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Umbilicus Italiae — Geographic Center of Italy (Piazza San Rufo, Rieti)

Umbilicus Italiae — Geographic Center of Italy (Piazza San Rufo, Rieti)

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Umbilicus Italiae — Geographic Center of Italy (Piazza San Rufo, Rieti)

Recommended by 33 hikers out of 34

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Location: Rieti, Lazio, Italy

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Best Hikes to Umbilicus Italiae — Geographic Center of Italy (Piazza San Rufo, Rieti)

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2. Fountain of the Dolphins – Roman bridge over the Velino River loop from Rieti

14.7km

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Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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3. Roman bridge over the Velino River loop from Rieti

7.94km

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Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Paul

April 25, 2025

Umbilicus Italiæ - Centro d'Italia, Rieti / Geographical Center of Italy
In Piazza San Rufo, Varronian tradition places the so-called Umbilicus Italiae, the geographical center of Italy, commemorated by a plaque.
Piazza San Rufo is located amidst the imposing buildings of the historic center, which line the main streets Via Roma and Via Garibaldi. In the center of the square, a section of wall, a remnant of the Roman city's first city walls, can be seen beneath the pavement. The value of this area is commemorated by a plaque and a monument with a unique shape, located exactly in the center of the square and aptly called "la caciotta" (the caciotta) for its rounded and circular design. The work, created between the 1980s and 1990s following the city's twinning with the Georgian capital Tbilisi, appears to resemble the base of a column and features the design of the Italian peninsula on its surface, accompanied by the inscription "Umbilicus Italiae" (Umbilicus Italiae), which runs along half the circumference of the monument itself.

Text / Source: Official Tourist Portal of the City of Rieti
visitrieti.com/2020/01/25/rieti-umbilicus-italiae

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Elevation 460 m

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Wednesday 12 November

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Location: Rieti, Lazio, Italy

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Umbilicus Italiae — Geographic Center of Italy (Piazza San Rufo, Rieti)

1. Roman bridge over the Velino River – Fountain of the Dolphins loop from Rieti

2. Fountain of the Dolphins – Roman bridge over the Velino River loop from Rieti

3. Roman bridge over the Velino River loop from Rieti

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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