Rome Cooking Classes

For more recipes: Guido's FREE recipe e-booklet '5 Minute Pasta'

Thursday, 13 April 2023

Medieval villages, unspoilt natural beauty, fine food and authenticity: The Rieti province.

Toffia is one of the medieval hilltop village in the province of Rieti

With history beginning 2,600 years ago and its unspoiled landscape dotted with ancient medieval villages and monasteries, the Rieti Province, part of the Lazio Region directly north of Rome, is an exciting destination for the independent traveller. Part of its charm is due to the lack of mass tourism which you often encounter in other Italian areas. Authenticity is what the Rieti Province is all about.

The early inhabitants of this area of Italy were the 'Sabines', a highly civilised population that thrived in this region, east of the River Tiber. The Sabines left some truly refined art from 600 BC, including gold jewellery, greek-inspired pottery and bronze chariots. Most of these precious items are today found in Fara Sabina Archaeological Museum. The Romans took over the Rieti province and the Sabine Hills in 290 BC. Cities were built or improved and still today this is one of the most interesting areas of Lazio from an archaeological point of view. During the middle ages the Rieti province grew prosperous and became densely populated, which explains why there are so many 1,000 year old villages built on hilltops for defence.

With 2.5 million olive trees in the Sabine Hills, extra virgin olive oil is the main production

The culture of olive oil is all important for the Rieti province and there is evidence that people have been producing the "green gold" here for at least 2000 years. Olive groves literally cover each and every hillside, with windy roads and pathways making their way between the old, majestic trees. The beauty of the landscape is often associated with Umbria, and in fact Rieti and its territory was once considered part of this region and under Perugia's rule until the 1930's. The Rieti province and the Sabine Hills are amongst the greenest areas of Italy, due to the abundance of water springs, rivers and lakes. It's main aqueduct, called "Peschiera" is one of the largest in Europe and provides pure spring water to three quarters of the City of Rome and of course to the Rieti province as well. The large availability of pure clean water is a blessing for those working in agriculture, and in particular to a young generation of 'neo-rurals', who have recently moved from the city to start organic agriculture in this area.

Lakes are mostly to be found in the east part of the province, the most popular one being the lake Turano. Its clean water makes Turano a great destination for day excursions especially in summer where you can swim, take a rest on the shores and enjoy lunch or dinner on the lakeside.

While the climate is generally mediterranean with mild winters and warm, sunny summers. As you move towards the east of the region the territory becomes more mountainous, with the highest point reaching Monte Terminillo, 2,217 metres above sea level. Terminillo is a winter resort that is fully equipped for ski holidays during winter, while in summer it can be a refreshing escape from the heat, and is especially popular with Rome's inhabitants. Because of the variety offered by its geography, this province of Italy is a hiker's heaven. You can chose easier walks through valleys or more challenging hikes to the top of hills and mountains from where you can enjoy majestic views over the whole region.

Last but not least, the Rieti province has great culinary traditions. Apart from the DOP (Protected Designation of Origin) olive oil which is light and flavoursome at the same time, this is the land of pecorino cheese and ricotta, produced from fresh sheep's milk. The local producers also take pride in their cured meats, including prosciutto, capocollo and, above all, guanciale (cured pork cheek), an essential ingredient of Carbonara and Amatriciana pasta sauces. Wine production is also gaining momentum in terms of high quality, popularity and awards.

Spectacular views and tasty local produce to delight your senses

Amazing sunsets in the Sabine Hills, in the Rome countryside

Tuesday, 3 August 2021

The Sabine Hills: an insider's guide

Are you dreaming of your your next holiday to Italy?

Would like to visit a magical destination that is off the beaten path and unknown to mass tourism?

Please read on to be inspired!

Have you ever heard of the Sabine Hills area, in Italy? Find out more about Italy's Best kept Secret: the Sabine Hills in the article written by Chef Guido Santi for L'Italio Americano Magazine.

It is too good a secret, not to share again!

"For those looking for authentic, idillic rural Italy a stone’s throw from Rome, this is the perfect destination" writes Chef Guido, from Convivio Rome Italian Cooking Holidays.

Full article can be found here, on this link. Enjoy!

