Castel di Tora Travel Guide
Everything you need to plan your trip to the historic hill town on Lake Turano
Table of Contents
Castel di Tora
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Latest page update: 24 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The lakeside town of Castel di Tora is situated in the Province of Rieti, on the shores of Lake Turano in Lazio. On 1 January 2024 the Comune of Castel di Tora had a population of 274 and the town's highlights include the nearby Borgo Monte Antuni.
Castel di Tora covers a total geographical area of 55 square kilometres and reaches an elevation of 607 metres above sea level. |
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What People Ask About Castel di Tora
Where is Castel di Tora located?
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Discover Castel di Tora
A crib on the water
Castel di Tora is listed among the Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages) by the organisation of the same name. There are in excess of 300 such villages that make the list and this is one of the prettiest. For each village, the Borghi Più Belli add a tagline and in the case of Castel di Tora it's Un Presepe sulle Acque which translates as "A Crib on the Water".
Until fairly recently, Castel di Tora had a different name and its surrounding area a completely different look. In 1864, the town hitherto known as Castel Vecchio was renamed Castel di Tora: a nod to the perhaps mythical ancient Sabine city of Thora. The Sabines were a tribe that occupied the Apennines of Central Italy up until the 1st century BC and there are still many references to them throughout Lazio.
Until fairly recently, Castel di Tora had a different name and its surrounding area a completely different look. In 1864, the town hitherto known as Castel Vecchio was renamed Castel di Tora: a nod to the perhaps mythical ancient Sabine city of Thora. The Sabines were a tribe that occupied the Apennines of Central Italy up until the 1st century BC and there are still many references to them throughout Lazio.
The creation of Lake Turano
Aside from the change of name, the most dramatic alteration to the town came in 1939 when the dry lands surrounding it became a newly created body of water. Lake Turano was created in order to both protect the nearby Rieti Valley from the threat of flood, but also as a way to provide hydro-electric energy. From the moment the Lake was created, the landscape around Castel di Tora was transformed.
The village has few sights to speak of but it's the sense of history and tradition that make it so appealing. Although it's less than 50 kilometres from the centre of Rome, the area around Castel di Tora feels quite remote. In times past, the village would have been difficult to reach and still has a presence quite untouched by modernity.
The village has few sights to speak of but it's the sense of history and tradition that make it so appealing. Although it's less than 50 kilometres from the centre of Rome, the area around Castel di Tora feels quite remote. In times past, the village would have been difficult to reach and still has a presence quite untouched by modernity.
Tranquil environs
This is a really peaceful part of Italy and forms part of the Riserva Naturale Monte Navegna e Monte Cervia which has some wonderful walks to enjoy with the nearby Cascate delle Vallocchie waterfalls a particular highlight. The Lake really comes into its own during the summer when a number of water-sports take place with the help of the nearby Nautical Club Turano.
Dramatic as the sight of Castel di Tora is, (in many ways resembling the sumptuous Castello Aragonese of Ischia that adorns the cover photo of this website), it's dwarfed by the 696 metre high Monte Antuni that lies opposite it across the water.
The Borgo of Antuni was a village that occupied the top of the mountain but is now deserted and considered a ghost village. Although it may be tempting to climb the mountain when you visit Castel di Tora, this can only be done with a pre-arranged guide for groups of 15 or more.
Dramatic as the sight of Castel di Tora is, (in many ways resembling the sumptuous Castello Aragonese of Ischia that adorns the cover photo of this website), it's dwarfed by the 696 metre high Monte Antuni that lies opposite it across the water.
The Borgo of Antuni was a village that occupied the top of the mountain but is now deserted and considered a ghost village. Although it may be tempting to climb the mountain when you visit Castel di Tora, this can only be done with a pre-arranged guide for groups of 15 or more.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Castel di Tora
- Historic centre is a compact maze of stone alleys, arches and stairways perched on a rocky outcrop above Lake Turano. Medieval houses with slate roofs and flower-decked balconies create a timeless atmosphere. The layout reflects its origins as a defensive village. Walking through the lanes reveals views of the lake at every turn.
