There’s a spot at the foot of Piedicolle where the water is so clear it seems invisible: you can see trout moving along the riverbed, crayfish gliding among the rocks, and every detail in sharp focus, as if through glass. It’s not a filter; it’s not a swimming pool. It’s the Santa Susanna Spring, in Rivodutri (Rieti), located just over an hour and a half from Rome.
Designated a Natural Monument of the Lazio Region in 1977, it is one of the largest springs in Europe in terms of flow rate, thanks to a continuous flow of 5,000–5,500 liters of water per second.
For those who live in Rome and are looking for day trips outside the city that are a little different from the usual ones, this is one of the most underrated destinations in Lazio.
The “freezer” effect at 4°C (perfect for August)
The real highlight of this place is the stark temperature contrast it offers during the hot season. The water maintains a constant temperature ranging between 4°C and 8°C year-round. This body of crystal-clear water is home to a rich variety of local wildlife: while fish swim undisturbed at the bottom, elegant mute swans, mallards, and moorhens glide across the surface.
The surrounding park is completely shaded by large weeping willows. If you’re looking for a corner of unspoiled nature near Rome to escape the summer heat, without having to deal with long traffic jams on the highway or crowded beaches, this oasis offers a direct, rejuvenating, and decidedly less-traveled alternative.
A free green oasis for families
At Santa Susanna, there are no admission fees or mandatory reservations: the entire area is freely accessible year-round. The surrounding area has been equipped to allow visitors to spend a full day in total relaxation, offering them:
- Benches and picnic tables in the shade
- A playground for children
- A large, completely free parking lot
As a testament to the site’s history and its ancient connection to the surrounding area dating back to antiquity, an old watermill and a trout farm can still be admired next to the spring. Among the many day trip destinations in Lazio, it is one of the very few that combines comprehensive family-friendly amenities with unspoiled nature at no cost.
The magic of the underwater nativity scene in winter
This corner of nature offers an excellent reason to visit even during the cold months. From December 8 to January 6, the crystal-clear waters become the setting for a unique tradition: divers from the Rieti Diving Club set up a striking underwater nativity scene on the spring’s seabed.
Thanks to the absolute clarity of the water, the Nativity statues remain perfectly visible directly from the shore. This installation, which celebrated its 30th edition in December 2025, has become one of the most iconic and recognizable Christmas events in the entire Valle Santa region of Rieti.
The result is a versatile destination with two distinct sides: the Santa Susanna Springs in Rivodutri are ideal for cooling off in the summer and incredibly magical at Christmas.
Useful Information and How to Get There
- Exact address: Via di Santa Susanna, Piedicolle, 02010 Rivodutri (RI).
- Distance: About 100 km from downtown Rome (a 1.5-hour drive via the Salaria highway toward Rieti).
