4.5
(707)
3,600
hikers
110
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Nature Reserve dei Laghi Lungo e Ripasottile are characterized by a diverse wetland environment, centered around the two lakes, Lago Lungo and Lago Ripasottile. The landscape features lush forests, extensive reedbeds, and riparian areas lined with willows, elders, and poplars. These trails often follow the lake perimeters, offering views of the water and surrounding natural habitats. The terrain is generally gentle, making it suitable for family outings.
Last updated: July 12, 2026
4.7
(11)
40
hikers
23.7km
06:53
610m
610m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
8
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.5
(2)
6
hikers
16.4km
05:18
720m
720m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
36.6km
09:16
80m
80m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
16
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The palace was built between 1283 and 1288 by Maestro Andrea. As it was damaged by several earthquakes over the centuries, it was repeatedly rebuilt and remodeled. For example, after the earthquake of 1298, the Arco di Bonifacio VIII was erected. On the ground floor, space was created for various shops, which were used until the beginning of the 20th century. Today, exhibitions (e.g. a life-size nativity scene) take place there.
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Palazzo Governo, Piazza Cesare, Rieti Prefecture of Rieti / Prefecture - Territorial Office of the Government of Rieti Historical Notes on the Government Palace The Palazzo Vincentini, located in Piazza Cesare Battisti in Rieti, is remembered in ancient documents as Casa Poiana, since the powerful Marco Antonio Vincentini purchased it from the Poiani family of Amelia in 1589. Renovation work began that same year and was completed after 1624. According to literary tradition, the architect responsible for the construction was the 19th-century painter Jacopo Barozzi, known as Vignola. The palace, in the late Mannerist style, has an elegant door on its main façade, decorated with the family coat of arms with the flame in the center, five eight-pointed stars in the central band, and the sea in the background. When the Vincentini family sold the palace to the Province of Rieti in 1927 to provide a worthy home for the Prefecture, the garden fence was demolished, transforming it from a place of private entertainment into a place of popular assembly. Inside the building are the Prefectural offices, and on the ground floor are the Prefect's private apartments. From an artistic point of view, it is important to remember two valuable pictorial works by local artists active in the various fields. On the ground floor, in front of the entrance, there is a small room painted by the painter Arduino Angelucci (Rieti 1901-1981), who in 1931 created the pictorial decorations of the wall in tempera and the safe. The murals tell the ancient history of Sabina through medallions, coats of arms, and monumental figures in niches celebrating the region's historically significant figures: the scholar Marcus Terentius Varro (116 BC) and the Emperor Flavius Vespasian (9 AD). The coats of arms of the most important villages of Sabina are highlighted: Rieti, Cittaducale, Poggio Mirteto, Fara Sabina, Orvinio, Leonessa, Borbona, Rocca Sinibalda, Borgorose, Amatrice, and Magliano. In addition, views of the centers of Rieti, Vescovio, Amatrice, Farfa, and the forged bronze medallions depict four episodes from the Legends of the Sabine Women: the "Rape of the Sabine Women," the "Sacrifice to Rhea," the "Sacrifice to Saturn," and the "Sacred Spring." Text / Source: Prefecture - Territorial Office of the Government of Rieti https://www1.prefettura.it/rieti/contenuti/Cenni_storici_sul_palazzo_del_governo-8273.htm
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Grande Albergo Quattro Stagioni, Piazza Cesare, Rieti RI Quattro Stagioni, Piazza Cesare Battisti 14, Rieti RI The hotel is located in a restricted-traffic zone within the medieval walls that surround much of the city center, overlooking the Romanesque cathedral, in front of the magnificent Italian garden of Palazzo Vincentini, two minutes from Sabina Universitas and the shopping street, and in front of the elevator leading to the newly renovated Santa Lucia Cultural Center. The strategic location also allows visitors to walk to the center of Italy (Umbilicus Italiae, as Rieti's Marco Terenzio Varrone called it) in Piazza San Rufo, whose church houses a wonderful organ and a Guardian Angel by Caravaggio. Text / Source: Quattro Stagioni, Piazza Cesare Battisti 14, IT-02100 Rieti RI Internet: https://www.hotelquattrostagionirieti.com/
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Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta, Rieti The Cathedral of Saint Mary, Mother of God The Cathedral of Rieti, dedicated to Santa Maria Madre di Dio and commonly known as the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, was rebuilt on the foundations of the early Christian basilica, documented since the fifth century, between 1109 and 1225. The lower basilica, consecrated in 1157 and striking for its sober and composed forms, is divided into nine naves supported by columns made from the rubble of ancient Roman buildings, among which stands out a milestone of the consular salaria. The upper basilica, in which the architectural lines of the Romanesque plan have remained intact, demonstrates the radical changes resulting from the adaptation of liturgical norms and the change in tastes and styles. Of particular value is the decoration of the main portal, which interprets the motif of acanthus spirals, with clear classical assonance, reinterpreted in the Christian iconography of the Tree of Life. Text / Source: Official Tourist Portal of the City of Rieti https://www.visitrieti.com/2020/01/25/la-cattedrale-di-s-maria-madre-di-dio/
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Quattro Stagioni, Piazza Cesare Battisti 14, Rieti RI The hotel is located in a restricted-traffic zone within the medieval walls that surround much of the city center, overlooking the Romanesque cathedral, in front of the magnificent Italian garden of Palazzo Vincentini, two minutes from Sabina Universitas and the shopping street, and in front of the elevator leading to the newly renovated Santa Lucia Cultural Center. The strategic location also allows visitors to walk to the center of Italy (Umbilicus Italiae, as Rieti's Marco Terenzio Varrone called it) in Piazza San Rufo, whose church houses a wonderful organ and a Guardian Angel by Caravaggio. Text / Source: Quattro Stagioni, Piazza Cesare Battisti 14, IT-02100 Rieti RI Internet: https://www.hotelquattrostagionirieti.com/
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The three entrance portals to the cathedral and the bell tower maintain the original Romanesque style.
