Rieti, Provincial capital in Lazio, Italy
This provincial capital in Lazio, central Italy, sits on a hilltop at 405 meters (1,329 feet) above sea level. The town overlooks a wide valley and is surrounded by the Sabine Hills and Monte Terminillo, which carries snow in winter.
Roman engineers transformed a marshy lake into fertile land and laid the Via Salaria, a major trade route that passed through the area. In the Middle Ages, construction of the cathedral began in 1109, linking religious authority with urban development.
The city takes its name from ancient Reate, founded by the Sabine people before Roman influence shaped the region. Today, streets and squares preserve elements from different eras that visitors notice while walking through the center.
The Stadio Raul Guidobaldi offers training facilities for athletes during the competition season and meets international standards. Visitors can explore the old center on foot, as many streets are narrow and unsuitable for cars.
Some maps and historians refer to this location as the geographic center of the Italian peninsula, based on the crossing of ancient Roman roads. This designation remains debated, but it belongs to local identity and is often mentioned in conversation.
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