Santa Rufina
Welcome to Santa Rufina: the most populous city in Cittaducale
We present Santa Rufina, a fraction of the municipality of Cittaducale in the province of Rieti. It is famous for being the most populous center in the municipal territory and for its privileged location along the Via Salaria, one of Italy's historic consular roads.
The physical geography of Santa Rufina
Santa Rufina extends over a vast area of the Cittaducale territory. It is a hilly locality, characterized by a series of coves and valleys that wind near the Velino river. Among the most relevant points, stands out the locality ''Cupaello'', on the border with the municipality of Rieti, where several minerals have been found.
The history of Santa Rufina
Santa Rufina is shared with Cittaducale as a stronghold of the Kingdom of Naples on the border with the Papal States and the city of Rieti. The fraction has often been the scene of historical and social events, such as the Rieti earthquake of 1898, which caused the death of five inhabitants. In 1970, the industrial complex of Rieti-Cittaducale favored the settlement of many families employed in manufacturing industries of the nucleus, leading to a great urban and demographic development.
Archeology in Santa Rufina
If you are passionate about archeology, Santa Rufina could not be better. In the locality of Campo Avello, on the banks of the Velino river, some vessel fragments dating back to the Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age were discovered. Among the finds, there were hut coatings and other materials of the Middle Bronze Age. Not far from here, in Cittaducale, another settlement of the same period was found. Experts think that the site of Campo Avello would have been a place of worship (probably known as Vatia), connected to a possible settlement on the plateau summit.
Traditions and folklore
Every year, on July 10, Santa Rufina celebrates the patron saint festival in honor of the martyrs Rufina and Seconda. It is a festival that is deeply felt by the community, who come together to celebrate the saints and enjoy an evening of prayer, music, dance, and games.
Conclusions
Santa Rufina is a beautiful fraction of Cittaducale, where history, archaeology, and traditions blend into a single reality. If you love nature, history, and culture, this locality cannot go unnoticed. Come and discover Santa Rufina and let yourself be enchanted by its beauty and the liveliness of its people.
