History of the village
Orvinio was born in the period of occupation by the Sicels of Sabina and around the first decades of the year 1000 it fell under Benedictine rule, given its proximity to the powerful Benedictine Abbey of Santa Maria del Piano (see further on).
Subsequently Orvinio was owned by the Orsinis and, with the reform of 1816, the barony was established, until Prince Camillo Borghese renounced his feudal rights over Orvinio.
In the 1800s, Orvinio became part of the Papal States and was the seat of government and residence of the Governor.
It remained under the province of Rome until the province of Rieti was created in 1927.
As soon as you arrive at the main crossroads on Via Roma, on the left is the delightful stone staircase which in summer is covered with red geraniums as in the photo.
Santa Maria dei Recommended
Going up these stairs you arrive at the church of Santa Maria dei Recommendations, visible at the top of the photo.
The church was built just outside the walls of Orvinio in 1582 and was part of the former Franciscan convent and hostel for pilgrims, which was held by the Conventual Religious until the Napoleonic era.
In 1653, under Pope Innocent X, the convent was suppressed and reopened only when the municipality gave support to the monks.
The adjacent cloister has a beautiful view over the countryside. The interior has a single nave with side altars. The church is notable for the seventeenth-century frescoes by Vincenzo Manenti, a native of Orvinio.
The facade was redone in a neoclassical style. Currently the church is held by the Confraternity of the Gonfalone and mass and procession are celebrated in the name of Sant'Antonio.
In the summer, concerts are often held in the church of Santa Maria dei Recommendations.
Castle Malvezzi Campeggi
Going beyond the marble arch that gives access to the historic center, you arrive at the church of San Nicola, who is the patron saint of the town.
On the left you go up towards the perimeter walls of the Malvezzi Campeggi castle, unfortunately not open to visitors. Of the original building, which was renovated in the 20th century, only the cylindrical tower and the crenelated walls surrounding the historic center remain. Just around them you can take a beautiful walk from which you can enjoy a wonderful view over the valley, it is easy to see grazing cows, but also wild boars with their litters, especially in summer. When the hay is high, the meadows move under the pressure of the wind, constantly changing color and you can take beautiful photos.
Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Vallebona
The Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Vallebona was built around 1643 thanks to the donations of the inhabitants of Orvinio. It is located where the old village of Vallebona used to be, clearly visible from the watchtower, now almost in ruins, which according to some dates back to the year 1000.
According to legend, the inhabitants of Orvinio decided to build the sanctuary there because a shepherd, in the act of cutting branches in that area, struck an image of the Virgin hidden among the brambles and heard a cry. The image began to bleed.
The shepherd ran into the village to tell the others of her discovery and the villagers decided to keep the image in one of the churches of Orvinio.
The next day, however, the image was gone and was found at the original find site. It was therefore decided not to move it from there anymore and to build the current sanctuary on that spot.
On the main altar there is, in fact, the fresco of the Virgin in the act of handing milk to the Child.
Orvinio's pizza
The town's heritage is the white and red pizza from the only oven in Orvinio which is a favorite destination for cyclists, motorcyclists and Sunday vacationers. The pizza alone is worth the trip to town!
The Taka Pizza and Restaurant, on the main street, offers traditional cookery, pizza and sweets. The owner, Katia Taddei, can provide also special gluten-free food and pizza.
