
Palazzo Vicentini
A historic Mannerist palace in Rieti, now housing the Prefecture, with notable gardens offering city views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Occasional exhibitions offer access.

Palazzo Vicentini
Best Time
Occasional exhibitions offer access.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Mannerist palace in Rieti, now housing the Prefecture, with notable gardens offering city views.
"It's a shame not to include at least some guided tours on Sunday. Think about it!"

Check for Exhibitions
Look for announcements about art shows or cultural events for a chance to visit.
Garden Views
The Vignola Gardens are a great spot for photos and city vistas. :camerawithflash:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vignola Gardens
Adjacent to Palazzo Vicentini
Enjoy panoramic views of Rieti from this historic garden terrace.

Family Coat of Arms
Main Facade
Admire the elegant door and the Vicentini family crest, a symbol of its historical significance.

Arduino Angelucci Murals
Ground Floor Room
Discover tempera paintings depicting Sabina's ancient history and local figures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Access & Visiting Hours
Understanding Its Function
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check for Exhibitions
Look for announcements about art shows or cultural events for a chance to visit.
Garden Views
The Vignola Gardens are a great spot for photos and city vistas. :camerawithflash:
Respect Official Space
Remember it's a working prefecture; be mindful of access restrictions. :police_car:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check for Exhibitions
Look for announcements about art shows or cultural events for a chance to visit.
Garden Views
The Vignola Gardens are a great spot for photos and city vistas. :camerawithflash:
Respect Official Space
Remember it's a working prefecture; be mindful of access restrictions. :police_car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
While Palazzo Vicentini is primarily the seat of the Prefecture and not a typical tourist attraction, its historical significance and architectural details are noted. Visitors express a desire for more public access, particularly to explore the interior and its art. The adjacent Vignola Gardens are appreciated for their panoramic views of Rieti.
"No visits...but think about it!
We went in to visit it, Sunday 22-06-25 but an agent, rightly, told us that it was not possible because it houses the prefecture. This historic building was purchased in 1589 by the Vicentini family who entrusted the renovation work to Jacopo Barozzi known as Vignola. On the main facade, on an elegant door, the family coat of arms, the facade overlooking the gardens has a loggia arranged on two orders of arches. Next to it are the Vignola Gardens where, from the terrace, you can have a panoramic view from above of part of Rieti. It's a shame not to include at least some guided tours on Sunday. Think about it!"
ROBERTO RIVIECCIO
"Palazzo Vincentini, located in Piazza Cesare Battisti in Rieti, is recorded in ancient documents as Casa Poiana, since the powerful Marco Antonio Vincentini purchased it in 1589 from the Poiani family of Amelia. Renovation work began that same year and was completed after 1624. According to 19th-century literary tradition, the architect in charge of construction was the Emilian Jacopo Barozzi, known as Vignola. The palace, in late Mannerist style, has an elegant door on the main façade embellished with the family coat of arms, with a flame in the center, five eight-pointed stars in the central band, and the sea in the background. When, in 1927, the Vincentini family sold the palace to the Province of Rieti to provide a worthy home for the Prefecture, the garden fence was torn down, transforming it from a private entertainment venue to a public meeting place.
Inside, the building houses the offices of the Prefecture and, on the main floor, the Prefect's private apartments.
From an artistic perspective, it is worth mentioning two valuable paintings by local artists, who worked in different periods.
On the ground floor, opposite the entrance, a small room is painted by the Rieti painter Arduino Angelucci (Rieti 1901-1981), who created the tempera paintings on the walls and vault in 1931.
The murals narrate the ancient history of Sabina through medallions, coats of arms, and monumental figures within niches that celebrate historically significant figures of the area: the scholar Marcus Terentius Varro (116 BC) and the Emperor Flavius Vespasian (9 AD).
Highlighted are the coats of arms of the main towns of Sabina: Rieti, Cittaducale, Poggio Mirteto, Fara Sabina, Orvinio, Leonessa, Borbona, Rocca Sinibalda, Borgorose, Amatrice, and Magliano.
There are also views of the towns of Rieti, Vescovio, Amatrice, and Farfa, and, in the fake bronze medallions, four episodes from Sabine legends: the "Rape of the Sabine Women," the "Sacrifice to Rhea," the "Sacrifice to Saturn," and the "Sacred Spring.""
Antonio DI MAIO
"Beautiful, worth a visit"
Ode
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Palazzo Vicentini is located in Piazza Cesare Battisti in the heart of Rieti. It's easily accessible by foot if you are already in the city center. Public transport options within Rieti are limited, so walking or a short taxi ride from the train station is recommended.
Street parking can be challenging in the historic center. Look for paid parking lots a short walk away from Piazza Cesare Battisti.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, Palazzo Vicentini houses the Prefecture and is not open for general tourism. Access is typically limited to official business or special events like exhibitions.
As it's a government building, standard public opening hours do not apply. Check for specific event schedules for any potential visiting windows.
Tickets are usually only required for specific exhibitions or events held within the palace. For general access, it's not possible.
If an exhibition is held, there might be an entrance fee. However, for regular access, there is no fee as it's not a public attraction.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Inside, you can find offices of the Prefecture and the Prefect's private apartments. Artistically, there are two valuable paintings by local artists, including tempera murals by Arduino Angelucci depicting Sabina's history.
Yes, the Vignola Gardens are accessible and offer a panoramic view of Rieti from their terrace. They were transformed from a private venue to a public meeting place.
The exterior architecture and the Vignola Gardens are picturesque. Interior photography is usually restricted unless permitted during special events.
The palace is in a late Mannerist style, with an elegant door on the main facade featuring the Vicentini family coat of arms.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, Palazzo Vicentini is a government building and does not have public dining facilities. You'll find restaurants and cafes in the surrounding areas of Piazza Cesare Battisti.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
History Enthusiasts
Focus your visit on appreciating the exterior architecture and exploring the public Vignola Gardens for panoramic views. Researching the Vicentini family and the historical significance of Rieti beforehand will enhance your appreciation of the site.
Art & Culture Aficionados
Keep an eye out for any special exhibitions or cultural events that might be hosted at Palazzo Vicentini, as these are the primary opportunities for interior viewing and a deeper engagement with its artistic offerings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
History and Architecture
In 1927, the Vicentini family sold the palace to the Province of Rieti, transforming it into the seat of the Prefecture. This transition also saw the garden fence removed, converting a private entertainment space into a public gathering area. The building's interior houses the Prefecture's offices and the Prefect's private apartments on the main floor.
Artistically, the palace holds two significant paintings by local artists. On the ground floor, a small room is decorated with tempera murals by Rieti painter Arduino Angelucci, created in 1931. These murals narrate the ancient history of Sabina, featuring medallions, coats of arms of prominent Sabina towns, and monumental figures celebrating historical figures like Marcus Terentius Varro and Emperor Vespasian.
The Vignola Gardens
The gardens themselves are a testament to the architectural vision associated with Vignola, offering a tranquil escape within the city. While the palace's interior access is restricted, the gardens provide a pleasant area to explore and appreciate the historical context of the site. It's a recommended spot for a moment of reflection and to capture scenic city views.

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