Rieti and the magnificent underground city
We suggest that you start a walking tour on the Via Roma near the ancient Roman bridge which crosses the Velino river. The view of Rieti from here is superb: Terminillo mountain, Rieti townscape and the river, with fisherman and Swans enjoying the crystal clear water.
From here you can visit the underground city which reveals the ancient viaduct that connected 'Reate' to the via Salaria and enjoy the aristocratic renaissance palazzi: including Palazzo Vecchiarelli designed by Carlo Maderno who also designed St Peter's Basilica's facade and atrium, and Palazzo Vicentini with its splendid 'loggia' by Vignola.
In the same square of Palazzo Vicentini you'll find the evokative Romanesque Cathedral with its Crypt and only a few yards away Rieti's most charming square, San Rufo, which is considered the absolute centre or belly button of Italy! There is a Michelin rated restaurant in the square where you may like to have dinner after a visit to the city's archaeological museum.
