# Castel di Tora

> Italian comune

**Wikidata**: [Q223513](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q223513)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castel_di_Tora)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/castel-di-tora

## Summary
Castel di Tora is a small Italian *comune* (municipality) located in the Province of Rieti, within the Lazio region of central Italy. Known for its picturesque setting and historical charm, it is one of many municipal divisions in Italy, contributing to the country's rich tapestry of local governance and cultural heritage.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Situated in the Province of Rieti, part of the Lazio region in central Italy.
- **Population**: Approximately 286 residents (varies slightly by source, with figures of 270 and 266 also reported).
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 42.214925, Longitude 12.96359.
- **Classification**: A *comune*, the basic administrative division in Italy, akin to a municipality or town.
- **Website**: Official municipal website at [http://www.comune.castelditora.ri.it/](http://www.comune.castelditora.ri.it/).
- **Wikidata Presence**: Listed with 51 sitelinks, indicating its recognition across multiple language editions of Wikipedia.
- **Related Associations**: Part of Italy’s broader network of *comuni* and potentially associated with initiatives like *The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy* (*I Borghi più belli d’Italia*), an organization highlighting historic small towns (founded in 2001).

## FAQs
**Where is Castel di Tora located?**
Castel di Tora is located in the Province of Rieti, within the Lazio region of central Italy. It is nestled in a scenic area, typical of many small Italian municipalities known for their historical and cultural significance.

**What is the population of Castel di Tora?**
The population of Castel di Tora is approximately 286 residents, though some sources cite slightly lower figures (270 or 266). This reflects its status as a small, rural *comune*.

**What is a *comune* in Italy?**
A *comune* is the smallest administrative division in Italy, equivalent to a municipality or town. *Comuni* like Castel di Tora are responsible for local governance, public services, and community development.

**Is Castel di Tora part of any cultural or tourism associations?**
While not explicitly confirmed in the source material, Castel di Tora’s characteristics align with those of towns often included in *The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy* (*I Borghi più belli d’Italia*), an association founded in 2001 to promote and preserve Italy’s historic small towns.

**What is the official website of Castel di Tora?**
The official municipal website is [http://www.comune.castelditora.ri.it/](http://www.comune.castelditora.ri.it/), which likely provides information on local services, tourism, and governance.

## Why It Matters
Castel di Tora exemplifies the enduring importance of Italy’s *comuni* in preserving local identity, history, and governance. As one of thousands of small municipalities, it contributes to Italy’s decentralized administrative structure, ensuring that even the smallest communities have a voice in regional and national affairs. Its potential association with cultural initiatives like *The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy* highlights the role such towns play in sustaining Italy’s tourism industry and cultural heritage. For visitors and researchers, Castel di Tora offers a glimpse into rural Italian life, showcasing traditions, architecture, and landscapes that define the country’s diverse regional character.

## Notable For
- **Small-Scale Governance**: Represents the grassroots level of Italy’s administrative system, where local decisions directly impact residents.
- **Historical and Cultural Preservation**: Likely home to historic sites, traditions, or architecture typical of central Italian villages.
- **Scenic Location**: Situated in the Province of Rieti, an area known for its natural beauty and proximity to Rome.
- **Part of Italy’s Municipal Network**: One of over 8,000 *comuni* in Italy, each contributing to the nation’s cultural and administrative fabric.
- **Potential Tourism Appeal**: Its characteristics align with those of villages recognized for their beauty and historical significance, making it a possible destination for cultural tourism.

## Body
### Geography and Location
Castel di Tora is located in the Province of Rieti, within the Lazio region of central Italy. Its coordinates are latitude 42.214925 and longitude 12.96359, placing it in a region known for its rolling hills, medieval villages, and proximity to the Apennine Mountains. The municipality is part of Italy’s extensive network of *comuni*, which serve as the primary administrative units for local governance.

### Administrative Role
As a *comune*, Castel di Tora operates under Italy’s decentralized system of local government. *Comuni* are responsible for a range of services, including urban planning, public safety, education, and cultural heritage preservation. Castel di Tora’s small population (around 286 residents) reflects its rural character, typical of many Italian municipalities outside major urban centers.

### Population and Demographics
The population of Castel di Tora is reported at approximately 286 residents, with minor variations in different sources (e.g., 270 or 266). This small population size is characteristic of many *comuni* in Italy’s interior regions, where rural life and traditional communities persist. The municipality’s demographics likely reflect broader trends in Italy, such as aging populations and limited youth retention in smaller towns.

### Cultural and Historical Significance
While specific historical details about Castel di Tora are not provided in the source material, its status as a *comune* in Lazio suggests it may share traits with other historic villages in the region. Many such towns feature medieval architecture, local festivals, and cultural traditions that date back centuries. Castel di Tora’s potential inclusion in initiatives like *The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy* (*I Borghi più belli d’Italia*)—an association founded in 2001 to promote and preserve Italy’s historic small towns—would underscore its cultural value.

### Governance and Infrastructure
Castel di Tora is governed by a local municipal council, typical of Italy’s *comuni*. The official website ([http://www.comune.castelditora.ri.it/](http://www.comune.castelditora.ri.it/)) serves as a hub for administrative information, including local regulations, services, and tourism resources. As part of the Province of Rieti, the municipality also falls under the broader administrative framework of the Lazio region, which includes coordination with regional and national authorities.

### Related Entities and Associations
Castel di Tora is connected to several broader entities:
- **Province of Rieti**: The administrative province within which Castel di Tora is located, part of the Lazio region.
- **Italy**: The sovereign state to which Castel di Tora belongs, with its capital in Rome and a rich history as a unitary parliamentary republic.
- **The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy**: While not explicitly confirmed, Castel di Tora’s characteristics align with those of villages recognized by this association, which promotes tourism and preservation in historic small towns.

### Digital Presence
The municipality maintains an official website, providing a digital platform for residents and visitors to access information. Its Wikidata entry includes 51 sitelinks, indicating recognition across multiple language editions of Wikipedia. This digital presence helps ensure visibility and accessibility for those interested in the town’s history, governance, and tourism opportunities.

### Significance in Italy’s Administrative Landscape
Castel di Tora is one of thousands of *comuni* that form the backbone of Italy’s local governance. These municipalities play a crucial role in maintaining regional identities, managing public services, and preserving cultural heritage. Despite its small size, Castel di Tora contributes to the broader narrative of Italy’s decentralized administrative system, where even the smallest towns have a defined role in national governance.

### Potential Tourism and Economic Role
Given its location in the scenic Province of Rieti, Castel di Tora may attract visitors interested in rural tourism, historical sites, or the natural beauty of central Italy. Many small *comuni* leverage their cultural and historical assets to boost local economies through tourism, agriculture, or artisanal products. While specific economic data is not provided, the municipality’s role in this context aligns with broader trends in Italy’s rural regions.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. Italian National Institute of Statistics
4. [Popolazione Residente al 1° Gennaio 2018. Italian National Institute of Statistics](http://demo.istat.it/pop2018/index3.html)
5. [Source](https://demo.istat.it/?l=it)
6. GeoNames
7. [Superficie di Comuni Province e Regioni italiane al 9 ottobre 2011. Italian National Institute of Statistics](https://www.istat.it/it/archivio/156224)
8. Wiki Loves Monuments Italia
9. [Source](https://atlasf.eu/poi/15112)
10. Seismic classification in Italy
11. [Source](https://rischi.protezionecivile.gov.it/it/sismico/attivita/classificazione-sismica)