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The north of the Lazio region
The three lakes north of Rome are a popular holiday destination and weekend recreation area. Lake Bolsena, the largest of the three lakes, is located on the northern edge of the Lazio region. You can visit the beautiful towns around the lake, such as Bolsena, Montefiascone, and Capodimonte (a seaside resort). Nearby, worth seeing are Orvieto (a town perched on a steep rocky plateau) and Viterbo (a city of the Popes), as well as Pitigliano (an Etruscan town), Cività di Bagnoregio (the dying town), and Bomarzo (with the Park of the Monsters). Heading south from Lake Bolsena, 40 km further south, you will reach the small lake Lake Vico. This lake, located at an altitude of 500 meters, is one of the areas of Lazio with special natural value and has therefore been declared a nature reserve. To the east of this lake lies the picturesque town of Caprarola. If you drive another 30 km south from Lake Vico, you will reach the third lake, Lake Bracciano. Along the way, you will pass the picturesque town of Sutri (an Etruscan town with an interesting park). Near Lake Bracciano is the small village of Calcata Vecchia (a former ghost town), perched high on a cliff. Below, we provide information on the aforementioned places of interest around these three beautiful lakes.
Content
The north of the Lazio region
Orvieto
Viterbo and City of Bagnoregio & Bomarzo
Lake Bolsena & Pitigliano & Tuscania
Lake Bracciano & Lake Vico
Thermae of Lazio and Tuscany
1. The north of the Lazio region
Tarquinia - This town, located near the coast, was an important Etruscan settlement in ancient times. Even today, visitors can gain unique insights into the customs and traditions of the Etruscan civilization here. Tarquinia is a medieval town well worth a visit. Numerous tombs with beautiful, colorful wall paintings of great artistic and historical value have been preserved around Tarquinia. These bring to life scenes from everyday life and religious rites of the Etruscans. There are many Etruscan tombs in the area around Tarquinia, some of which contain remains of wall paintings. The most interesting are found in the Monterozzi Necropolis on the outskirts of Tarquinia. This necropolis, which can also be reached on foot, and the interesting Archaeological Museum can be visited for a fee. Tarquinia is located north of Rome, 1 hour and 21 minutes from Rome. Cerveteri - This small town (Etruscan name: Kysri - Roman name: Caere) was one of the most important and largest Etruscan cities in ancient times, with up to 80,000 inhabitants. Near Cerveteri stretches an extensive Etruscan necropolis, the Cerveteri Necropolis. It was robbed of almost all its art treasures through grave robbery, but the well-preserved funerary architecture is of great diversity (tumulus tombs). The main necropolis, La Banditaccia, is located just outside the town of Cerveteri. A small road leads to the necropolis, which is isolated in the countryside. It can be visited for an entrance fee. Cerveteri is located north of Rome, 54 minutes from Rome. The Lungo and Ripasottile nature reserve is particularly worth visiting in spring and summer, as the water in the lakes is clear and fresh. On Monte Terminillo, in addition to the slopes covered in snow in winter, there are many trekking trails. This nature reserve is 11 minutes from Rieti. Antuni - The village is located on Lake Turano. It is a medieval village that was founded before the artificial lake existed. During World War II, the village was abandoned after a pilot's mistake. Instead of destroying the bridge over the lake, he dropped a bomb on the town. Today, it is a treasure trove of beauty frozen in time. Lake Turano is 1 hour 20 minutes from Rome. Rocca Sinibalda Castle - Perched on a cliff overlooking the Turano Valley, Rocca Sinilbalda Castle, not far from Rome, is a spectacular synthesis of Renaissance fortress and palace. Inspired by Ovid's Metamorphoses, the medieval castle dominates the small stone village of Rocca Sinibalda. The castle is 1 hour 17 minutes from Rome. Lake Salto is the largest artificial lake in Lazio and was created by damming the waters of the Salto River. Fiumata and Borgo San Pietro are the most beautiful villages surrounding the lake. Lake Salto is located near Rieti and 1 hour 29 minutes from Rome.
