📍 Italy

RIETI VALLEY: ROMAN HERITAGE AND SPIRITUAL SANCTUARIES

Franciscan trails winding through forests, passes commanding panoramas, sacred springs bursting forth. Rieti Valley, deeply spiritual.

≈ 4
Days
46
Km
3
Stops
📖 3 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Explore Rieti and its spiritual plains, then reach Fonte Colombo nestled in the forest. Climb toward Terminillo to embrace the open valleys of the Roman countryside. Here, mountain and faith meet in an ample silent landscape.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Fonte Colombo

franciscan monastery saint's forest birthplace

Fonte Colombo - Photo 1Fonte Colombo - Photo 2Fonte Colombo - Photo 3Fonte Colombo - Photo 4Fonte Colombo - Photo 5Fonte Colombo - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Convento di Fonte Colombo - Franciscan sanctuary nicknamed the Franciscan Mount Sinai, where Saint Francis wrote the Rule of the Order in 1223 after 40 days of fasting
2
Sanctuaries of the Valle Santa - ensemble of four Franciscan sanctuaries in the sacred valley, accessible on foot during the fine season
🎯

Activities

→
Hiking on the Cammino di San Francesco - third stage of the pilgrimage path connecting Rieti to Poggio San Lorenzo
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 23 km
Travel time: 27min
2
Day

Rieti

pilgrimage plain where saints walked

Rieti - Photo 1Rieti - Photo 2Rieti - Photo 3Rieti - Photo 4Rieti - Photo 5Rieti - Photo 6Rieti - Photo 7Rieti - Photo 8Rieti - Photo 9Rieti - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Ponte Romano - remains of the ancient bridge over the Velino, part of the Via Salaria connecting Rieti to Rome
2
Rieti Sotterranea - underground archaeological site with remains of the Roman viaduct avoiding the silting of the Via Salaria
3
Museo Civico di Rieti - late Renaissance art collection with paintings, sculptures and goldsmith pieces in the Palazzo Comunale
4
Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta - 12th century cathedral with monumental bell tower and Santa Barbara chapel
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Activities

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Palazzo del Governo - elegant building with characteristic double loggia
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Palazzo Vescovile - episcopal palace preceded by a majestic portico
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Teatro Flavio Vespasiano - historic theater renowned for its exceptional acoustics
+2 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 7 km
Travel time: 8min
3
Day

Rieti

pilgrimage plain where saints walked

Rieti - Photo 1Rieti - Photo 2Rieti - Photo 3Rieti - Photo 4Rieti - Photo 5Rieti - Photo 6Rieti - Photo 7Rieti - Photo 8Rieti - Photo 9Rieti - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Riserva Naturale dei Laghi Lungo e Ripasottile - natural reserve of over 3000 hectares with two small lakes in the center of the Rieti basin
2
Lago Lungo and Lago Ripasottile - lakes surrounded by reed beds and hygrophilous woods, preserved natural habitat
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Activities

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Ornithological observation - birdwatching particularly rich in winter with numerous bird species
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Discovery of local flora - wild hops traditionally used in Rieti cuisine
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Tasting of local specialties - fregnacce alla sabinese, pasta with olive ragout, mushrooms and artichokes, and Terzetti Reatini biscuits
4
Day

Terminillo

alpine pass commanding roman views

Terminillo - Photo 1Terminillo - Photo 2Terminillo - Photo 3Terminillo - Photo 4Terminillo - Photo 5Terminillo - Photo 6Terminillo - Photo 7Terminillo - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Tempio di San Francesco al Terminillo - contemporary church at 1623 m altitude with 52 m bell tower and 350 m² apsidal mosaic representing Creation, one of the largest modern mosaics in the world
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Activities

→
Panorama over the Holy Valley from Pian de' Valli - exceptional viewpoint over the four Franciscan sanctuaries
→
Hiking on Monte Terminillo - mountain massif feeding the lakes of the natural reserve
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 16 km
Travel time: 20min

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🛡️ Travel advice - Italy

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming landscapes, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent value, Easter celebrations, ideal touring conditions.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, vibrant atmosphere, beach season, festival time.

Fall (September-October): Excellent weather, harvest season, wine tourism, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, beautiful colors, culinary focus.

Winter (November-March): Mild southern weather, Christmas markets, lowest prices, minimal crowds, cultural focus, cozy atmosphere, indoor attractions.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 3 and 5 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Italy?

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