Greccio
Welcome to Greccio
Hello everyone! Today I will talk to you about Greccio, a beautiful town in Lazio, Italy. With a population of 1512 inhabitants, it's curious to know that Greccio is a very famous place! Yes, you read that right, Greccio is home to the Sanctuary of Greccio, founded by Francis of Assisi, and this is also the place where the first nativity scene was created!
Getting to know the Territory of Greccio
The town is located in the Sabina region, in Upper Lazio, near the borders with Umbria. The medieval village is located on the western edge of the Rieti Plain, at 705 meters above sea level and enjoys a breathtaking view of the city of Rieti, as you can see from the photo above. In the municipal territory, there are several hamlets, including Spinacceto, Limiti di Greccio, and Sellecchia. Inside the medieval walls of the village, there is the Town Hall, a very beautiful and characteristic building.
On the traces of Greccio's History
The origin of the name Greccio is very interesting. Legend has it that the name derives from a Greek colony or family that settled here in the 10th or 11th century, attracted by the beauty of the place and the natural defense it offers. In the Middle Ages, Greccio was an important fortified castle, surrounded by walls and protected by six towers. However, it was destroyed by King Frederick II of Swabia in 1242. The famous sanctuary of Greccio was founded by Francis of Assisi between 1223 and 1226 when the saint visited the town several times. Here, the first representation of the Nativity took place, which had a strong political significance: Pope Honorius III, who lived near Rieti, understood that the birth of Jesus could be commemorated anywhere without the need to go to the Holy Land.
Leisure time in Greccio
Greccio is an ideal place for those who want to spend time in nature. Being located on the Sabine Mountains, there are many paths for hiking, both on foot and by bike. Moreover, you can appreciate the beauty of ancient buildings and churches in the town. If you're interested in the traditions and history of Greccio, the Nativity Museum is a must-see. Here you can admire representations of nativity scenes of every shape and size. However, if you want to relax, you can sit on one of the benches in the town square and admire the surrounding panorama.
How to get to Greccio
Greccio is located about 15 km from Rieti and is easily reachable by car. Other nearby cities include Terni (27 km), L'Aquila (77 km), and Rome (96 km). Once you arrive in Greccio, you can park in one of the parking lots located near the town, such as the one near the cemetery or the one near the church.
Conclusion
In summary, Greccio is a charming place with a very interesting history and an important tourist attraction: the Sanctuary of Greccio and the representation of the Nativity. Whether you're passionate about history or nature lovers, this place is just right for you. Come and visit Greccio and let yourself be enchanted by its natural and historical beauties!
