The Residenze del Borgo di Cicignano are situated in an ideal location when it comes to discovering the Sabina and Reatino areas. So how can we not propose a visit to the capital, the Ombelicus Italiae, in Rieti? The charming and elegant beauty of the historic centre of Rieti amazes and enchants visitors, inspiring them to return soon.
Rieti, in the centre of Italy
That’s right. We are not only in Central Italy, we are literally in the centre of Italy. Both longitudinally and latitudinally, this traditional awareness is celebrated in a plaque placed in Piazza San Rufo. In the centre of the centre, we might say, where enjoying a delicious aperitif in company is practically a must. Or perhaps you prefer a stroll along the Velino River first?
In fact, Rieti is, above all, culture. Its history. Its river. Rieti rises along the Velino river, at the centre of the crossroads of the Ancient Roman’s salt trade, where, precisely because of the commercial trading, the Via Salaria was built. Walking on the Roman Bridge that allows to cross the river, we can see the remains of the ancient bridge on its bed; there is a serene nostalgia, in this slow flow that acts as a scenery, to distant eras that have left their traces.
Underground Rieti
Our tour, if we wish to start from the origins of the centre of the Lazio region, must lead us to visit Underground Rieti. Its watercourse, as a primary resource, has often become almost an enemy of the local population, which was exposed to frequent floods and inundations.
This is why a viaduct was built to raise the Via Salaria. These square blocks, made of travertine, which supported the road, along with the underground parts of some residences of the patrician families of Rieti, constitute the attractions of this archaeological itinerary of great interest.
Discovering the city
Once back up on the surface, we change epoch. We move to the Middle Ages, a period when Rieti, in a geographical position vital point, flourished and thrived.
Medievalis Rediscovered is a tour of the city, which, using sophisticated technologies such as 3D viewers that are worn as glasses, allows tourists to return to that period, immersing them in a virtual reality, proposing the true Rieti of the time. You will feel as though you are walking through history, literally, getting to know not only the monuments, but also lesser-known curiosities, including uses and customs of the local population.
Please note that bookings are required, both for the Underground Rieti and for Medievalis Rediscovered: we will be happy to organize the visits for our guests or to provide the contact info of the associations responsible for both, respectively Rieti Da Scoprire and Riattivati.
Rieti: a pilgrimage destination
Also worth mentioning, in what can be considered as an overview, which is not intended to be exhaustive at all, leaving you readers and guests the opportunity and curiosity to discover more in depth by yourselves, are the churches of Rieti.
It is worth noting that the town has always been the centre of pilgrimages: the Santa Reatina Valley was crossed several times during his pilgrimages by Saint Francis of Assisi, and his hagiography proposes numerous episodes, even quite significant, that bind the Patron of Italy to this land.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, with a structure dating back to the 6th century which was later restructured in the 12th century, welcomes visitors with a harmonious Romanesque façade and then amazes them with a rich Baroque interior. And there’s also the Church of San Francesco, San Giorgio and Santa Barbara in Agro which offer relevant artistic testimonies, and places of prayer and introspection to the faithful.
How to get to Rieti
By car, it’s roughly an hour’s journey starting from the Residenze del Borgo. The shortest route is the provincial road 52, in the direction of Torri in Sabina (RI), and then turn onto the provincial road 45 near Cottanello.
