Discover Cantalice: Stairway, Churches and Lakes

Cantalice combines a medieval village layout with pilgrimage routes, religious festivals and views of lakes. A stone stairway with 350 steps runs through the village and branches off there. From the square in front of the Chiesa di San Felice, the view stretches across the Laghi Lungo, also known as Lago di Cantalice, and Lago di Ripasottile. Anyone looking for a holiday rental in Cantalice can choose their focus: local history, religious traditions, hiking or nature watching.

Stone Stairway and Historic Traces

The impressive stone stairway leads through the medieval village and brings its branching layout to life. Another historic landmark is the Torre del Cassero: the tower dates back to the 11th century and bears witness to the existence of an ancient castle.

The churches also tell of different chapters in the village’s history. The Chiesa di San Felice was built in 1700 and dedicated to Cantalice’s patron saint. The Chiesa della Madonna della Pace was built in 1571 to commemorate peace between Cantalice and Rieti. The Chiesa di Santa Maria del Popolo was built to mark the union of the old castles from which the Castello di Cantalice arose. The church contains the tomb monuments of Giovan Battista Valentini, known as Cantalicio, and San Felice Porri. Thus, the castle, patron saint, peace and union of old castles stand alongside one another as distinct historical themes.

Pilgrimage Routes and Hiking

Cantalice lies on the second stage of the Cammino di San Francesco from Poggio Bustone to Rieti. The Cammino di Benedetto also passes through the village, along a section connecting the Franciscan sanctuary of San Giacomo in Poggio Bustone with the Santuario di Santa Maria de La Foresta in the direction of Rieti. These two route descriptions place Cantalice within wider pilgrimage routes, while mountain trail 422 describes a specific hike.

Marked with CAI trail signs, this route leads from Cantalice to Fonte Versanello. It is rated easy, with a stated duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes. This provides a specific time estimate for planning your trip, distinct from the stages and sections described for the pilgrimage routes.

Lakes and Birdwatching

The view from the square in front of the Chiesa di San Felice takes in the Laghi Lungo, also known as Lago di Cantalice, as well as Lago di Ripasottile. The Riserva Naturale Regionale Laghi Lungo e Ripasottile encompasses two small lakes in the Rieti plain. Reeds and damp woodland surround the lakes; they are particularly suited to birdwatching in winter and during migration. If nature watching is a focus of your trip, these seasons offer a practical guide for planning.

Festivals and Religious Traditions

The Festa patronale di San Felice, held in honour of the patron saint, takes place every year on 18 May. During the festival, the statue of San Felice is carried in a procession through the streets of Cantalice. At the Santuario di San Felice all’Acqua, Mass is also celebrated every Sunday from the last Sunday in August until the first Sunday in October, and rites are held in honour of the saint. For your specific travel dates, it is worth checking the schedule and current programme locally.

The Sagra delle Strengozze also takes place in late August. The Strengozze Cantaliciane have been recognised by ARSIAL Lazio as a traditional local product. Alongside the churches, trails and lakes, local festivals and food culture are among the things that make Cantalice distinctive.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Santa Maria, Canneto, Poggio Nativo, Poggio Vittiano, Accumoli, Scandriglia, Misericordia, Fiumata.

For the overview of destinations: Rieti.