Cicolano and Lago del Salto
Petrella Salto
Petrella Salto overlooks the Valle del Salto from a territory of villages, woodland and memory. Its historic centre rises towards Rocca Cenci, while Borgo San Pietro preserves the story of Santa Filippa Mareri. A place to discover through the lake, spirituality and Cicolano landscapes.
Cicolano and Lago del Salto
Petrella Saltobetween fortress and lake
Petrella Salto stands at 786 metres in the hills of Cicolano, overlooking the valley and Lago del Salto. The historic centre preserves lanes, stone houses and the climb towards the remains of Rocca Cenci, one of the sites most closely associated with the village’s memory.
Within the municipality, Borgo San Pietro preserves the story of Santa Filippa Mareri, while the Sanctuary of Santa Maria Apparì and the Cave of Santa Filippa express a profound relationship between faith, rock and landscape. The lake completes an itinerary where nature and history continually meet.
On this page you can
- Climb through the historic village to the remains of Rocca Cenci
- Discover Borgo San Pietro and the story of Santa Filippa Mareri
- Explore Lago del Salto, sanctuaries and rock-hewn sites across the territory
Rocca Cenci
The fortress remains dominate the village and preserve a famous story.
Borgo San Pietro
The lakeside village is associated with the memory and devotion of Santa Filippa Mareri.
Lago del Salto
Water, woodland and broad panoramas define the territory’s landscape.
Santa Filippa
Monastery, cave and devotion tell the story of one of Cicolano’s symbolic figures.
What to see
Petrella Saltoto discover
Fortresses, lake and spirituality
Petrella Salto combines the fascination of Rocca Cenci, the landscapes of Lago del Salto and a strong spiritual memory associated with Santa Filippa Mareri. This section guides visitors among the historic village, lake, sanctuaries, rock-hewn sites and landmarks expressing Cicolano’s deepest identity.
- Rocca Cenci and the historic village on the rocky spur
- Borgo San Pietro and the memory of Santa Filippa Mareri
- Lago del Salto through panoramas, shores and outdoor activities
- Sanctuaries and caves among rock, faith and nature
In the village and nearby
Local producers
A useful, up-to-date selection, ordered by relevance, quality and proximity.
History and identity
Petrella Salto,between the Cenci and Santa Filippa
Petrella Salto’s history is linked with its fortress, the centre of feudal life and the setting in 1598 for the story of Beatrice Cenci. The murder in the fortress made the village one of Cicolano’s best-known historic places and inspired chronicles, literature and legend over the centuries.
Another essential memory comes from the Mareri family and Santa Filippa, who in the thirteenth century chose a religious life inspired by the Franciscan experience. In the twentieth century, construction of the artificial Salto basin profoundly transformed the valley and led to the rebuilding of Borgo San Pietro and other settlements on higher ground.
- Rocca Cenci
- Santa Filippa Mareri
- Lago del Salto
In the village and nearby
Local services
A useful, up-to-date selection, ordered by relevance, quality and proximity.
Pharmacy
Featured Ascrea · 12,4 km
Test
This is a test entry for a local pharmacy.
Village events calendar
Events in Petrella Salto
Events, festivals and local initiatives selected for Petrella Salto.
Calendar being updated
No events published
New events will be added as soon as they become available.
Browse the full calendar→Village flavours
At the tableto discover
Three foods express the most authentic side of Petrella Salto and Cicolano: chestnut gnocchi, Pizza Rentorta and Tersitti de’ Girgenti. Mountain dishes, filled pastry and sweets made with nuts and dried fruit preserve the gestures, ingredients and memories of traditional cooking.
Gnocchi di Castagne
A rustic first course from Cicolano made with potatoes, chestnut flour and wheat flour. Its hazelnut colour and full chestnut flavour are matched with simple sauces that respect a recipe deeply rooted in mountain cooking.
First courseGnocchi di CastagnePotatoes and chestnut flour create a rustic, aromatic first course from Cicolano.
Rustic specialityPizza RentortaRolled pastry filled with sausage and cheese, golden and full of flavour.
SweetTersittiDiamond-shaped sweets with walnuts, hazelnuts, dried figs and raisins.Flavours of Petrella Salto
Ingredients
Method
In the village and nearby
Where to eat
A useful, up-to-date selection, ordered by relevance, quality and proximity.
Pizzeria
Castel di Tora · 12,2 km
Pizzeria Test 02
Pizza is always a delight, especially when it is made in the Neapolitan style.
The village in figures
Petrella Salto,between history and landscape
A few essential figures for understanding the area: elevation, population, municipal area and approximate distance from Rieti.
Elevation
above sea level
Residents
within the municipality
Area
of the municipal area
From Rieti
approximate driving time
In the village and nearby
Where to stay
A useful, up-to-date selection, ordered by relevance, quality and proximity.
FAQs about Petrella Salto
Six practical answers for planning your visit, finding your way around the village and connecting the day with other places in Sabina.
What should I see in Petrella Salto?
The main places are the historic village and Rocca Cenci, Borgo San Pietro and the memory of Santa Filippa Mareri, Lago del Salto, the Sanctuary of Santa Maria Apparì and the Cave of Santa Filippa.
Where is Petrella Salto?
Petrella Salto is in the province of Rieti, in Cicolano and the Lago del Salto area. The municipal centre stands at 786 metres, and the municipality includes many hamlets, woodland, mountains and large stretches of lakeside landscape.
How do I get to Petrella Salto?
The simplest way to reach Petrella Salto is by car along Cicolano roads towards the municipal centre. The territory is extensive, so visiting Borgo San Pietro, the lake and sites associated with Santa Filippa requires several separate journeys.
Why visit Petrella Salto?
Petrella Salto brings together a famous history, the landscape of Lago del Salto and a strong spiritual identity. It suits travellers seeking villages, panoramas, places of memory and routes among water, woodland and rock.
What are the traditional foods of Petrella Salto?
The most distinctive foods include Gnocchi di Castagne, Pizza Rentorta and Tersitti de’ Girgenti. They belong to mountain cooking, rustic pastry and Cicolano’s tradition of nuts and dried fruit.
What can I do around Petrella Salto?
Nearby, continue along the shores of Lago del Salto and through other villages of Cicolano. The municipality itself offers many diversions among hamlets, sanctuaries, trails and viewpoints deserving a wider visit.
From this village a new itinerary begins
After the historic centre, connect your visit with another village, a local place to eat or a walking route and build a complete day in Sabina.
