"RIETI - The Sacred Valley of Saint Francis" Rieti by icunme

Rieti Travel Guide: 15 reviews and 45 photos

View of Rieti from Fonte Colombo - Rieti

Saint Francis and his Sacred Vale of Rieti

There are few casual tourists here - Rieti is a destination for pilgrims who yearn to experience the legends of Saint Francis. While acceptance of the legends is obligatory upon none, the miracle now might lie in the regard and devotion which marks this path of goodness with shrines - grottos which have drawn pilgrims since the early days of Saint Francis nearly 800 years ago.
Like the Vale of Spoleto, the Vale of Rieti was once a lake floor - it is much higher up and much smaller so that its mountains seem to embrace it in an oval ring. High on the mountain slopes, guarding it as if they were outposts, stand the hermitages that Francis founded - each holding its proud and unique legend: Greccio, Fonte Colombo, La Foresta, and Poggio Bustone.
I experienced first-hand, both within the monasteries and without, among the local people, the smiling courtesy, simple fidelity and virile authenticity.

It is fitting, indeed, that St Francis found his follower, the knight Angelo Tancredi, here in Rieti. He was the first nobleman to join the Order, remained near Francis’ side and was present when the Saint received the stigmata on Mount Verna. In St. Francis’ two final pain-filled years of life, Angelo Tancredi became his personal guardian. The brotherly love and friendship they shared was so intense that St. Francis wanted him and Friar Leo with him at the hour of his death. The bond between Angelo and St. Francis is apparant by their tombs: both men rest in the Basilica of Assisi not far from each other.

The Rieti of St Francis is the Rieti of today

View of Rieti Valley from above

The pilgrimage continues today as it did during the Middle Ages: a profound testimony of faith and an exchange between different cultures. The four Franciscan Sanctuaries that are situated within this natural amphitheatre together form a cross.

Many reasons lead Saint Francis to Rieti and one of them is surely the breathtaking charm of its nature. When taking the Walk, you will be enraptured by the pure, uncontaminated beauty of the landscape that has not changed greatly since Francis walked upon it.

The territory is fascinating, an oasis of wild beauty that has kept itself intact over the centuries: from the Franciscan Sanctuaries filled with mysticism, to the castles; from the villages that tell of their ancient cultural heritage and traditions which have never been abandoned, to the boundless expanse of olive groves; to the now gentle, now steep slopes of the inaccessible mountains.

Lakes of Rieti

The Sacred Valley was originally occupied by an enormous lake, Lake Velino. In 271 B.C., the Romans reclaimed the land. The only evidence left of that great expanse of water is the enchanting Lakes Lungo and Ripasottile Natural Reserve. Here, among the thick reeds and white water lilies, you can admire egrets, grey herons, mallards and many other wildlife.

Last visit to Rieti: Jul 2006
Intro Updated Jul 31, 2006
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Reviews (8)

By Lake Salto - Borgo San Pietro - Rieti

Pace e Bene - Peace and Blessings Favorites (1)

The quiet friendliness of the people, the serenity of the forests, the calm of the lakes - the abiding spirit of Saint... more travel advice

Madonnelle in Borgo San Pietro Local Customs (2)

We saw this Madona on a street corner as you walk down toward the lake from the Church of San Filippa Mareri. We were... more travel advice

Rieti - public transportation Transportation (2)

Urban Transport Moving around in Rieti and its surroundings is easy thanks to the bus services run by the Azienda... more travel advice

Yep - I could see Mother Teresa doing this........ - Rieti

Dip in the lake - Sister style Local Customs (2)

Here we found the Sisters of Charity of Calcutta doing Mother Teresa's work and taking a dip in the lake on a little... more travel advice

Things to Do (2)
See All Lakes of Rieti

Off The Beaten Path (1)
Istituto Suore Francescane di Santa...

Travelogues (1)

Written Jul 30, 2006

8 photos

Fonte Colombo - St Francis Writes Rule

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Comments (16)

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JLBG Nov 16, 2009 at 1:36 PM

A nice and quite little place! I love the photo of the Sacred Valley of Rieti
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titabell Nov 15, 2009 at 9:52 AM

This is a wonderful page. I love reading your intro page and the tips as well. Well done. Thanks!
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nicolaitan Aug 28, 2009 at 8:47 AM

these pictures exude spirituality. the ceiling frescoes in the convent are beautiful. a lovely valley, previously i had never heard of it. thanks for sharing this page.
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Maryimelda Jul 23, 2009 at 9:50 PM

I'll definitely be there next visit to Italy. Didn't even know it existed. thanks Carol, it's just lovely. Regards, Kate
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Trekki Jul 2, 2009 at 9:25 PM

Oh Carol, this is beautiful!! I was so close last year (Lago Piediluco)! The landscape is so charming, so magnificent for hiking! And San Francesco was here as well! I'll be back in real life :-)) Thanks :-)
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scottishvisitor Nov 21, 2007 at 8:59 AM

A very peaceful feel comes through this page!!
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deecat Sep 5, 2007 at 12:23 PM

Wonderful! Great introduction with loads of information. Superior travelogue. Enjoyed all the descriptions and information about a place I missed and regret it.
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mvtouring Mar 28, 2007 at 11:32 PM

Very interesting page. Doing the Sacramento walk in Spain in 2010, but think I should also start thinking of St Francis one ;-)
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jo104 Jan 26, 2007 at 8:16 AM

This place looks like its clad in serenity - good informative tips Carol :-)
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kenHuocj Nov 9, 2006 at 1:25 PM

now i must plan to follow the footpaths of St francis in the Rieti Valley ;-)))