The geographical centre of Italy and the sanctuaries of St Francis
Rieti, in a green basin of the Apennines north east of Rome, has always claimed to be the geographical centre of Italy, the "Umbilicus Italiae", marked by a plaque in Piazza San Rufo. The city has a fine medieval centre, with the cathedral, the Bishops' Palace with its great loggia, and Rieti Sotterranea, the remains of the Roman viaduct of the Via Salaria under the modern streets.
Around the city lies the Valle Santa, the Holy Valley, where St Francis of Assisi lived for long periods. Four Franciscan sanctuaries, linked by a walking route, the Cammino di Francesco, cling to the slopes: Greccio, where he created the first nativity scene; Fonte Colombo, where he wrote the definitive Rule of the order; La Foresta, where he is said to have composed the Canticle of the Creatures; and Poggio Bustone, where he received forgiveness for his sins.
Tip: the Cammino di Francesco takes about five days on foot; by car you can visit the four sanctuaries in a day. Rieti is also known for its craft beer and the Terminillo mountain.
Where it is
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