Rieti
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 28 November 2023
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The city of Rieti is the capital city of the Province of Rieti with a population of 47,149 inhabitants.
Standing at an elevation of 405 metres above sea level, it covers a total area of 206 km² and lies 80 kilometres north east of Rome, the capital city of Lazio. The main sights of Rieti include its cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta), its city walls and the Ponte Romano bridge. The city's Piazza San Rufo is considered the exact centre of Italy. |
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The main square in Rieti is Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II and from here you can easily reach the main sights on foot. Local buses are available to reach the smaller towns in the local area while the city also has a train station, located a 7 minute walk from the centre, around 500 metres away.
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Profile
Rieti is a charming town located in the Lazio region of central Italy. Nestled in the Rieti Valley and surrounded by the Apennine Mountains, it offers a picturesque setting and a rich historical heritage.
History
Rieti's history dates back to ancient times, with evidence of human settlements found as far back as the Paleolithic era. The town was originally inhabited by the Sabines, an ancient Italic tribe. Later, it became a Roman municipality and played a significant role in the region's defense due to its strategic location.
Highlights and nearby attractions
- Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II: The heart of Rieti, this picturesque square is surrounded by historic buildings, including the Palazzo Comunale and the Palazzo del Governo. The central fountain and charming cafes create a vibrant atmosphere.
- Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta: The Duomo di Rieti is an impressive Romanesque-Gothic cathedral with a beautiful façade adorned with sculptures. Inside, visitors can admire valuable artworks and religious relics.
- Palazzo Vescovile: The Bishop's Palace, adjacent to the cathedral, is a fine example of Renaissance architecture and now serves as a museum showcasing religious artifacts and historical documents.
- Fontana dei Delfini: This elegant Baroque fountain, located in Piazza San Rufo, features dolphin sculptures and is a popular spot for locals and tourists to gather.
- Rieti Underground: Beneath the streets of Rieti lies a network of ancient underground passages and chambers known as "Rieti Sotterranea." Guided tours offer visitors a unique insight into the town's hidden history.
- The Marmore Waterfalls: Just outside of Rieti, visitors can explore the magnificent Marmore Falls, one of Italy's highest waterfalls. Surrounded by lush greenery, the falls offer breathtaking views and walking trails.
- Palazzo Vecchiarelli: This historical palace houses the Civic Museum, where visitors can learn more about Rieti's art, culture, and archaeological heritage.
- Local Cuisine: Rieti is renowned for its culinary delights, including the traditional porchetta (roast pork), cheeses, and pasta dishes. The town's restaurants and trattorias offer a chance to savor these local specialties.
- Events and Festivals: Rieti hosts various cultural events and religious festivals throughout the year, providing an opportunity to experience the town's traditions and vibrant atmosphere.
Comune di Rieti
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Province Rieti
Region: Lazio Population: 45,907 (Source: ISTAT 1 January 2022) Size: 206 km² Elevation: 405 metres Highlights: Rieti Cathedral, Ponte Romano, city walls Close by: Rieti Valley, Greccio, Castel di Tora, Lake Turano, Foglia Recommended accommodation: Park Hotel Villa Potenziani |
Rieti Travel
By train you can reach Rome Tiburtina station in just under two hours and the same train includes stops along the way in Terni (Umbria) and Lazio's hill town of Orte.
By car you can reach Rome in 1 hour 26 minutes (80 km) or the fellow provincial capitals as follows: Viterbo - 1 hr 16 minutes (93 km), Frosinone - 1 hour 47 minutes (147 km) or Latina in 2 hours 8 minutes (161 km).
The two most convenient airports for Rieti are Rome Fiumicino and Rome Ciampino; in terms of journey time there's nothing between them, both are reachable in an hour and 25 minutes but Ciampino is the slightly closer of the two geographically: 94 kilometres away.
By car you can reach Rome in 1 hour 26 minutes (80 km) or the fellow provincial capitals as follows: Viterbo - 1 hr 16 minutes (93 km), Frosinone - 1 hour 47 minutes (147 km) or Latina in 2 hours 8 minutes (161 km).
The two most convenient airports for Rieti are Rome Fiumicino and Rome Ciampino; in terms of journey time there's nothing between them, both are reachable in an hour and 25 minutes but Ciampino is the slightly closer of the two geographically: 94 kilometres away.
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By car: Viterbo - 1 hr 16 mins (93 km), Rome - 1 hr 29 mins (80 km)
Fly to: Rome Ciampino 1 hr 23 mins, Rome Fiumicino - 1 hr 24 mins |
