Sanctuary of St. Francis
Together with three others (Fonte Colombo, Foresta and Poggio Bustone), it is one of the four sanctuaries erected by St. Francis of Assisi in the Holy Valley. Its structure is embedded in the rock of the mountains overlooking the medieval village of Greccio, in the province of Rieti, and from up there, at an altitude of about 700 meters, offers a spectacular view of the Rieti basin. It is also known as the sanctuary of the crib, because it was here in 1223 that the first theatrical re-enactment of the birth of the Infant Jesus was staged, an event that started the Christmas tradition so loved in Italy and spread all over the world.
