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The Fountain of Piazza Regina Elena: the Watery Heart of the Holy Valley
The fountain in Piazza Regina Elena is in the historic centre of Poggio Bustone, a village in the Valle Santa (Holy Valley) of Rieti perched 756 metres above sea level on the slopes of Monte Rosato. It was built in 1887, and bears the village’s carved coat of arms: six mountains and two crossed staffs. To reach this square, one must pass through the Arco del Buon Giorno, a fine pointed arch that served as the western gateway in medieval times.
The Square and its Buildings
Piazza Regina Elena preserves the picturesque character typical of Poggio Bustone: narrow lanes, steep stairways, bridge-houses and stone arches. The square is also flanked by a small church dedicated to the Annunziata (Annunciation). It is an intimate open space, a natural resting place for those climbing up to the top of the village.
A Meeting Place
The fountain remains to this day a meeting point for both residents and visitors. The square hosts events and concerts, including tributes to Lucio Battisti, who was born in Poggio Bustone, and continues to serve as the centre of the town's social life. From here, lanes lead to the parish church of San Giovanni Battista (St John the Baptist) and, higher up, to the Convent of San Giacomo (St James), a stop along the Way of Saint Francis.
