Cantalice, in the province of Rieti, rises in a particular position, on the slopes of the Reatini Mountains, which give it a view of three lakes: the Long Lake or 'di Cantalice', the Ripasottile Lake and the Ventina Lake.
In its territory there is the Laghi Lungo and Ripasottile partial nature reserve where a nature trail around the lakes connects some farmhouses on stilts for sighting and photography of the lake fauna present on the lakeshore.
Inside Cantalice, the characteristic streets of the ancient village and the churches of San Felice, Madonna della Misericordia and Santa Maria del Popolo are worth a visit. About two kilometers from the ancient village is the Sanctuary of San Felice all'Acqua, which stands right where the first Saint of the Capuchin order performed the famous Miracle of water, made to gush on a hot summer day by beating on the ground with a stick.
From Cantalice there are many paths and suggestive nature trails that also lead up to Terminillo and Leonessa. The town is located right along the path of the Camino di Francesco, which allows you to visit the four Franciscan Sanctuaries of the Santa Reatina Valley (Poggio Bustone, Greccio, Fontecolombo and La Foresta), natural beauties such as the Beech of San Francesco and the Sources of Santa Susanna in Rivodutri, as well as suggestive archaeological areas such as the remains of the Villa of Quinto Assio in Colli sul Velino, the Hermitage of San Michele Arcangelo in Morro Reatino, the Borgo di Contigliano and the city of Rieti.
In August, a traditional dish is celebrated here: the "strengozze". It is a simple and genuine dish based on water, flour, tomato and garlic. This particular handmade pasta was recognized in 2006 by the Lazio Region as a typical traditional product. The festival of strengozze is not the only event to animate the summer of Cantalice. In July, "The Path of Art and Taste" became a traditional event. Among the products and traditional dishes you can taste the pecorino and the first salt of the Rieti plain, the farro soup; the local porchetta.
