street.
Palombara Sabina is served by mega-fast Fiber Optic internet so working from home won’t be an issue.
Just imagine lazy evenings spent having drinks on that terrace and watching the sunset. This is slow living at its finest!
At €107,000, this home is a real unicorn. If you make this your prima casa, you won’t pay any property taxes either.
Are you sold yet?
In recent times, Palombara has become known for its olive oil and wine, both of which are highly prized for their quality and flavor. The town has a CONAD, a Eurospin, and several other smaller markets. There are no less than four spectacular bakeries, dozens of restaurants and pizzerias, bars, cafes, and a vibrant social scene.
Sagra Delle Cerase (Cherry Festival) takes place in June and celebrates the said fruit. The town takes on a carnival-like atmosphere during this celebration and displays intricate floats in fantastic subjects. Dragons, angels, gingerbread houses, wizards, you name it.
Following the cherry festival, you can booze it up in July at the Festa Della Birra, an Oktoberfest-like party featuring artisanal and local brews that lasts for ten days!
Did I mention these people love to eat and drink?
In September, the fun continues with the Sagra del Ciammelloco celebrating the traditional sweets made with eggs, flour, anise, lemon, and olive oil.
In addition to appreciating the delicious taste that the aniseed seeds lend to these typical desserts, the grated and squeezed lemons and the anisette liqueur preserved this treat. In the past, the peasants and shepherds took it to the countryside because it remained tasty and fragrant for days and constituted the well-deserved “reward” at the end of a frugal workday lunch.
In November, townsfolk celebrate the green gold of Lazio at the Grande Festa dell’Olio Della Sabina (The Great Feast of the Olive Oil of Sabina). At this party, the freshly pressed oil is the star.
In addition to its historical and cultural attractions, Palombara is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside, with rolling hills and forests, making it an excellent place for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities.
Overall, Palombara Sabina is a charming and picturesque town with a rich history and a beautiful natural setting. It is a fantastic home base for those interested in history, culture, and the great outdoors.
I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about Palombara Sabina. Subscribe to the blog today, and don’t miss the opportunity to learn a little about Italy.
Leave a comment and let me know what you think of this lovely home.