Chef Guido, Sally from Convivio Rome have been offering Rome Day Trips and Italian Culinary Vacations in the Sabine Hills since 2006. Find out more on the links below:

Guido's Cook Club Monthly Membership

Online Video Italian Cooking Package

Friday, 23 April 2021

The hidden treasures of the Sabine Hills

Toffia

Perfect for a day trip from Rome out in the countryside or a longer stay as part of a relaxing holiday, the Sabine Hills (Sabina), will reward its visitors with ancient medieval history, Renaissance palaces, castles and monasteries, cultural events, art exhibitions, unspoiled landscape, hiking trails and of course the Sabina DOP extra virgin olive oil from its olive groves.

View over the Sabine Hills

Quintessentially Italian countryside

The way the Sabine Hills are still today very rural and unspoiled is almost miraculous, despite its vicinity to a big city like Rome. The landscape of Sabine region is quintessentially Italian, with its rolling hills covered by olive groves and fruit orchards and dotted with medieval hilltop villages and castles. Because of the olive trees and other evergreen Mediterranean plants, the Sabine hills are very green all year round. A visit to one of the many hilltop villages in the area will reveal beautiful views over valleys and mountains in the far distance.

Bruschette with Sabine Hill's olive oil

Food in the Sabine Hills

Sabina is famous for its extra virgin olive oil, the very first in Italy to receive the DOP denomination. Olive oil has been produced here for millennia (there is an olive tree that's 2000 years old) and is known for being light and flavorful at the same time. The area is also well known for pecorino cheese, olives, salami and of course guanciale (cured pork cheek), necessary for any amatriciana or carbonara pasta sauce. Cooking classes, ranging from half day to 5 nights, are run in Toffia by Convivio Rome as well as half-day olive oil tours and wine tours.

Sally and Chef Guido
Founders of Convivio Rome Italian Cooking Holidays, Virtual Cooking Classes and Guido’s Cook Club Monthly Membership

Guido's Cook Club Monthly Membership

Online Video Italian Cooking Package

Sunday, 12 July 2020

Rome Day Trip: the Sabine Hills

The Sabine Hills: a perfect day trip from Rome

Only 35 minutes from Rome's outskirts and just north of the Capital, perfect for a day out in the countryside or a longer stay as part of a relaxing holiday, the Sabine Hills (Sabina) will reward its visitors with ancient medieval history, unspoilt landscape, renaissance palaces castles and monasteries, cultural events, art exhibitions, hiking trails and of course the 'Sabina DOP' extra virgin olive oil from its olive groves.

Toffia, 930AD is the oldest medieval village in Sabina (the Sabine Hills)

Dating back to 1200's, this medieval hilltop village is a hidden treasure

Unspoilt countryside

The way the Sabine Hills are still today very rural and unspoilt is almost miraculous, despite its vicinity with a big city like Rome. The landscape of Sabina is quintessentially Italian, with its rolling hills covered by olive groves and fruit orchards and dotted with medieval hilltop villages and castles. Because of the olive trees and other evergreen mediterranean plants, the Sabine hills are always very green, all year round. A visit to one of the many hilltop villages in the area, will reveal beautiful views over valleys and mountains in the far distance.

Views over olive groves and hilltop villages in the Sabine Hills

The Sabine Hills offers magnificent views over unspoilt countryside

History
Sabina is an ancient land where civilisation started way before Rome and the local archaeological museum in Fara Sabina tells a story of walled cities, powerful kings and the development of fine art, pottery, jewellery and elaborate bronze manufacts from 2,600 years ago. Three of the seven kings of Rome, Tito Tazio, Numa Pompilio and Anco Marzio, were from here.

During the middle ages, Sabina was part of the Holy Roman Empire and thanks to Charlemagne and his land donations, a local monastery called Farfa became a huge economic and military power in the area. The Farfa monastery owed its wealth to olive oil production for many centuries, as it was the largest landowner in Central Italy and it become an independent city state, its borders reaching well into modern Tuscany, Umbria and Le Marche.

