Video: Greccio, in the footsteps of St Francis
With Christmas nearly here, what could be better than a visit to Greccio, known as the Franciscan Bethlehem, where St Francis created the very first living nativity scene, in 1223. The nativity scene, or “presepe” soon became an Italian Christmas tradition, and only in recent years have Christmas trees been added to peoples homes. Living nativity scenes are also a Christmas feature in many Italian towns and villages to this day, including in Greccio itself.
The monastery is very atmospheric, set among thick forest and clinging to a cliff face overlooking the Rieti valley. It’s a beautiful place to visit any time of year, the monastery itself is fascinating and there is a year round exhibition of nativity scenes, but at Christmas it takes on extra significance.
Every year Greccio hosts a Christmas market and historical reconstructions of the first living nativity scene.
Greccio Christmas Market and Greccio living Nativity 2015
05.12- 06.12 – 07.12 – 08.12.2015
12.12 – 13.12.2015
19.12 – 20.12.2015
24.12 – 25.12 – 26.12 – 27.12.2015
01.01 – 02.01 – 03.01 – 04.01 – 05.01 – 06.01.2016
Centro Storico – GRECCIO (RI)
from 10.00 to 19.00
Thanks to Viaggio in Sabina for the video.
Photo Comune di Greccio
Villa degli Armeni – villa rental near Rome
Video: A Sabina olive mill
I recently came across a treasure trove of promotional videos for the Sabine Hills, made by Viaggio in Sabina. Some really well made, (and subtitled in English!) videos showcasing the region, its sights, festivals and food.
With the olive oil harvest just about finishing up here in the Sabina I thought it would be a good moment to show how a typical olive farm and press works. The Sabina has been famous since Roman times for its olive oil and this is still the main agricultural production here. Sabina oil was the first olive oil in Italy to receive DOP status – meaning the name Sabina Olive Oil is protected and the production regulated to very high standards.
The olives are grown on small family farms scattered over the rolling hills. In November and December people get together for the olive harvest and then take the olives straight to local pressing mills.
If you’re interested in finding out more about Sabina olive oil why not take an olive oil tour with local expert Johnny Madge.
Villa degli Armeni – villa rental near Rome
Grotta di San Michele on Mount Tancia
I recently came across a treasure trove of promotional videos for the Sabine Hills, made by Viaggio in Sabina. Some really well made, (and subtitled in English!) videos showcasing the region, its sights, festivals and food. I’m going to be featuring some of them over the following weeks, and I thought I’d start with a place very close to Villa degli Armeni, and close to my heart too! The Grotta di San Michele on Mount Tancia.
Once sacred to the Sabine goddess of forests and crops, Vacuna, it was rededicated in medieval times to Saint Michael. Surrounded by legend, it’s still an evocative an mysterious place to visit.
From Villa degli Armeni just head straight up the mountain. After a pleasant 10 minute drive through the forest you come to a tiny bridge: park up and head up the path to the left. Follow the signs and you’ll reach the Grotta in about 20 minutes.
Villa degli Armeni – private rental villa near Rome