Labro – the balcony above the lake

Lake Piediluco

Facts checked: July 2026. Labro is technically over the Lazio border – a 10–15 minute drive from Piediluco – and it’s the view we send every guest to at sunset.

Labro is a cone of grey stone stacked above the far end of Lake Piediluco – around 350 residents, a car-free medieval centre, and the best elevated lake view in the whole area. Fifty years ago it was nearly empty. What happened next is one of Italy’s quiet restoration success stories.

The village that came back

From 1968, the Belgian architect Ivan Van Mossevelde led the restoration of the near-abandoned village – local stone, wood and terracotta only, the medieval plan left untouched – and drew artists and intellectuals to settle in the repaired houses (the story; the architect’s own archive). The result is that rare thing: a restored borgo that feels lived-in rather than embalmed. Today Labro flies the Touring Club’s Bandiera Arancione – one of just three villages in Rieti province to hold it (Visit Lazio).

What to do (gently — that’s the point)

• Walk up through Porta Reatina and get lost on purpose – the historic centre is strictly on foot, a spiral of lanes, arches and flower-hung stairways. Allow an unhurried hour.
• The castle: the Castello Nobili Vitelleschi has been in the same family for a thousand years and opens for guided visits by arrangement – furnished rooms, family archives, a panoramic terrace – plus weddings and a few guest rooms. Email ahead (castellodilabro@gmail.com); there are no fixed public hours.
• Eat at Boccondivino: the tiny osteria-enoteca (six or seven tables) is the village’s serious table – wine-led, local, currently rated 4.8/5 from ~400 reviews (TripAdvisor). Book – with that few tables it’s not optional.
• The sunset: the reason you’re here. From the upper village the lake spreads out below with Piediluco’s Rocca opposite; on the right evening the water goes copper.

Pair it with Greccio

Twenty minutes on is the Franciscan sanctuary of Greccio, hung on its cliff – where St Francis staged the first nativity scene at Christmas 1223. Entry is free (daily 9:00–18:00, to 19:00 in July–August; friar-guided group visits need booking about a month ahead). Labro + Greccio + a lake lunch is a complete, quietly excellent half day – it’s Day 2 of our falls weekend itinerary.

Getting there

From Piediluco village it’s 8 km – about 10–15 minutes up the hill road. From Collestatte, 20–25 minutes. Park below the village and walk up; the centre is car-free and the approach is part of the experience.

Frequently asked questions