500 year old streets run between the ancient monastery and artisan shops in Farfa

Sightseeing

National parks such as Monti Lucretili and vast conservation areas allow those passionate about hiking or mountain biking to explore the area using ancient trails, walking through green valleys, woods and cultivated land. However, even just visiting some of the villages in Sabina will be an experience in itself. Medieval villages like Toffia, Castelnuovo di Farfa, Fara Sabina, Farfa, Bocchignano or Montopoli have impressive defensive walls, beautifully decorated renaissance palaces and ancient churches.

Toffia, one of the most beautiful hilltop villages in the Sabine Hills

A maze of picturesque alleyways, archways and little piazzas will welcome the visitor, almost resembling a movie set, without the mass tourism of other Italian regions. Impressive medieval castles can be seen in Rocca Sinibalda (Castello Cesarini, 1084 AD) and in Frasso Sabino (Castello Sforza, 955 AD).

Medieval streets and picturesque doorways in Castelnuovo di Farfa

Great photo opportunities lie within the medieval streets

Culture
Today, Sabina is well known for its art and music festivals which are organised throughout the year. Toffia is famous for its "Festa del Centro Storico', an art, music and street theatre festival which lasts for 5 nights in mid-August and attracts more than 3,000 people every night. Toffia is also known for its very active theatre, run by 'Officina 33'. In Fara Sabina there is an international Jazz Festival in July and Casaprota hosts the interesting art and music 'Arterie festival'.

A local music trio, called 'Lamorivostri', keeps traditional music alive, with frequent concerts in the Sabina area and in Rome.

Sabina is well known for its music and art festivals

Food

Sabina is famous for its extra virgin olive oil, the very first in Italy to receive the DOP denomination. Olive oil has been produced here for millennia (there is an olive tree that's 2000 years old) and is known for being light and flavoursome at the same time. The area is also well known for pecorino cheese, olives, salami and of course guanciale (cured pork cheek), necessary for any amatriciana or carbonara sauce. Cooking Holidays are run in Toffia. One day cooking classes, as well as olive oil tours, and wine tours are also offered in the Sabine Hills area.

There are many Restaurants to choose from in Sabina. For an interesting combination of traditional dishes with a touch of creativity there is 'La Taverna del Corsari' in Montopoli.

How to get there from Rome

Fara Sabina is the best place to begin to explore the Sabine Hills. There is an excellent direct train departing every 15 minutes from many stations in Rome (Ostiense, Trastevere and Tiburtina, for example) to Fara Sabina Station. It takes 39 minutes to get from Rome Tiburtina to Fara Sabina. Here there are buses to many different villages in the Sabina area. By car, the direct way is via Rome-Florence (A1) motorway, Fiano Romano exit, then following signs to Rieti and Via Salaria, then to Fara Sabina.
If you join any of our Convivio Rome Culinary Holidays, or day activities such as our cooking classes, olive tour and wine tours, we include a free pick up and return service to our local train station.

Cooking Classes: https://www.conviviorome.com/one-day/your-day-cooking-experience.html

Olive Oil Tours: https://www.conviviorome.com/olive-tour.html

Wine Tours: https://www.winetoursrome.com/

Visit the Sabine Hills, Virtually: Convivio Rome are also offering fun Virtual Cooking Parties and LIVE Cooking Classes, where you can learn authentic Italian cuisine in a fully interactive live cooking class. If you wish get an authentic taste of Italy, and meet like minded people, you can also join Chef Guido's monthly membership called 'Guido's Cook Club'

Train information: can be found on trenitalia.com site

Bus information: can be found on cotralspa.it

Additional background information on Guido: Guido Santi is an eighth generation Roman who has a passion for cooking traditional Italian cuisine and for local, fresh, organic food and wine. As a follower of the Slow Food philosophy, he supports and promotes local farmers and the 'zero kilometres' philosophy. Guido runs "Convivio Rome" with his Australian wife Sally, offering cooking classes, 3 and 5 night culinary holidays, plus olive oil tours and wine tours in or nearby the medieval hilltop village of Toffia, Sabina (Italy), just north of Rome. You can follow Convivio Rome on Facebook and on Instagram

View from Guido's home and the Convivio Rome Cooking School

Saturday, 3 March 2018

Immersed in Olives and Sabina Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The lives of my family and I are intertwined with the local Sabina extra virgin olive oil. We are not only surrounded by olive trees, we grow, harvest, take the olives to press to make our own extra virgin olive oil and make local cures using our own herbs mixed in olive oil...we also cure and eat our olives whole. Extra virgin olive oil is an essential ingredient in all my Italian cooking classes and Italian Culinary Holidays. In other words, we are immersed in olives and olive oil, inside and out! Our local Sabina extra virgin olive oil often referred to as 'liquid gold' as it is recognised to have many healing properties. The olive itself is a symbol of peace and longevity, and it has often been used as a base for medicines because of its healing powers.