2. Orvieto
Orvieto, which is not in Lazio but in Umbria, can be reached from Rome by car in a day trip. That's why we've included it in our blog. It boasts an exceptional location: the churches, palaces, and houses of the old town are situated on a rocky plateau that slopes steeply in all directions. The dazzling white cathedral, a beautiful and impressive church, rises between the brown buildings perched on the rock. Orvieto also boasts a picturesque, intact old town with many interesting shops. Small, tidy, and inviting, Orvieto offers many beautiful sights and excellent cuisine. The Cathedral of Orvieto is a marvel of Italian Gothic architecture and displays extraordinary harmony, despite the fact that 20 different artists worked there for more than three centuries. Construction was completed in the 16th century. The interior contains two fundamental chapels for religion and art: the Cappella del Corporale and that of San Brizio. The Chapel of San Brizio in Orvieto Cathedral is a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance. The chapel's theme is the Last Judgment, a story depicting the end of the world, populated by angels, terrifying demons, waiting sinners, and the saved flying to heaven. Pozzo di San Patrizio - This fountain, a marvel of engineering, was built in the 16th century at the behest of Pope Clement VII, who entrusted the task to Giuliano da Sangallo the Younger. The goal was to ensure Orvieto's water supply throughout the year. Sangallo's masterpiece was the large, independent double spiral staircases, one for the descent and the other for the ascent. Underground City of Orvieto - For 2,500 years, the inhabitants of Orvieto dug into the tuff rock on which the city was built, building another, underground and hidden city. Only in recent years has a group of speleologists uncovered a complex labyrinth of over 1,200 caves, tunnels, wells, and cisterns. Today, it is possible to explore Orvieto's underground thanks to the "Orvieto Underground" project, which accompanies tourists on a discovery tour of these fascinating tunnels. Piazza del Popolo - The square regains its charm at night, when the yellow lights come on, and on Thursdays and Saturdays, when the cars are gone and the market enlivens the square. The square then becomes the central location of Orvieto's civic life. The silhouette of the "Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo" dominates the large square, with its curious tower and the beautiful staircase leading to the entrance hall. The Museo dell'Opera del Duomo consists of four small rooms, including the Chapel of San Brizio, the Church of Sant'Agostino, and the Albèri Library. But it's the papal palaces that deserve a visit, as they display a few but exceptional works, gathered in the so-called Stanze delle Meraviglie (Stane delle Meraviglie). Torre del Moro - Today it's a cultural center, but above all a place from which you can enjoy an exceptional view of the cathedral and the rooftops of Orvieto. The clock, a landmark for Orvieto and tourists, began working in 1885 and is still there today. La Forzezza di Albornoz Fortress - Destroyed and rebuilt several times, the fortress wasn't rebuilt until the 15th century. In reality, its decay continued over the following centuries, and not much of the original structure remains. Today, the fortress houses the public gardens and is the ideal place for a break overlooking the surrounding valley. Restaurants: Trattoria La Palomba A traditional trattoria in the old town. A family-run business serving excellent Umbrian cuisine. The trattoria is located 400 meters from Orvieto Cathedral. Address: Via Cipriano Manente 16, Orvieto Phone: +39 07 63 34 33 95
3. Viterbo & Cività di Bagnoregio & Bomarzo
Viterbo, the most important city in Lazio after Rome in the High Middle Ages, lies in the plain between Lake Bolsena and the Monti Cimini, north of Rome. The old city center, enclosed by an intact, five-kilometer-long 13th-century city wall, is absolutely worth seeing. It boasts interesting medieval quarters, especially around the San Pellegrino district. Numerous churches and palaces have been preserved from Viterbo's great medieval period, when popes resided in the city. The Porta Fiorentina is one of the gates providing access to the city. On the north side of the wide Piazza della Rocca square is the Rocca Castle, a Gothic building from the 13th century. The Church of San Francesco can be admired nearby. Near Piazza Verdi lies the Santuario di Santa Rosa pilgrimage sanctuary. Also worth seeing is the Piazza delle Erbe, with a beautiful fountain guarded by stone lions. Between Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza