Rieti
sits right in the precise center of Italy on the Velino
River. The town is surrounded by hills and is partially
enclosed by walls with towers. There are several nice
piazzas in town. The Piazza Vittorio Emanuele
has the Palazzo Comunale/town hall with the Museo
Civico (local artifacts and history). The Piazza
del Duomo has the cathedral/duomo (15th
century) and the 13th century campanile/bell
tower. Inside there’s a fresco of the Madonna
and a Bernini statue of St. Barbara. You’ll enjoy
the views from here. Just behind the duomo is the Palazzo
Episcopale. In Piazza Cesare Battisti, you’ll
find the elegant Palazzo del Governo with the lovely
loggia (13th century) and gardens. If you feel
the need to travel a bit you can head north to the Convento
di Greccio (short trip — 10 miles) to see this
monastery (13th century) situated rather precariously.
St. Francis preached here (and in the area) and
you can tour the Cappella dei Presepio (with
frescoes) as well as his residence.
The
area known as Sabina was the second home to St.
Francis of Assisi. It is also an undiscovered jewel….Trees,
valleys, vineyards…. hill towns, farms, mountains…..an
area filled with monuments from the Classical, Medieval,
Renaissance and Baroque eras. Most of us know Sabina because
of the many paintings and sculptures of the Sabine women
- they were considered the most beautiful women in Italy.
In addition to Rieti here are a few towns to visit in
Sabina: Fara, Selci, Roccantica, Casperia, Montasola,
Cottanello and Greccio.