Castel di Tora in a nutshell
Castel di Tora climbs a hill on the north-eastern side of Lago del Turano, in the province of Rieti. It belongs to the club of the most beautiful villages in Italy (Borghi più Belli d'Italia). The old core is a compact cluster of stone houses and lanes. Do not mix it up with Colle di Tora, which sits on the peninsula on the other side of the lake.
Most visitors combine a walk through the village with the lakeshore, a swim or a boat rental, and, if they plan ahead, the guided visit to Antuni. For a wider day, add a stop on the Lago del Turano page, or look at day trips from Rome if you start in the city.
Our pick: Antuni and Castel di Tora
Antuni can only be visited on a guided route, and this day trip combines the guided hike with a visit to Castel di Tora, a lake tour and lunch.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Guided visits and excursions around Castel di Tora
Guided walks to Antuni, boat trips and day excursions around the Turano lake, with live prices and availability.
What to see in Castel di Tora
A short list, since the village is small.
The tower and the Scuderini Rossi palace
The Torre e Palazzo Scuderini Rossi is the main landmark. The polygonal tower dates to the 11th century and is what remains of the old castle. Entry to the tower interior is not offered on a regular basis, so plan to see it from the outside and from the lanes below.
The lanes and the viewpoints
The village is a place for walking without a plan. The village sits on a slope above the shore, so expect to climb. Wear shoes with a good grip.
The lakeshore under the village
Below the village a bridge crosses the water. This is where kayaks, paddleboards and pedal-assisted boats are rented in summer. Ask on site for current prices.
Lago del Turano →Antuni: the abandoned village and the hermitage
Antuni is a deserted village on Monte Antuni, with the Eremo San Salvatore, a hermitage, as part of the longer visit. It is not a free walk. The municipality of Castel di Tora requires a prior reservation, and you visit only with authorised guides. The meeting point is the tourist information point (PIT) at the junction where the Monte Antuni path begins.
Fees are €6 for adults, €3 for young people from 6 to 16 and €3 for school classes. Groups start at 5 people and go up to 30. The village alone takes about 2 hours, and village plus hermitage about 3 hours. The way to the village is a gravel track and the way to the hermitage a narrow mountain path, so the visit does not offer barrier-free access.
When the Antuni visits run
These are the usual time windows. A visit is not guaranteed every day.
| Day | Morning | Afternoon |
|---|---|---|
| Sundays and public holidays | 09:30–12:30 | 16:00–19:00 (April to October only) |
| Saturdays and days before holidays | 09:30–12:30 | None |
| Weekdays | By availability, on request | |
For most people, a Saturday or Sunday morning is the simplest choice. Reserve early in spring and summer, and reconfirm the time and the meeting point before you drive out.
Colle di Tora across the water
Colle di Tora is a separate village on a small peninsula in the lake, on the opposite side from Castel di Tora. It makes a natural second stop if you already walked through Castel di Tora. Check which of the two your route, parking or reservation refers to, since the names are close.
Add a swim at a designated spot, and you have a full day around the lake without much driving. For longer plans, see the hiking page for trails into the nature reserve.
Getting to Castel di Tora and where to park
From Rome, take the A24 and leave at Carsoli-Oricola, then follow the SP34 toward Lago del Turano and Castel di Tora. A parking area on the SP34 near the village, the Guardaparco area, is used as a meeting point for guided walks. Check parking fees and night parking on site, and arrive early on summer weekends.
Without a car, the on-demand ChiamaBus serves Castel di Tora and Colle di Tora from Monday to Saturday between 08:00 and 19:00, except holidays. You reserve by app or call centre. See the getting there page for the train and bus options through Rieti.
Castel di Tora: frequently asked questions
What is there to see in Castel di Tora?
The old stone village with its lanes and viewpoints, the 11th-century polygonal tower and the Scuderini Rossi palace, the lakeshore and the bridge. The most unusual extra is the guided visit to Antuni.
Can I visit Antuni on my own?
No. The municipality requires a reservation and visits only with authorised guides, from a meeting point at the start of the Monte Antuni path.
Can I go inside the tower?
Regular access to the interior of the tower is not offered. Plan on seeing it from the outside.
Is Castel di Tora the same as Colle di Tora?
No. Castel di Tora is the hill village on the north-eastern shore. Colle di Tora is a village on a peninsula on the opposite side of the lake.
How long should I plan for Castel di Tora?
Allow time for a slow walk through the village. If you book the guided visit to Antuni, add about 2 hours for the village alone, or about 3 hours with the hermitage.
Is this the official website of Castel di Tora?
No. This is an independent travel guide with no connection to the municipality, the Antuni guides or any other operator.