Meandering along Rieti’s Velino River

I was with my younger son for a weekend in Rieti, a town in northern Lazio – about one and a half hours from Rome.

He was there to run, but since we were staying for the weekend, we had lots of time to wander around the town we know quite well, and we also took a nice evening stroll along the Velino River that flows along the edge of town.

The Velino’s source is Monte Pozzoni, near Cittareale in Lazio’s interior.

It flows all along Rieti’s medieval city and it is crystal clear at this point, and attracts a large population of geese that enjoy living (and performing in a loud chorus) at the edge of Rieti.

It’s a popular area for families and there are restaurants and bars along the riverbank.

On our visit, we took a longer walk on the riverbank, and enjoyed admiring the spires of the town.

It was relaxing and picturesque to enjoy this evening walk before heading up then hill to town to enjoy a dinner al fresco.

I rose early the following morning and since – unlike my son – I was not competing in a track meet, I enjoyed a pleasant early morning jog along the Velino. I can guarantee that early Sunday morning in Rieti allows you a lot of silence on your morning exercise.

But we had a nice time exploring the banks of the Velino.

And I’ll give it this, it’s a heck of a lot cleaner than the Tiber River in Rome. If you made me choose to swim in one or the other, I know which one I’d be choosing!

Enjoy your meandering along the Velino River next time you’re in Rieti.