I took the opportunity to see a place that has always intrigued me (the Salto Lake) and the Abbey of San Salvatore that I didn’t know, both in Rieti’s province.
THE ABBEY
To reach the Abbey I passed through Pratoianni, a village in the Municipality of Concerviano, literally the John’s grass.
The surrounding landscape is very beautiful with a magnificent view of Salto Lake from the terrace in Pratoianni.
From there we set off for the Abbey of San Salvatore Maggiore in less than a kilometer, located in a magnificent place!
Founded in 735 AD. by Monks of the Abbey of Farfa ; they were sent by Abbot Lucerio when the Lombard Liutprand reigned in those places.
THE 3 AGES OF THE ABBEY
The Abbey has experienced 3 completely different temporal phases.
Ancient age (I-II century BC): it was built on the model of the villa, very popular at that time.
The villa was the nucleus of a family-run farm; over time, agricultural production did not only serve to feed the master and the servants but triggered the sale of excess products even in far markets.
With the expansion of Via Caecilia, which also connected these remote places to more distant cities such as today’s Teramo and L’Aquila, underground rooms with round arches were built in typical style of Republican era.
A beautiful cryptoporticus remains clearly visible; it allowed walks covered by the sun.
The second phase is Middle Age (735 -1400): the Abbey was modified with the addition of the bell tower and some supporting walls and must also suffer a fire caused by the Saracens.
Until 1620 it enjoyed great prestige and fame; in the third and last age (contemporary) it had the most important changes.
The façade of the Church was modified, the portico shown in an engraving of 1685 disappeared and a new building was added on the west side.
The complex has seen decay to the point of becoming almost a ruin, until the intervention of the Municipality of Concerviano.
Led by the mayor Damiano Buzzi, who acquired it in 1986, the Abbey was enhanced.
SALTO LAKE
From the Abbey to the Lake it takes about 25 minutes before arriving to the main Dam and then continuing along the beautiful banks with all the characteristic villages.
Created in 1940 by the damming of the Salto river with the dam and the consequent submersion of the surrounding valley
Its waters are shared with those of the close hydroelectric reservoir of the equally beautiful Lago del Turano through an artificial canal about 9 km long under Mount Navegna.
For its construction, the villages of Borgo San Pietro, Teglieto and Fiumata were erased and rebuilt on the banks.
When the Dam was inaugurated in 1947 it was the highest in Italy with over 90 meters.
Carp, trinche, chub and eels dominate the calm and turquoise waters of the lake; there are also find very rare specimens such as those of Turkish and American shrimp.
I have been to both Borgo San Pietro (the most touristic) and the discreet charm of Fiumata and I guarantee for the unspoiled nature.
In recent years the reservoir has become an important reference point for Wakeboard lovers.
I also point out the excellent restaurant in Borgo San Pietro where you can enjoy many local specialties for very reasonable prices.
Also part of the film Siberian Education by Gabriele Salvatores was filmed on the lake’s banks.
I strongly recommend those 2 places for an alternative and respectful tourism!