Piedicolle: Springs, Nature and Art

The Santa Susanna Springs are located in the hamlet of Piedicolle. The natural monument, flow of water and botanical park establish a direct connection with nature; a mural and a votive chapel add art and religious heritage. Seasonal attractions and an event offer further reasons to visit at specific times of year. Piedicolle therefore offers different highlights to consider when planning a stay.

Springs and natural 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 carry approximately 5,000 litres of water per second; this volume makes the flow a striking feature of the natural site. The springs’ grounds include a botanical park, which can be reached via footpaths.

The regional natural area of the Riserva Naturale also includes two small lakes surrounded by reeds and wet woodland, making them suitable for birdwatching. The springs and lakes thus appeal to different nature interests: the water flow and park define the springs, while the lakes invite visitors to watch birds.

Art and religious heritage

At the Santa Susanna Springs is FUENTE, a digital artwork in the form of a mural by Roberta Lozzi. It was inaugurated on 29 September 2017. Together with the 1977 declaration of the natural monument, these dates mark two different aspects of the site’s history: the protection of the landscape and the later inauguration of an artwork.

Guided hikes of approximately 10 kilometres are organised to connect art with the surrounding landscape. This is a different format from viewing the mural on its own: the hike brings art and landscape together, and you can take its approximate distance into account when planning. You can also visit a votive chapel at the springs, dedicated to Saint Susanna the Martyr. It adds a religious connection to the natural and artistic features of the spring site.

Seasonal occasions

During the Christmas season, an illuminated underwater nativity scene is set up at the springs and remains on view until early January. The exact installation dates may vary. If you are planning to travel to see the nativity scene, check the dates in advance.

Another occasion is the Sagra della Trota Biologica, a festival celebrating organic trout and crayfish in the area in front of the springs. It takes place on the first weekend of August; check the latest event dates before travelling. The seasonal attractions are clearly distinct: the nativity scene is part of the Christmas season, while the Sagra is associated with the August weekend.

Find a hotel in Piedicolle

The approximate length of the guided hike and the dates of the nativity scene and festival provide concrete points to consider when planning. Then compare hotels based on your travel needs.

Discover more destinations: Longone Sabino, Contigliano, Monte San Giovanni In Sabina, Rocca­ranieri, Fiumata, Montebuono, Magliano Sabina, Greccio

For the broader travel overview: Rieti.