A few kilometers east of Rieti, in the direction of Cittaducale, the industrial area we are talking about today is right in the center of the country and is also a key technological development hub for Lazio. This strategic manufacturing area, set in an evocative natural environment, with a focus on specialized equipment, has become a reference point for the region’s economy.
History and tradition: discovering Rieti and Cittaducale
Rieti and nearby Cittaducale are places of great historical and cultural value, with roots going back to Roman times. Considered theumbilicus Italiae, or geographical center of Italy, Rieti was founded by the Sabines and later conquered by the Romans, becoming an important hub due to its strategic location on the Via Salaria. The city was surrounded by fertile farmland, which still characterizes the Sabine landscape today and strengthens the link with the local agricultural tradition. Cittaducale, on the other hand, was founded in 1308 at the behest of Charles II of Anjou, soon becoming a strategic commercial and administrative center. Over the centuries, the two towns have maintained strong ties to the area, evidenced by the wealth of agricultural and craft traditions. Walking through the streets of Rieti, one can still breathe in the atmosphere of past centuries, with monuments such as the Bishop’s Palace, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the striking Roman Bridge over the Velino River, making Rieti a true tourist gem in Sabina.
Attractions and places to visit in and around Rieti
For those who love nature and tranquility, Rieti offers a range of natural beauty worth exploring. Just a few kilometers away is the Lungo and Ripasottile Lakes Nature Reserve, a protected area ideal for activities such as birdwatching and walking, immersed in landscapes characterized by bodies of water and lush forests. In the area it is also possible to visit Mount Terminillo, a favorite destination for lovers of winter sports and trekking. In addition to nature, Rieti and Cittaducale are rich in cultural and historical sites. In Rieti, the Bishop’s Palace and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta offer a fascinating insight into local art and architecture, while the striking Roman Bridge over the Velino River is a symbol of the city. Cittaducale, with its historic center, invites visitors to discover the Church of San Francesco and the Palazzo Comunale, which tell stories of a past rich in tradition. In addition, the Rieti area is crossed by the Saint Francis Walk, a route that retraces the saint’s steps and is dotted with shrines and abbeys that evoke the spiritual life and traditions of the region, making each visit a unique experience.
Traditional cuisine: unique flavors of Sabina
The typical cuisine of Rieti and Cittaducale is another important element that tells the identity of the Sabine territory. Local dishes include “stracciata,” a special mozzarella cheese typical of the area, and “amatriciana,” originally from the neighboring town of Amatrice, famous for its rich sauce of tomato, guanciale (pork cheek) and pecorino cheese. One cannot forget the “rigatone alla pajata,” a traditional dish made from lamb intestines, cooked with tomato sauce and herbs. Another specialty is “fregnacce,” a kind of homemade pasta, often served with meat or vegetable sauces, which encapsulate the authentic flavors of the local tradition.
For those who want to try just about everything, there are also “sardamirelli,” pork intestines dried by the fireplace and flavored with fennel and chili peppers. Rieti cuisine also includes dishes based on local products such as Borbona beans, known for their unique flavor, and lamb meat, often prepared alla scottadito, a typical grilled dish. To top it all off, wines produced in the surrounding countryside, including the famous Cesanese, perfectly accompany meals, offering a celebration of the local wine tradition. Finally, to close a typical meal, “ferratelle,” also called cancelle or pizzelle, traditional waffles of Abruzzi and Molise cuisine, also popular in Cicolano and the Cittaducale area, or “Nociata,” also known as “Copeta,” a mixture of warm honey and walnuts that is spread and pressed on a marble surface, then cut into small diamond shapes and wrapped in bay leaves.
The Rieti Cittaducale industrial area: innovation and internationality
Cittaducale and Rieti share the largest industrial hub in the Conca reatina, located along the Via Salaria in the L’Aquila-Ascoli Piceno direction, between the towns of Santa Rufina (Cittaducale) and Vazia (Rieti). This industrial core, established in 1970 on an area of 500 hectares to follow up on funding from the Cassa del Mezzogiorno, has over the years housed several companies, including multinationals such as Texas Instruments. Despite the crisis that has affected the hub since the 1990s, today the area employs about 5,000 people. The Cittaducale municipality is also home to two major hydraulic plants: the Cotilia hydroelectric power plant, which exploits the Salto and Turano dams, and the ACEA intake works, which feeds the Peschiera aqueduct, one of the largest in the world and Rome’s main water source.
The Rieti Cittaducale industrial area is now an engine of economic development for the region, thanks to the presence of innovative companies operating in diverse sectors, from logistics to advanced manufacturing to food and pharmaceuticals, and employs about 5,000 people.
This industrial hub has seen significant growth in recent years, attracting businesses and investment due to its strategic location and modern infrastructure. Companies in the Rieti Cittaducale AIA include Takeda, a global biopharmaceutical company with 50,000 employees and a presence in more than 80 countries, engaged in the development of advanced therapies for cancer, gastrointestinal, neurological and rare diseases. With a focus on biotechnology, it invests $4.5 billion a year in research, developing gene, cell and tissue therapies, as well as plasma-derived drugs and vaccines. In Italy, it contributes digital platforms, innovative home services and partnerships with associations and institutions to improve patients’ quality of life by focusing on personalized solutions.
Torggler is a company with more than 155 years of experience in the construction industry, specializing in the production of solutions and materials for the construction and maintenance of buildings. It provides high-performance products, such as sealants, adhesives, mortars and waterproofing systems, aimed at professionals who seek reliability and durability. Torggler invests in research and development to offer innovative solutions, supported by qualified technical service. The company stands out for its ability to meet the specific needs of each project, from large construction sites to small jobs.
bdtronic Italy, founded in Rieti in 1979, is a leading manufacturer of machinery for impregnation and other industries. Thanks to advanced technologies and highly qualified personnel, it is a reference point in the engineering sector in Italy and abroad. With a production area of more than 5,000 square meters and complete internal processes, it guarantees competitive and high-quality solutions, confirmed by EN ISO 9001 certification.
The future of the industrial area: digitalization and competitiveness
Looking to the future, the Rieti Cittaducale industrial area is poised to take another step toward digitization thanks to the implementation of a modern fiber-optic infrastructure up to 10G with guaranteed transmission speed built by FibreConnect. This project aims to improve connectivity in the area, enabling companies to use advanced technologies for automation, cloud, cyber security and the Internet of Things (IoT). The new fiber optic network (FTTP) will encourage the development of new businesses and the attraction of talent, improving the area’s competitiveness on a national and international scale. Rieti Cittaducale today represents a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Thanks to the combination of a growing productive fabric, a unique historical legacy and an eye for innovation, this area is destined to play an increasingly relevant role in the economy of Lazio and nationwide.