La Torretta b&b, since 1999 a Boutique Bed and Breakfast, in a 15th century palazzetto, is located in the heart of Casperia, an amazing car free medieval hill top village, in North Lazio, just one hour from ROME but a world away.
La Torretta offers 6 en suite bedrooms with dreamy views, and beautiful interior spaces, an elegant ground floor living room for guests, with a stone fire place and original 15th century frescoes around the cornice. The upper floor breakfast and dining room, is a contemporary space with exposed beams and an impressive Carrara marble kitchen, from where an adjacent outdoor terrace offers breathtaking views of the Sabine Hills.
Roberto an illuminated architect from Rome and Maureen a passionate tour guide from Wales, left Rome to live in Casperia in 1975, to lead a simple and more holistic life giving their three children the opportunity to touch base with nature. In 1996, they bought the Palazzo with the idea of creating a special B&B giving guests a chance to experience real Italian life instead of being just tourists. The restoration was a labour of love and La Torretta became a must for many international visitors . Jennifer who has been in the business since very young is now managing La Torretta with the same passion as her parents.
Guests can enjoy the warm hospitality and long experience in tourism in a boutique b&b nominated Ospitalità di Qualità by the Italian Tourist department.
CASPERIA
Gregorovius the German historian, in his famous book ‘Wandering in Italy’ describes his first sight of Casperia in 1862 as follows :
“In all of my travels, I’ve never beheld a panorama of such heroic beauty, as that offered to me at the top of the hill of the cappucins……. it is truly a paradise on earth! A timeless solitude dominates both the nearby mountains, and the villages of the Sabines, where the descendants of ancient families still dwell, solidly preserving the customs and ways of the past”
160 years later, the visitor can still enjoy the same sensations, on approaching, Casperia, a 1000 year old village, perched on a rocky outcrop and bound by the remains of the original stone walls and towers., an amazingly undiscovered but strategic location.
The geographical area is known as La Sabina, the beautiful rural getaway ,where the ancient Romans had their olive farms and still today the Sabina olive oil is considered the best in Italy.
The village is at a height of 400 meters above sea level, and is an extraordinary example of medieval architecture, the fact, that it is completely pedestrian is an added charm but, maybe not suitable for everybody.
Casperia has a flourishing school ,a post office, a yoga retreat, two retaurants and a snack bar, a supermarket, a hardware shop, and a craft beer producer. Recently several artists and artisans have opened small shops selling beautiful jewelry. organic designer clothes, paintings and local crafts and the designer FENDI together with the atelier Massoli has inaugurated a small academy where young people can train to become artisans in the fashion world.
There are two imposing churches in the village, the lower S. Maria Annunziata from 17th century , houses a magnificent Annunciation by the renowned artist Sassoferrato, and the upper S.Giovanni Battista, with a has 13th century bell tower..
The pride of Casperia however is in the fact that a medieval village is keeping up with modern life, young families and international professionals have come to settle, cultural activities and summer festivals have been created, there is a vibrant atmosphere, many small villages are being abandoned, but Casperia is flourishing.
Read blog about Casperia artisans La Mia Sabina, artists by James Johnstone.
Stefania Pochesci designer clothes slowliving
Viola Nocciola, lamps, jewelry
La Torretta Historical Home
is an award winning bed and breakfast in Casperia
Tripadvisor Hall of Fame
Social Media
Sawdays Membership Badge
Member of Sawday’s “Special Place to Stay” since 2000
Touring Club member since 2005
Slow Food Member
Marchio Ospitalità Italiana
