Piedicolle: Springs, Art and Nature

The Santa Susanna Springs are located in the hamlet of Piedicolle. The springs area combines a protected natural setting with clearly defined cultural and seasonal features: from a botanical park and a mural to seasonal installations and festivals.

Springs and Landscape

The Santa Susanna Springs were declared a natural monument in 1977 and are part of the Riserva Naturale dei Laghi Lungo e Ripasottile. They discharge approximately 5,000 litres of water per second and are among the most abundant springs in Europe. Thus, the area is shaped not only by its protected status but also by the remarkable volume of water flowing from the springs.

The springs grounds include a botanical park, accessible via footpaths. The regional Riserva Naturale Laghi Lungo e Ripasottile also contains two small lakes surrounded by reeds and wet woodland. They are suitable for birdwatching. Within the reserve, different natural features can therefore be found side by side: the springs’ abundant water and a lake landscape of reeds, wet woodland and opportunities for birdwatching.

Art and Special Places

At the springs is FUENTE, a digital work in the form of a mural by Roberta Lozzi. It was unveiled there on 29 September 2017. This gives the springs area a distinct artistic accent alongside its natural character. Also at the springs, you can see a votive chapel dedicated to Saint Susanna the Martyr. The mural and chapel offer different cultural points of reference: a work with a specific inauguration date and a religious site with a clearly named dedication.

Guided hikes of approximately 10 kilometres combine art with the surrounding landscape. The approximate route length gives you a concrete measure for planning, while the combination of art and landscape provides the thematic focus of these hikes.

Seasonal Experiences

During the Christmas season, an illuminated underwater nativity scene is installed in the Santa Susanna Springs and remains on view until early January. The specific installation dates may vary. As a seasonal feature, the nativity scene is distinct from the natural and artistic elements that also shape the springs area.

The Sagra della Trota Biologica, a festival celebrating organic trout and crayfish, takes place on the first weekend of August in the area in front of the springs. Check the specific dates for your travel year before your trip. Together with the nativity scene, the festival provides two distinct seasonal markers: a summer event and an illuminated installation during the Christmas season.

Planning Your Stay in Piedicolle

If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Piedicolle, it helps to decide first when you want to travel and what you want to focus on. The Sagra takes place on the first weekend of August; for the underwater nativity scene, the relevant period is the Christmas season, and installation dates vary. If no seasonal event determines your stay, nature, art or the guided hikes may help you decide when to travel.

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For the main travel overview: Rieti.