pilgrimage diary on san francesco way

From Rieti to Poggio San Lorenzo, the journey through the ancient lands of the Sabina begins.

Stage 18 - from Rieti to Poggio San Lorenzo

Description

Walking
A route of some 22 km through woods, over streams and fields, the last stretch leading to Poggio San Lorenzo is uphill.

From

Reti

To

Poggio San Lorenzo

Distance

21,815 Km

Increase in altitude

+ 620

Loss of altitude

- 530

Surface

path-tarmac-dirt road

Road Sign

yes

Travel time

8 hours

Water sources

yes

Resting areas

yes

Degree of difficulty

challenging

Start out from the historical centre of Rieti and after a few kilometres you’ll see the sign that marks the beginning of the last 100 km to Rome. The first 8 km are flat and go through the Holy Valley of Rieti and its fields. On the other side of the pedestrian bridge over the Turano river is where the trail over traces of the old Via Salaria begins, lined by long rows of tall, gracious linden trees, all the way to Maglianello Basso. After the tree-lined route, the route continues along the banks of the Ariana river until past the town of San Giovanni Reatino. The Via Salaria is the ancient Consular road built by the Romans to reach the Adriatic Sea. Along the way you’ll reach the IV century BC Ponte Sambucco bridge. The route begins to go uphill and with a small detour you can visit the little town of Ornaro Basso, where there are shops and restaurants. Continue going uphill until you reach the picturesque town of Poggio San Lorenzo, the final destination of the day’s walk.

Sources
Bars and sources of water along the trail ensure you a supply of water. Remember to fill your water bottle with at least 1.5 litres of water in the summer.

Intermediate stages
There are resting areas where you can stop and take a regenerative break or find accommodation and shorten this leg of the journey: e.g. Ponte Sambuco and Ornaro Basso.

Suggestions
Poggio San Lorenzo welcomes pilgrims with friendly open arms. It’s a small town that is easy to visit. Don’t miss the remains dating to Roman times.
We recommend that you have the maps of the trail with you. Simplified maps can be downloaded by clicking on the online map. Remember to always have a small supply of food with you (fruit, dried fruit, chocolate, energy bars, something energy-giving in general).

Information (e.g. how to get there using public transport)
Territorial Tourist Office of Rieti
Address: Via Cintia, 87 Rieti
Phone: 0746 264106/8/0
Email: acolandrea@regione.lazio.it  mpalazzoli@regione.lazio.it
Site: www.camminodifrancesco.it