Discover Cantalice

Cantalice brings together the history of a medieval town, religious traditions, and pilgrimage and walking routes. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, these different features can help you plan your trip around your interests.

Steps, Towers, and Churches

An impressive stone staircase with 350 steps runs through the medieval village and branches off along the way. It is therefore not just a single climb, but a route that winds through the town. The Torre del Cassero dates back to the 11th century and bears witness to the existence of an ancient castle. Together, the staircase and tower offer a glimpse into Cantalice’s historic character, whose history is not confined to a single building.

The churches also bring together different chapters in the town’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 the peace between Cantalice and Rieti. The Chiesa di Santa Maria del Popolo, in turn, was built to mark the union of the old castles that formed the Castello di Cantalice. It also houses the tombs of Giovan Battista Valentini, known as Cantalicio, and San Felice Porri.

Pilgrimage Routes and Walking Options

Cantalice lies on the second stage of the Cammino di San Francesco, from Poggio Bustone to Rieti. Another route, the Cammino di Benedetto, passes through the town along the 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. The Cammino di San Felice da Cantalice runs from the Santuario di San Felice all’Acqua in Cantalice to Cittaducale and is about 23 kilometers long.

For a hike with a stated duration, mountain trail 422 from Cantalice to Fonte Versanello, marked by CAI trail signs, is a specific option: it is classified as easy and takes 3 hours and 30 minutes. This lets you compare the routes using different details: the difficulty and duration are given for mountain trail 422, while the approximate distance is given for the Cammino di San Felice.

San Felice and Views of the Lakes

The Santuario di San Felice all’Acqua was built beside the spring considered miraculous and associated with San Felice. Every Sunday from the last Sunday in August to the first Sunday in October, Masses are celebrated there and rites in honor of the saint are held. If you are considering visiting during this period, check the dates locally before your trip.

From the square in front of the Chiesa di San Felice, you can see Laghi Lungo, also known as Lago di Cantalice, and Lago di Ripasottile. The names distinguish one lake with a commonly used alternative name from the second lake; both shape the view from the square.

Festivals, a Local Specialty, and Nature

The Festa patronale di San Felice takes place every year on May 18. The statue of San Felice is carried through the streets of Cantalice in a procession. Check the current dates for the program of each year’s celebration. The Sagra delle Strengozze takes place in late August; here, too, it is worth checking the dates for the current edition if you are planning your trip around it.

Strengozze Cantaliciane have been recognized by ARSIAL Lazio as a traditional local product. This gives the local specialty a place of its own alongside the town’s historical and religious themes. For nature watching, the Riserva Naturale Regionale Laghi Lungo e Ripasottile offers a different focus: it encompasses two small lakes in the Rieti plain, surrounded by reed beds and damp woodland. The lakes are suitable for birdwatching, especially in winter and during bird migration.

Discover more destinations: Antrodoco, Santa Rufina, Poggio Nativo, Cottanello, Gavignano Sabino, Accumoli, Amatrice, Collegiove.

For the broader travel overview: Rieti.