We start from Rieti, where the route is mostly even, then continue along the ancient track of the Via Consolare, then along an asphalt road. Along the route, before arriving in Poggio San Lorenzo, we reach the Via Quinzia, the Via Salaria and Ponte Sambuco, dated back to the 1st century after Christ.
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| Distance 21,8 Km | Travel time 7.30 ore | Water Sources sì |
|---|---|---|
| Increase in Altitude + 240 | Degree of difficulty Impegnativo | Resting Area sì |
| Loss of Altitude – 130 | Surface Asfalto e strada bianca | Road Sign sì |
The bronze statue of Saint Francis (1927) under the bell tower of the Cathedral dedicated to Saint Mary Assunta, in Piazza Mariano Vittori, the starting point of this stage. Descend along Via Roma, up to the Ponte Romano on the river Velino and piazza Cavour, near the monument to the Italian Lira (2003), then continue through the Rione Borgo. A few hundred meters outside of town you’ll come across the Fonte Cottorella hot springs park. Cross on the footbridge over the river Turano, then take the exclusive path that traces the old Way of the Salt between long lines of majestic lime trees until Maglianello Basso. After the tree-lined avenue, the path continues along the Ariana creek banks past the hamlet of San Giovanni Reatino.
Continue along a small road until the Provincial road Turanense, which you’ll walk along for little more than 2 km in a southerly direction (again awaiting completion of a footpath outside the roadway). Turn right into the dirt road leading to the Sambuco Roman Bridge. Cross it and head back up to Ornaro Basso (a hamlet of Torricella in Sabina), where you turn left on the Via Salaria Vecchia (also under safety construction works). After 1 km turn into Via Quinzia, descending into a valley under the ancient and picturesque hilltop village of Ornaro Alto, then continue along the path that follows the ancient Way of the Salt, through the woods until the Provincial Road. Continue towards Torricella Sabina until Collina del Sacro Cuore, then head into the white road on the right that leads you into the medieval village of Poggio San Lorenzo.
Useful information
Along the route we can find bars and fountains.
Intermediate stops where to take a relaxing break
Ponte Sambuco and Ornaro Basso.
Not to be missed
Rieti
Rieti underground, the river Velino, the historical centre and the museums.
Torricella in Sabina
Ponte Sambuco, via Quinzia, Ornaro
Poggio San Lorenzo
Roman pontiche
Tastings
Rieti
Fregnacce alla reatina, abbacchio brodettato and Christmas cakes.
Torricella in Sabina
Oil evo dop from Sabina
Poggio San Lorenzo
Oil evo dop from sabina