Pleasant ride immersed in the idyllic setting of the Rieti countryside, among rural landscapes, panoramic views of Mount Terminillo and the gentle whisper of the waters of the Velino river.
The itinerary winds along the Piana Reatina cycle path, a cycle path that follows the path of the Velino river, along the splendid Pianura Reatina.
The area, known for its flat topography and mild climate, is an ideal place for a bike ride just a stone’s throw from the city of Rieti, a relaxing break immersed in birdsong and fresh country air. Along the cycle route there are equipped rest areas, fountains and benches placed in the shade of the generous foliage of the trees located along the verdant banks of the Velino River.
The cycle path runs around an area originating from the reclamation of the ancient Lake Velino and is embraced to the east and north by the Reatini Mountains, to the south and west by the Sabine Mountains. The panoramic views offered along the route are therefore pleasant, accompanied by the constant presence and majestic of Monte Terminillo which forms the backdrop, while, located on hills at the edge of the plain, the inhabited centers of Poggio Fidoni, Sant’Elia and Contigliano are also visible.
The area is adjacent to the Holy Valley, so defined due to the importance of the places that saw the passage and stay of Saint Francis of Assisi who founded the famous Franciscan sanctuaries (La Foresta, Poggio Bustone, Fonte Colombo and Greccio) located at the four extremes of the Rieti plain and a pilgrimage destination for devotees; in fact, the connections between the cycle path and the “Way of Francis”, an 80 km itinerary dedicated to the Saint, which winds through the Santa Reatina Valley, are easy.
The route, therefore, crosses an area that combines natural beauty, agricultural importance and cultural heritage that can also be found in nearby Rieti, the capital of historic Sabina, defined as the umbilicus Italiae, or the geographical center of Italy, in which to visit the Cathedral of Maria Assunta from the 12th century. which houses important sculptural works also created by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and you cannot miss admiring the remains of the Roman Bridge over the Velino and the Rieti Underground.
From the reclamation of Lake Velino the Lungo and Ripasottile water bodies remain in the Rieti plain, not far from the ring it is possible to visit them in the Partial Reserve of the Lungo and Ripasottile Lakes, a wonderful protected area, a wetland of great interest where numerous bird species nest.
Lungo le tappe ci sono altri luoghi di interesse che, tempo permettendo, vi invitiamo a visitare.
If you want to access the detailed map for outdoor use and check all the data and statistics of the route, even in 3D, please see the page that Anima Reatina has published on the outdooractive portal
Registered office: Via Manzoni 10, 02100 Rieti
c.o. V^comunità montana
Tax code: 01235650577
