Poggio Bustone

Situated on a slope of Mount Rosato approximately 700 m.a.s.l. in the province of Rieti, Poggio Bustone owes its name, according to some theories, to the Latin adjective “busto” (burnt): a hill “burnt”, probably, by the shining sun that “burns” the Borgo all day long, without encountering obstacles.

Poggio Bustone is famous for St Francis, who stayed there for several years. Here, perched on the cliff where a little one stands today, an angel confirmed to him the remission of sins.

World War II brought death and violence, but also irreparable damage to the sacred places and works of art housed in the ancient monastery.

It did not, however, undermine that Franciscan spirit still resonating in the village streets as it did on that distant morning in 1208 when St Francis, arriving on the threshold of the village, announced his arrival with the words, which still today, on the morning of 4 October, a drummer repeats along the streets of the village: “good morning good people”. 

Poggio Bustone is also linked to Lucio Battisti, famous Italian musician, who was so attached to these places that they inspired his most beautiful songs.

The nature and healthiness of the place also influence the local cuisine, which boasts, among its many products, a PGI denomination: the porchetta (roast suckling pig) of Poggio Bustone, in fact, is a delicacy that, together with Sagnocchi and fettuccine, fills the table with every fragrance of these lands.