- Church of San Giovanni Evangelista stands near the entrance to the village and features a simple façade with a bell tower. The interior contains frescoes, wooden statues and decorative altars. It remains the centre of religious life in the village. The church is especially active during local feast days and festivals.
- Remains of the medieval castle are scattered throughout the upper part of the village, with visible wall fragments and foundations. Though little survives intact, the elevated position offers sweeping views of the valley and water below. The site adds to the historical depth of the village. Interpretation signs explain its strategic importance.
- Walking routes around Lake Turano offer access to panoramic viewpoints, picnic areas and forest trails. Paths connect Castel di Tora with nearby towns such as Colle di Tora and Antuni. The terrain is gentle, making routes suitable for casual walks. In warmer months, swimming and kayaking are also popular along the lake’s shores.
- Seasonal festivals and food events celebrate local products such as polenta, chestnuts and lake fish. Stalls, tastings and traditional music fill the narrow streets during these occasions. Events often take place in spring and autumn. The Festa di San Giovanni in June is one of the most important dates in the local calendar.
Castel di Tora Tours and Activities
Comune di Castel di Tora
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Province Rieti
Region: Lazio Population: 274 (in 2024 - source) Size: 55 km² Elevation: 607 metres Highlights: Lake Turano, Borgo Monte Antuni, panoramic views Fly to: Rome Fiumicino Airport - 1 hour 18 minutes by car (113 km) Close by: Colle di Tora, Orvinio, Collalto Sabino, Rieti, Percile |
One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)
Listing headline: Un Presepe sulle Acque (A Crib on the Waters)
Listing headline: Un Presepe sulle Acque (A Crib on the Waters)
Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Castel di Tora
- Hotel Ristorante Il Pino Located just outside Castel di Tora, this charming hotel offers comfortable rooms with views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Turano, a restaurant serving traditional Lazio cuisine, and a bar. Guests appreciate the tranquil setting, the exceptional service, and the proximity to local hiking trails and historical sites. €€ (mid-range)
- B&B Il Casale Situated in a peaceful area near the town centre, this cozy bed and breakfast features modern rooms, a beautiful garden, and a homemade breakfast served each morning. Visitors enjoy the welcoming atmosphere, the personal touch of the hosts, and the easy access to Castel di Tora’s main attractions, including the nearby lake. €€ (mid-range)
- Agriturismo La Collina dei Ciliegi Set in the countryside near Castel di Tora, this agriturismo offers spacious rooms with scenic views, a large garden, and a restaurant serving locally sourced produce. Guests enjoy the rural setting, the authentic Lazio experience, and the short drive to the town’s attractions and Lake Turano. €€ (mid-range)
- Hotel Lago del Turano Located near Lake Turano, this well-regarded hotel offers comfortable rooms with lake views, a restaurant with regional dishes, and a bar. Guests enjoy the relaxing atmosphere, the good value for money, and the proximity to the lake for water activities and local hiking paths. €€ (mid-range)
- B&B Le Terrazze sul Lago Set just outside the town centre, this charming bed and breakfast offers comfortable rooms with beautiful lake views, a lovely garden, and a homemade breakfast. Guests appreciate the peaceful surroundings, the warm hospitality from the hosts, and the easy access to the town's attractions and Lake Turano. €€ (mid-range)
Photo Gallery
Castel di Tora Photo Gallery
Lazio Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Lazio
1. Rome
2. Ponza
3. Villa d'Este (Tivoli)
4. Castelli Romani
5. Sperlonga
6. Ostia Antica
7. Cività di Bagnoregio
8. Lake Bracciano
9. Montecassino Abbey
10. Gaeta
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Lazio
1. Rome
2. Ponza
3. Villa d'Este (Tivoli)
4. Castelli Romani
5. Sperlonga
6. Ostia Antica
7. Cività di Bagnoregio
8. Lake Bracciano
9. Montecassino Abbey
10. Gaeta
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Lazio
