Rieti
The geographical centre of Italy, surrounded by Franciscan sanctuaries and mountain lakes.
About Rieti
Rieti claims to be the geographical centre of Italy—the Umbilicus Italiae—and while the math is debatable, the symbolism fits. This quiet provincial capital sits in a wide fertile valley surrounded by mountains, with a pleasant medieval centre anchored by a cathedral and an arched Papal Palace overlooking the river. Rieti's main draw is its surroundings: four Franciscan sanctuaries form the Cammino di Francesco pilgrimage trail through forested mountains, and the artificial Lake Turano and Lake Salto offer swimming and water sports in a mountain setting. The Sabine hills to the south produce excellent olive oil that rivals Tuscany's.
Best Time to Visit
May to October. Summer is warm but the mountains provide relief. The Franciscan sanctuaries are magical in spring and autumn. The Terminillo mountain offers skiing from December to March.
Local Tips
- Walk the Cammino di Francesco.
The four Franciscan sanctuaries around Rieti are connected by a pilgrimage trail through oak forests and mountain meadows. A local can plan a day hike to the most atmospheric ones, including Greccio where St. Francis created the first nativity scene.
- Swim in a mountain lake.
Lakes Turano and Salto are ringed by wooded mountains and tiny villages. A local knows the best swimming spots, the lakeside restaurants, and the hilltop villages worth a detour.
- Taste Sabine olive oil.
The Sabina DOP olive oil from the hills south of Rieti is among Italy's finest. A local can arrange a tasting at a historic frantoio (olive press) with bruschetta and a lesson in how to tell great oil from average.