Reatino

<< Lazio

The Reatino is the Province of Rieti, located in northeastern Lazio. This area is mostly occupied by hills and mountains, dotted with small towns, and includes most of the historical territory of Sabina, which also extends to the nearby regions.

Rieti

Rieti is a town in Lazio located at the foot of the hills in the historical region of Sabina, northeast of Rome. Founded in prehistoric times, it was one of the major centers of the Sabines, before being conquered by Rome. Under the Romans, the nearby lake was drained, and Rieti remained a relevant regional center throughout the Roman era and the Middle Ages. The city lived its golden age between the 12th and 13th century, when various popes resided here. Rieti now features a few historic attractions, and it is a starting point for exploring the nearby mountains.

Rieti Cathedral

Also known as: Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta)

The Rieti Cathedral (Cattedrale di Rieti) is a Romanesque church erected between the 12th and 13th century over a previous basilica. The church features a Romanesque bell tower, and it is adorned with rich Baroque decorations added in the 17th century. The cathedral also houses various artworks and a crypt with some medieval frescoes. Adjacent to the church is the 13th-century Palazzo Vescovile, erected in Romanesque and Gothic style. The cathedral, its baptistery, and Palazzo Vescovile together host the Diocesan Museum (Museo Diocesano), which houses numerous religious artworks.

Palazzo Comunale

Palazzo Comunale is the town hall of Rieti, originally erected in the Late Middle Ages and later reworked several times. The palace hosts the art collection of the Civic Museum (Museo Civico) of Rieti, along with exhibits on the history of the city. The archaeological section of this museum is housed in the monastery adjacent to the Church of Santa Lucia.

Church of San Domenico

The Church of San Domenico is a historic church in Rieti, erected in Romanesque and Gothic style during the 13th century. The church houses some medieval frescoes and other artworks, while the adjacent Oratory of San Pietro Martire features a large and elaborate 16th-century fresco.

Walls of Rieti

The northern side of the old town of Rieti is still surrounded by imposing defensive walls erected during the Middle Ages. While most of the fortifications have been demolished, the remaining section features various towers and city gates.

Monte Terminillo

Monte Terminillo is a mountain located northeast of Rieti, and the highest point of the Monti Reatini range of the Apennines. The mountain is a popular tourist destination and ski resort, which attracts especially people from Rome and the nearby regions.

Cittaducale

Cittaducale is a small town located just east of Rieti. The town was founded in 1308 and later it was the seat of a bishopric, until 1818.

Baths of Vespasian

Also known as: Aquae Cutiliae

The Baths of Vespasian (Terme di Vespasiano) are a Roman thermal complex located east of Cittaducale. The area was known in ancient times for its hot springs, and hosted a villa used by emperors Vespasian and Titus. Both emperors died here. The site now features the ruins of a large pool and some other structures.

Greccio

Greccio is a tiny town in the Province of Rieti, located on the side of a mountain. The village is known for its ancient sanctuary and as the birthplace of the presepe.

Sanctuary of Greccio

The Sanctuary of Greccio (Santuario di Greccio) is an ancient hermitage founded by Saint Francis of Assisi in the 13th century. According to tradition, this is the place where Saint Francis oversaw a retelling of the story of the birth of Christ with living people. This representation eventually evolved into the Christian nativity scene, or presepe. The sanctuary is located near Greccio and houses some ancient artworks and frescoes. Thanks to its position, it also offers a great view on the surrounding region.

International Museum of the Nativity Scene

The International Museum of the Nativity Scene (Museo Internazionale del Presepe) is a museum in Greccio dedicated to the history of the presepe, housing numerous nativity scenes made by Italian and international artists.

Fara in Sabina

Fara in Sabina is a town located among the hills of the Province of Rieti. Originally a settlement of the Sabines, the current town was founded in the Middle Ages, and it is known for the historic abbey located nearby.

Farfa Abbey

The Farfa Abbey (Abbazia di Farfa) is a historic Benedictine abbey near Fara in Sabina. Originally founded in the Early Middle Ages, it was later rebuilt and completed in the 10th century. During the Late Middle Ages, it was one of the most powerful abbeys in Central Italy, ruling over hundreds of churches, but its importance eventually faded. The abbey features a Romanesque church adorned with various ancient frescoes and artworks.