Riserva parziale naturale dei Laghi Lungo e Ripasottile

The Riserva parziale naturale dei Laghi Lungo e Ripasottile protects two interconnected lakes in the Rieti Valley, surrounded by reed beds, willow stands, and poplar groves. The wetland floor supports native plants while providing habitats for birds and fish in shallow and deeper water zones.

The two lakes are remnants of the ancient Lago Velino, which Romans drained in part to control flooding and create farmland. This ancient engineering work fundamentally reshaped the landscape and the way water moves through this valley.

The reserve is a place where local communities and visitors come to watch water birds and understand the relationship between the lakes and surrounding nature. The area serves as an important stopover for migrating species that people have observed here for generations.

The reserve is located about 7 kilometers from Rieti and accessible via marked trails that remain open year-round for walking and observation. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for muddy paths during wet seasons.

The reserve takes its name from the two distinct lakes, Lungo and Ripasottile, each with different characteristics that together create a diverse wetland ecosystem. Visitors can observe how these two water bodies support different plant and animal communities.

Location: Province of Rieti

Inception: 1985

Website: http://riservalaghi.org

GPS coordinates: 42.47494,12.83623

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:26