Poggio Bustone
Poggio Bustone is mainly renowned for its Franciscan sanctuary and for being the birthplace of Lucio Battisti, an icon of Italian music, but also for the excellent local porchetta (roast pork) and its cultural and religious traditions.
Population
2.030
Area
22,3 km²
Altitude
756 m
Where is it?
Poggio Bustone rises 750 m. above sea level on the side of Monte Rosato and at the extreme northern limit of the Rieti Plain and, thanks to its excellent location, it is possible to enjoy the sun from the first light of dawn until sunset. Aside from being the birthplace of the unforgettable Lucio Battisti, Poggio Bustone has become, in recent years, an increasingly popular destination for visitors and tourists, in fact it is the crossroads of "Saint Francis’ Way" and the "Way of Saint Benedict", an appreciated destination of international importance, particularly appreciated by for lovers of free flight (paragliding, hang-gliding), hikers. Poggio Bustone is the village that geographically "overlooks" the Rieti Plain and offers a breathtaking view over the surrounding landscape.
What to see?
The town is presented with an arrangement of steps and is characterized by a succession of narrow streets and stairways that become mountain paths. Wandering through its streets it is possible to see the so-called “Porta del Buongiorno” (Good Morning Door), so named because of popular tradition wants that here St. Francis, in 1208, entering greeted the population with a cordial “Good Morning, good people”. The Saint lived in a cave between the cliffs where the angel appeared to him in the form of a child who announced the remission of sins. Today the ancient place is characterized by a chapel built partly in 1300, partly in 1600. The Chapel can be reached via a spiral path; along which were built in the seventeenth century six small chapels in memory of moments related to the Saint. On the square of the Franciscan missions is the Sanctuary of San Giacomo. The convent sanctuary dates back to the 13th century but has been renovated several times in the course of history. Inside, a must-see is a fresco dating back to the Umbrian-Tuscan school of the 1400s depicting the Madonna and Child. Returning to the square, one is fascinated by the landscape of the Rieti basin, and close to the mountain, you can notice the Tempietto Della Pace, (Temple of Peace) inside which there is a statue of the smiling Saint as he prepares to walk the path of the conversion of humanity. Finally, a decidedly important step to relive memories and enjoy a wonderful panorama, is "I Giardini di Marzo", a park dedicated to the memory of the unforgettable Lucio Battisti, and which takes its name from one of his most famous songs. Here stands the bronze statue that depicts the artist with his beloved guitar in hand, by the sculptor Manuel Campus. The park is a particularly evocative place, also because of the wonderful view of the valley below.
