In the Laghi Lungo e Ripasottile Nature Reserve, timing is part of the experience: it is particularly suited to birdwatching in winter and during migration. Discovering Rieti means exploring nature, Franciscan routes and cultural sites as different ways of seeing the area—from seasonal birdwatching to collections and architectural history.
Lakes and mountain landscapes
Lake Salto offers a different perspective on the landscape: it is the largest artificial reservoir in Latium. A road runs around the lake and can be travelled by car or bicycle. Along the way, oak and chestnut forests alternate with narrow bridges. Canoes are available to rent at the equipped beaches of Fiumata and Borgo San Pietro; wakeboarding is also offered. If you plan to take part in these activities, check availability before your trip.
Excursions into the surrounding mountains and to the Monte Navegna e Cervia Nature Reserve start from Lake Turano. Terminillo offers a further highlight: it is a renowned ski resort, and a cable car runs to the summit. If you plan to use the cable car, check the latest operating hours before your trip.
Along the Franciscan routes
The Cammino di San Francesco routes begin in the city of Rieti. The path is marked with white and red markers and yellow Tau symbols. A separate route, Rieti–Fonte Colombo–Greccio, starts beside Rieti Cathedral, Santa Maria, on Via Cintia by the statue of Saint Francis. After about an hour on foot, it reaches the Sanctuary of Fonte Colombo. San Pastore Abbey can also be visited as a stop along the route.
Fonte Colombo connects a specific place with an important episode in the life of Saint Francis: in the summer of 1223, he came here to write the third and final Rule of the Order. The sanctuary includes the Holy Cave and the Chapel of Saint Michael. Those interested in the Franciscan routes will find both a historical link and a route with a clearly specified starting point and destination.
For a different schedule, consider the urban trekking route in Rieti: it is a five-kilometre circular route that takes three hours. By comparison, the Rieti–Fonte Colombo–Greccio route reaches the sanctuary after about an hour on foot. These two time estimates help you choose between a longer circular walk and a route to a specific destination. A more challenging version of the Cammino di San Francesco continues to the Votive Temple of Pian Dè Valli on Terminillo.
Culture and history in Rieti
The Museo Civico di Rieti is in the historic city centre and is divided into two sections. The archaeological section displays numerous finds from Rieti and the Sabine region, dating from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages. The room “Life, Death, Religion” houses objects for everyday and religious use from the Iron Age and the Etruscan and Hellenistic periods. The collection thus spans a broad period, while the named room also draws attention to different aspects of everyday and religious life.
The Flavio Vespasiano Theatre also tells a story on several levels. It was inaugurated on 20 September 1893 with performances of Pietro Mascagni’s “Cavalleria Rusticana” and Gounod’s “Faust.” It takes its name from the Sabine-born Emperor Flavio Vespasiano. Its layout follows the classic Italian theatre model, with two audience sections, three tiers and a gallery—an architectural complement to its history.
The Paroniana City Library holds around 140,000 old and modern volumes. These include sixteenth-century editions, codices and incunabula. Its local history section collects documents on the history of the city of Rieti and the development of its territory. Those interested in the city’s historical development as well as its sights will find another way to explore it here—through books and documents rather than paths and buildings.
Rafting offers another way to travel along the river: options include an inflatable raft, canoe or SUP. The trip ends in the city centre of Rieti, near the Roman bridge. Check with the relevant operator before your trip to confirm the activity is available.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Limiti Di Greccio, Belmonte In Sabina, Colli Sul Velino, Labro, Montasola, Monteleone Sabino, Montopoli Di Sabina, Passo Corese, Poggio Catino, Poggio Mirteto, Poggio Sommavilla, Talocci, Tarano, Torricella In Sabina, Varco Sabino, Magliano Sabina, Poggio Nativo, Salisano, Stimigliano, Cantalupo In Sabina, Rieti, Casperia, Torri In Sabina, Misericordia, Configni, San Polo, Castelnuovo Di Farfa, Santa Maria, Poggio Moiano, Fara In Sabina, Greccio, Cottanello, Leonessa, Montebuono, Castel San Pietro, Casaprota, Poggio San Lorenzo, Monte San Giovanni In Sabina, Contigliano, Scandriglia, Gavignano Sabino, Forano, Cantalice, Canneto, Roccantica, Cittareale, Amatrice, Cittaducale, Posta, Selci, Accumoli, Fiumata, Orvinio, Casali, Vacone, Colle Di Tora, Micigliano, Pescorocchiano, Nespolo, Borgo Velino, Rocca Sinibalda, Castel di Tora, Poggio Bustone, Toffia, Antrodoco, Piedicolle, Roccaranieri, Ornaro, Piano, San Giovanni Reatino, Santa Rufina, Montenero Sabino, Apoleggia, Longone Sabino, Madonna del Mattone, Grotti, Pian De' Valli, Poggio Vittiano, Sellecchia, Collegiove.
For the broader travel overview: Latium.
