Cittaducale – History, Thermal Baths and the E1

Cittaducale combines medieval urban history, religious buildings and distinctive thermal sites with a route for active exploration. Those planning a trip in which culture and landscape stand side by side will find a variety of points of interest here to consider when choosing a suitable holiday apartment.

History around Piazza del Popolo

A good starting point for exploring is Piazza del Popolo, Cittaducale’s main square. Here, two streets running perpendicular to each other meet. This urban structure provides the town centre with a clear point of reference and makes the town’s historic layout easy to understand.

The history goes back to the founding charter, which was drawn up in Naples on 15 September 1308 under the rule of Carlo II d’Angiò. One of the town’s prominent buildings is the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Popolo. It was built towards the end of the 15th century and restored after the 1703 earthquake. Its façade in the Abruzzese Gothic-Romanesque style features a central rose window and three portals. For a cultural trip, it therefore offers several historical and architectural details that can be deliberately incorporated into a day’s itinerary.

Other buildings also bear witness to different eras. The Monastero di Santa Caterina D’Alessandria was built in 1327. The Chiesa e Monastero di Santa Caterina D’Alessandria complex includes, among other things, a museum and a library. In the 16th century, the Palazzo della Comunità was home to Duchess Margherita d’Austria, the daughter of Emperor Charles V. The Torre Angioina, also known as the Cassero di San Manno, is a well-preserved fortified tower building that guarded Cittaducale’s main entrance.

Trails, thermal baths and distinctive places

Those who would like to include some activity in their holiday alongside historical impressions can consider the E1 European long-distance path. It passes through the Cittaducale area and connects the Terme di Vespasiano with the Villa di Tito. These points give travel planning a clear thematic direction without requiring you to commit to a specific route length or walking time.

Another distinctive feature is the thermal sites in the Cittaducale area. At the Terme di Cotilia, there is a lake with sulphurous water. The Antiche Terme di Vespasiano thermal complex extends across four successive terraces. Its entrance begins at a road that follows the route of the Roman Via Salaria. These places complement a trip in which ancient traces, landscape and the history of the area can be considered together.

Below the walls of Cittaducale lies the Santuario di Santa Maria delle Grazie. It commemorates the miracle in which the image of the Madonna is said to have shed tears on 11 September 1694. This wording belongs to the tradition associated with the site and makes it interesting for travellers who wish to learn about religious history and local traditions.

The right accommodation for your travel plans

When looking for a holiday apartment in Cittaducale, it is worth deciding on the focus of your trip first. Piazza del Popolo and the historic buildings can be at the centre, while the E1 and the thermal baths offer different points of emphasis. Information on specific amenities, prices or availability belongs in the respective booking step.

Discover more places

If you would like to compare Cittaducale with other destinations, here is a compact selection: Poggio Mirteto, Labro, Contigliano, Belmonte In Sabina, Castelnuovo Di Farfa, Piano, Forano and Fara In Sabina.

For the overarching travel overview: Rieti.