Route: Rieti
Area: Lazio region, Central Italy
Date of walk: 27th May 2023
Walkers: Andrew and Gilly
Distance: 1.2 miles
Ascent: 100 feet
Weather: Sunny and warm
Today was the first day of a walking holiday in central Italy, and it would be impossible to pick a more central location than the old town of Rieti, as it is considered to be the ‘navel of Italy’ and the geographical centre of the country. It has a population of around 47,000 and is situated in the Lazio region at the foot of the Sabine Hills
Rieti is very ancient, being founded before Rome, and it is often called “mother of Rome”. The medieval town centre is quite small and easy to walk, so was a good choice as it’s only three months since my knee replacement operation and long walks are unfortunately out of the question at the moment
We left our hired car just outside the city walls, since there is little parking space inside the old town, and traffic is subject to limitations in certain areas. After admiring the view along the River Velino from the Roman bridge, built during the 3rd century BC, we walked gently uphill to reach the main square, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, the highest point of the city, home to several important buildings as well as the 17th-century dolphin fountain
From here we wandered around as our fancy took us, before returning to the start. I’ve included a route map but it’s hardly necessary as navigation is a simple affair and there’s no need to follow a set course
Click on the icon below for the route map
Scroll down – or click on any photo to enlarge it and you can then view as a slideshow
The River Velino from the Roman bridge at the edge of the old quarter of Rieti
We enter the medieval town centre through one of the arches in the defensive walls
The Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall) dating back to the 13th century, rebuilt in the 18th century, facing Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II at the heart of the old town
From Piazza Cesare Battisti we walk into the Italian garden 'Giardina del Vignola'
The church of Santa Lucia seen from the edge of the garden
Palazzo Vincentini, currently the seat of the prefecture
After leaving the garden we walk through Piazza Cesare Battisti
The St Francis statue in Piazza Mariano Vittori
Archway in Via Cintia, and shortly after this we retrace our steps...
We wander back through the old town in search of the centre of Italy...
We arrive at what is considered to be the geographical centre of Italy 'Umbilicus Italiae', situated in Piazza San Rufo. The claim is disputed but tourist boards do a good job of promoting it
The monument is relatively modern and somewhat controversial as it is apparently not appreciated by some residents
From here we retrace our steps back down to the River Velino and the end of the walk
A final glance back
Later that day, a rainbow over the Sabine Hills
