In 2010 I made my third visit to Rome and the surrounding towns. See the first and second.

Greccio is a village overlooking the Rieti valley. It is the site of a beautiful monastery which hangs off the side of the mountain.

According to tradition, St. Francis celebrated the first nativity here in 1223, when he observed a figure of the infant Jesus come to life.

On the road between Rome and Rieti, one can observe a castle perched on a hill. The castle is surrounded by the village of Nerola.

I also returned to Poggio Bustone and Rieti.