Toffia

Toffia

Route: Toffia

Area: Rieti Province, Lazio region, Central Italy

Date of walk: 31st May 2023

Walkers: Andrew and Gilly

Distance: 1.2 mile

Ascent: 150 feet

Weather: Sunny and warm

Toffia is 850 feet above sea level and overlooks the Farfa Valley. It is dramatically located on a spur of rock known as ‘The Sea Rock’ and many of its old houses are built on the edge of a precipice. We parked at the edge of the village and walked through an arch into the old quarter, home to several ancient churches and palaces

Our figure of eight stroll took us along narrow passageways and alleys, with occasional extensive views over the surrounding countryside. There was interest and beauty throughout and it was an hour or two well spent

During the course of our short stay in the Sabine Hills area we visited seven ancient small villages and towns – Posticciola, Colle di Tora, Castel di Tora, Rocca Sinibalda, Toffia (today’s walk), Frasso Sabino and Monteleone Sabino. These general comments apply to all of them, and no doubt to the many other old villages in the region. Anyone following our footsteps is advised to park outside the old areas for two reasons: firstly, traffic regulations are in place which restrict entry to locals and, secondly, the streets are very narrow and winding, and inevitably peter out. Once in, it would be hard to get out. These quiet communes do not cater for mass tourism and although there may be the occasional village shop, local bar or restaurant there is no guarantee that it will be open for business. I’ve provided the customary route maps of our walks, but it’s not necessary to follow a set route. There are numerous alleys, staircases and narrow passageways and it’s best to follow whichever of these looks to be the most tempting

Click on the icon below for the route map

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