Just a few kilometres north of Rome, in the Sabine Hills, is Montasola. Montasola is first mentioned during Roman times. It was known as the the city of the Lauri where some of the greatest Roman poets, such as Virgil and Horace, came to enjoy the excellent food and climate.
The Montasola we see today seems to have been founded by Celeste III. We know this from an inscription in the parish church of S. Pietro. For a long period it was in the hands of the Savelli and Orsini families only to return to the Holy See later on. Sperandio, the famous 18th Century historian, mentions in his book "SABINA SAGRA E PROFANA, ANTICA E MODERNA" 1789 an important hospital in Montasola which was founded by Franceso Cimini in 1712. Next to the hospital is a small baroque church which contains a beautiful painting of the Conception which, if it is not by Antonio Gherardi must be attributed to one of his pupils. In the parish church of S. Pietro, which was founded in 1191, is an interesting fresco of Jesus and Mary on a throne with St. Francis on the right and St. Peter on the left. Scholars date the painting to the end of the 14th Century or the beginning of the 15th. The altar of the Via Crucis is interesting particularly for its beautiful carved frame. Over the main doorway of the church is engraved 1588 the year in which it was restored. Of great interest is the church of S.Maria delle Murelle which was built where "Laurum" used to be. Laurum was one of the two ancient cities north west of Casperia and was the starting-point for Montasola. The church, with its 16th Century façade, was restored in 1963 by Angelo Bonelli and contains a miracle-working image. Montasola social and economic life is deeply market by one single protagonist: the olive oil. Sabina is one of the few Italian regions that is actually designated as DOC and DOP for olive oil production. Limited to the season - generally late October through mid December - local olive growers will be pleased to arrange for you, free of charge, a visit to the mill where virgin oil is squeezed from the olives ripe blacken shells. While at the mill, you will taste "Bruschetta", grilled bread dressed with extra virgin olive oil and garlic.
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