Petrella Salto

Welcome to Petrella Salto: a small historical gem in Lazio

Petrella Salto is an Italian municipality in the province of Rieti, located in Lazio. Although it was once part of Abruzzo, its history is deeply linked to the region in which it is located.

Physical Geography

The municipality is located on a hill overlooking the Salto valley and the beautiful Lake Salto. Known for being an excellent area for hiking and outdoor activities, Petrella Salto offers a spectacular view of the Cicolano mountains.

Classified as zone E in the climate classification, the average annual temperature in this municipality is calculated to be 2652 degree days.

Petrella Salto: history, nature, and culture in the heart of Lazio.

A history rich in legends and symbols

The name Petrella Salto derives from the Latin "petra", meaning "rocky place". The town has seen many historical events, including one of the most famous episodes of the 16th century: the assassination of Count Francesco Cenci, organized by his daughter Beatrice Cenci, in the Rocca di Petrella.

The coat of arms and flag of the municipality, granted in 2003, reproduce the traditional colors of the surrounding area. The flag is a white and red banner, while the coat of arms depicts a green and red grisaille symbol of the forests and mountainous territories.

Places of Interest: the Sanctuary of Santa Filippa

Petrella Salto is also famous for being the birthplace of Santa Filippa, a religious figure from the 12th century who chose to live a monastic life in a cave near the town of Piagge. The Sanctuary of Santa Filippa, in Borgo San Pietro, houses the remains of the saint and is one of the main places of worship in the area.

Infrastructure and Transport in Petrella Salto

The main artery that runs through the municipality is the State Road 578 Salto Cicolana, also known as the "Rieti-Torano highway", which connects Rieti and Torano.

The municipal territory is also crossed by two provincial roads, the Provincial Road of Rieti Province ## 20-29 (Cicolana Alta) which passes through the town of Petrella and the Provincial Road of Rieti Province ## 60-69 (Cicolana Bassa) which crosses the hamlet of Borgo San Pietro following the coast of Lake Salto.

A Welcoming Community

Petrella Salto has a population of approximately 1,038 inhabitants, a small but warm community that warmly welcomes tourists interested in exploring the area and getting to know the local culture.

Over the years, the municipality has also seen an interesting increase in adventure tourism thanks to the presence of numerous outdoor activities such as trekking, fishing, and cycling.

Conclusion

Petrella Salto, a small hidden gem in the heart of Lazio, is an ideal tourist destination for those seeking the beauty of mountainous areas and the charm of local history. With its lively and welcoming community, the town is the perfect place to immerse oneself in a magnificent cultural and outdoor experience.

Giulia Rizzo
Wrote by Giulia Rizzo
Updated Tuesday, Jan 11, 2022