Enjoying the passeggiata in Rieti

I’ve already written about the hillside town of Rieti, in the north of Italy’s Lazio region. You can read my earlier post here and learn how Rieti claims to be the town at the center of Italy.

My younger son does track and field, and runs for Rieti’s team. Although he trains in Rome, we are often in Rieti for races.

Unfortunately, all our visits to Rieti this spring coincided with torrential rains. After each race, we would forgo our plans for a passeggiata in town to return straight to Rome.

So when his 1000 meter race in Rieti a week ago was accompanied by sunny skies and soaring temperatures, we had to take advantage of it for a hike up to the old town, a walk around its ancient streets and dinner al fresco as the sun went down.

So much better than all those rainy visits.

Following my son’s first sub-3-minute 1000 meter race (!!), we enjoyed the walk around town at that golden hour in the evening when the sunlight glows on the monuments and palazzi. There were picturesque views down to the valleys below and the mountains in the distance, including the skiing mountain of Terminillo.

It’s also nice to see that the historical center is kept (relatively) car-free.

We found a restaurant with outdoor seating and enjoyed those well-deserved breezes after what had been a race run under the blazing sun. The perfect ending to an enjoyable day.

Here’s hoping that this weather continues during our next race days in Rieti – since it’s a treat to be able to venture beyond Rieti’s impressive track to enjoy a leisurely passeggiata in town once the races are over.

Looking forward to next time.

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