Villa Holidays in Rieti, Lazio - Overview

Rieti was originally a major site of the Sabine nation. After the Roman conquest, carried out by Manius Curius Dentatus in the late 3rd century BC, Rieti became a strategic point in the early Italic road network. Rieti dominated the 'salt track' (Via Salaria) that joined Rome to the Adriatic Sea across the Appennine mountains.

Through a deep cut in the limestone at the northern edge of the valley, Curius Dentatus made the water of the lake flow away in the Nera river. The wide area once occupied by the lake turned into a fertile plain, and the land was split into square allotments, in the shape of a regular grid. The town itself was re-founded and was fortified with strong walls. A stone bridge was laid across the Velino river the ruins of which can still be seen today. It's interesting that the main piazza, San Rufo, is considered to be the exact centre of Italy.

Villas in Rieti, Lazio from the Holiday Villa Company

Our beautiful villas in Lazio have been selected and personally inspected to ensure they meet our high standards and offer our guests a certain 'something special'. In Lazio we have villas near to Rome, within a short and convenient train ride to all the sites in the eternal city. Also within easy reach are numerous long sandy beaches and there's a beautiful lake at Bracciano which is ideal for all manner of watersports. We offer holiday villas near Rome in Anguillara, Bracciano, Castel Gandolfo, Civitella d'Agliano, Rieti and Vasanello.

Browse our holiday villas in Rieti, Lazio

Rieti, Lazio - Gastronomy

Being such a refined centre Roman cuisine is very good and benefits from a ready supply of fresh produce from the surrounding countryside. Many of the genuinely Roman dishes are highly seasoned with onions, garlic, rosemary, sage, watercress and bay leaves and desserts include the delicious Torta di Ricotta. Why not try a late afternoon by the pool with a good chilled Frascati and ask yourself if you enjoy living like a Roman in your villa.

In Rome there is no shortage of excellent wines, so don't be afraid to ask for recommendations. With wonderful wine producing regions throughout Italy you are going to discover something a little special. And one of the little known secrets of Rome is its excellent drinking water!

Rieti, Lazio - Activities

To the south of Rieti is Lake Turano. Here you can enjoy watersports and relaxing meals in the restaurants bordering the lake with delightful views.

In addition to an abundance of historic sightseeing opportunities or watersports on Lazio's various volcanic lakes, there is no shortage of golf courses in the Rome area. The Circolo del Golf di Roma Acquasanta (which has English origins) is just one of the 18 hole courses in Lazio.

Rieti, Lazio - Beaches & Coast

One tends not to think of Rome as being near the sea, but it is and the beaches are really quite pleasant. Once you leave the city itself there are fewer people, particularly in low season. Many of the beaches in Lazio have excellent restaurants and you can while away a pleasant afternoon enjoying a good meal while the children play in full view on the beach.

Rieti, Lazio - Visiting Rome

Rome is within an hour's journey of Rieti. We recommend the best way to visit Rome is by train and then use the underground to get to the centre where most of the ancient monuments are located. In the evening you can return to your country villa, perhaps after a good meal.

Rome needs no introduction, there are so many things to see here, from the ancient Colosseum, the forum, historic Spanish steps and famous piazzas to the serenity of the Vatican; a short list of the most popular sights that doesn't even begine to scratch the surface of sightseeing in Rome!

Rome is also great for shopping as there are numerous excellent boutiques and shops, indeed some of our favourite ever delicatessens are in Rome. The city of Rome has countless squares and piazzas unequalled anywhere else in the world, with a fast array of restaurants and chic cafes. However its also a haven for people watching while enjoying a coffee or glass of wine in one of Rome's elegant piazzas.

In the Lazio countryside surrounding Rome beautiful scenery is assured, with wonderfully varied animal, bird, insect and plant life, much of which are quite unlike those we see at home. A drive through the Roman hills outside of the city is a wonderful experience in itself.

To the south of Rome you will find Castel Gandolfo where the Pope's summer residence dominates the beautiful lake nestling in a volcanic crater. To the north is Bracciano, where a medieval castle protects the shoreline of an enormous lake. Here you are in the heart of the Etruscan empire, a pre-roman race who's necropoli preserved at Cerveteri, demonstrate their building skills.

Rieti, Lazio - Getting there

Rome and Lazio are served by two main airports. Fiumicino Airport in the north of Rome has daily direct flights from most major UK airports; The recently extended Ciampino Airport in the south is served by a variety of low cost airlines with daily flights from airports throughout the UK.