Visiting the 'L'Olivone', the Largest Olive Tree in Europe, is the first stop on your Rome Olive Tour

When in Rome.....come for a visit to the Sabine Hills with us to find out more about this amazing fruit, that has a long long history and is entwined with the local culture, here in the Roman countryside. I run Rome Olive Tours all year round. Rome Olive Tours with Convivio Rome

We have just added a Follow Us button onto this Blog....so please Follow Us to get the latest information, first!

http://rietinvetrina.it/toffia-innevata-per-le-riprese-di-trust-con-hilary-swank/

Friday, 6 October 2017

Visiting Toffia, seems like you are on a film set... Well now you are!

"It is just like a film set, I feel like we are in the movies " : Many of our 3 and 5 night cooking holiday guests, comment when visiting and staying in Toffia, our medieval hilltop village in the Sabine Hills. They are right, it's simply magical here.

Well now, they are using Toffia as the setting for an American 10-part drama series about the kidnapping of J.Paul Getty III, called 'Trust' with Hilary Swank and Donald Sutherland*. Danny Boyle is the director and it will be first screened in January, 2018. So look out for the scenes, shot in our own little medieval hilltop village of Toffia!

(Photos by Maura F. and Antonella R.)

Filming in the main piazza of Toffia, at sunset, photo by Maura F.

Fake snow and vintage cars to set the scene, in Toffia.

Film set in main piazza, Toffia.

Night light and fake snow, Toffia's main archway into the historic centre

Also, take a look at these photos, in the local newspaper: Toffia in the snow!

As the film is set in 1973, so the film crew have also converted a building, within the historic centre, into a Bar of that era.

External view of Bar

Internal view of 1960's bar, used for film set

Convivio Rome's 3 and 5 night cooking holidays are now taking bookings for 2018.

Just ask for our new dates.

*A little more about Trust "In the series, set in 1973, a young Getty is kidnapped in Rome and his mafia captors are banking on a multimillion-dollar ransom. Trust looks at his ordeal at the hands of kidnappers who don't understand why nobody seems to want their captive back. The Italian police think it's a prank and decline to investigate. Paul's father is lost in a heroin daze in London and refuses to answer the phone. Paul's grandfather — possibly the richest man in the world — is marooned in a Tudor mansion in the English countryside, surrounded by five mistresses and a pet lion. Only Paul’s mother is left to negotiate with increasingly desperate kidnappers. The problem? She’s broke." quoted from article in www.thehollywoodreporter.com, May 15, 2017, by Kate Stanhope

Thursday, 14 September 2017

A stroll in the Sabine Hills, from one medieval town to another

The Sabine Hills, just north of Rome, is a great place to get away from all the 'hustle and bustle' of day-to-day life. Come for a morning, for a full day or take a vacation here. It is amazingly untouched here. The air is fresh, you are surrounded by rolling hills, olive groves, sheep, medieval hilltop villages, monasteries and winding country roads. It is a perfect place to rest, relax, unwind and learn something new, in a fun and family home environment.

Here are a few photos I just wanted to share with you, when I took a stroll with our daughter Gemma and puppy dog, 'Rocky', from our home in Castelnuovo di Farfa (near a very the beautiful hilltop medieval village, of the same name) to the monastic village of Farfa (called locally, Abbazia di Farfa). The weather is changing from Summer to Autumn, and the slight breeze and shade as we walked made it very pleasant.

I live here, and this short stroll reminded me of how beautiful our immediate area, between 3 medieval villages: Castelnuovo di Farfa, Farfa and Toffia. I hope you agree.

Local farmhouse with free range chickens and flocks of sheep for the local pecorino cheese.

On the final leg of the walk, between olive groves, and onto Abbazia di Farfa