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One of the few saints who is highly valued outside of Christianity is San Francesco, known in German-speaking countries as Francis of Assisi. Francis was born in Assisi in 1181/82 and died in 1226. In his youth, as the son of wealthy parents, he was more of a bon vivant, but later he turned to Christ. One day he was praying in the half-ruined church of San Damiano, located on a hillside outside the city walls of Assisi, and heard the voice of Christ from the cross, calling on him to "rebuild his church". At first he took this request literally and restored the church building, but later he came to the realization that this was primarily about the church as the community of believers. Francis became a role model for many people, they joined him and the "Order of the Minor Brothers" (Ordo Fratrum Minorum) of Francis of Assisi was founded. Today, there are three male branches in the vast Franciscan order: the Franciscans, the Minorites and the Capuchins; and two female branches: the Franciscan sisters and the Poor Clares. In addition, there is the "Third" or "Secular" Order, which can be joined by women and men who do not take the classic religious vows (poverty, chastity and obedience) and continue to live in their families and professions.
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The Nature Reserve dei Laghi Lungo e Ripasottile offers a wide selection of trails suitable for families. You'll find over 80 hiking routes in the area, with more than 30 of them classified as easy, making them ideal for family outings.
The reserve is characterized by its tranquil wetland environment, centered around Lago Lungo and Lago Ripasottile. It features scenic trails through lush forests and reedbeds, offering flat terrain that is generally easy for children. The rich biodiversity, especially the abundant birdlife, provides engaging opportunities for wildlife spotting, making it an educational and enjoyable experience for families.
Hikers can enjoy the picturesque views of the two main lakes, Lago Lungo and Lago Ripasottile, which are remnants of the ancient Lake Velino. The trails often wind through riparian forests with willows, elders, and poplars, and you might spot thickets of marsh reed, white water-lilies, and yellow water-lilies. Keep an eye out for the diverse birdlife that thrives in this wetland environment.
Absolutely! Families can explore various points of interest. The Lungo and Ripa Sottile Lakes Nature Reserve itself is a highlight. You can also visit Lake Ripa Sottile and enjoy the View of Lake Ripasottile. For a unique experience, the San Francesco, Herons and Cormorants Trail is excellent for birdwatching, with dedicated hides available.
The spring and summer months are generally the best time to visit for hiking with family. During these seasons, the weather is pleasant, and the flora is in full bloom, creating a vibrant atmosphere. This also increases the chances of spotting various bird species and other wildlife.
Yes, many of the trails in the reserve are designed as circular routes, which are perfect for families as they bring you back to your starting point. For a moderate family adventure, consider the Way of St. Francis: Cantalice and La Foresta Sanctuary Loop, which offers a good balance of distance and elevation.
The Nature Reserve dei Laghi Lungo e Ripasottile is generally dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy hikes with your furry family members. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash to protect the local wildlife, especially in a nature reserve known for its bird population. Please ensure you clean up after your pet.
While specific stroller-friendly routes are not explicitly designated, many of the trails around the lakes are relatively flat and well-maintained, making them suitable for sturdy all-terrain strollers. The paths through the reedbeds and along the lake shores often provide smooth surfaces. It's advisable to check individual route descriptions for terrain details.
Parking facilities are available at various access points around the Nature Reserve, particularly near the main visitor centers or trailheads for popular routes. These areas are typically well-marked. It's recommended to check specific starting points for your chosen hike for the most convenient parking options.
The komoot community highly rates the Nature Reserve dei Laghi Lungo e Ripasottile, with an average score of 4.58 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful atmosphere, the beautiful lake views, and the abundance of wildlife, especially the birdwatching opportunities. The relatively flat and accessible terrain is frequently highlighted as perfect for families with children.
While the reserve itself focuses on natural preservation, you can find amenities in the nearby villages. The charming medieval village of Cantalice, for example, is close by and offers options for refreshments and meals. It's a good idea to pack snacks and drinks for your hike, especially if you plan a longer outing.


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