del Gesu are several sights: the Church of Santa Maria della Salute, the Palazzo Comunale, Palazzo Chigi, and the Church of the Gesu. Nearby is the Casa del Podesta, with its tall tower dating back to the 13th century. Nearby is the Church of Santa Maria Nuova. The Piazza della Fontana Grande houses the Fontana Grande, the oldest of Viterbo's many ornamental fountains. Nearby are Casa Poscia, a typical 14th-century noble residence, Palazzo Gatti, and Palazzo di Alessandri. Bomarzo - The beautiful village of Bomarzo, with its ancient walls, lies protected by a castle on a hilltop overlooking green valleys. The massive Palazzo Orsini (16th century), which dominates the town, can only be visited on special occasions. The main attraction is the Parco dei Mostri, located just outside the village, one of the most idiosyncratic and enigmatic Mannerist gardens in Lazio. Silent monsters, giant statues, cave faces, a temple, and a leaning house are found in this small, green park. A visit to the park is possible for an entrance fee. Bomarzo is 19 minutes from Viterbo. Marturanum Regional Nature Park - The park is located in the municipality of Barbarano Romano in the province of Viterbo. It has dozens of well-marked trails that can be explored on foot, by mountain bike, and on horseback. The Sentiero dei Valloni (Valley Path) connects Barbarano Romano to Blera, passing the gorge carved into the tuff by the Biedano stream. Along the way, you'll encounter waterfalls, caves, and tunnels, all the way to the Devil's Bridge (Ponte del Diavolo) on the ancient Via Clodia. The route along the Necropoli di Caiolo is the most impressive, with hundreds of Etruscan tombs carved into the tuff and surrounded by lush vegetation. This nature park is located 36 minutes from Viterbo. Civita di Bagnoregio - Located east of Lake Bolsena, Civita di Bagnoregio is worth a visit. Its brown, old tuff houses stand tightly packed together at a lofty height on an isolated, steeply rising rocky base, surrounded by furrowed erosion valleys. Until the end of the 17th century, the village formed a contiguous town with neighboring Bagnoregio, but then an earthquake caused part of the town's rock to collapse, creating a dividing gap. The residents gradually abandoned their village, although tourism has recently rediscovered the picturesque village. Civita di Bagnoregio is located 22 minutes from Lake Bolsena. Villa Lante This beautiful park, located just 5 km east of Viterbo, is open to visitors. The park also features the Pontana dei Mori fountain. In the town of Bagnaia, you can visit the historic center. Address: Bagnaia, near Viterbo Phone: +39 0761 28 80 08
4. Lago di Bolsena & Pitigliano & Tuscania
The beautiful Lake Bolsena lies approximately 100 km north of Rome and can be reached by car from Rome in about 1.5 hours. Near Lake Bolsena are the two larger towns of Orvieto (to the east) and Viterbo (to the south). The shores of Lake Bolsena remain largely undeveloped; dense reed beds alternate with small stretches of dark, fine-grained lava sand. In the middle of the blue expanse of water lie two small islands: the idyllic Isola Bisentina and the tiny Isola Martana. Bolsena, the main tourist town on Lake Bolsena, is very popular with tourists seeking sun and relaxation. Here, holidaymakers find tranquil peace and unspoiled nature. Bolsena boasts a beautiful townscape with a historic center, whose old tuff stone houses stretch up the hillside to the walls of the medieval castle. Bolsena's main attraction is the Church of Santa Cristina, located in the center of town on Piazza Santa Cristina, which can be visited. This originally Romanesque church (11th century) is worth a visit. From Piazza Matteotti (town center), the path leads up to Castello Monaldeschi, Bolsena's imposing medieval castle. Capodimonte, near Lake Bolsena - This picturesque town lies on a promontory jutting out into the lake. The Castello Farnese castle dominates the town. Behind the castle lies the small medieval quarter. Boats to Isola Bisentina depart from the small harbor, where you'll also find the beautiful beach promenade lined with plane trees, which offers perfect swimming and relaxation. The small island of Isola Bisentina can also be visited in summer on organized excursions from Bolsena or Capodimonte, including guided island tours.
Montefiascone, near Lake Bolsena - This small town stretches along the rim of a crater above Lake Bolsena. The cathedral rises above the town, offering beautiful views over the houses of the old town. The town is also known for its Est, Est, Est white wine produced in the area. The most interesting church in Montefiascone from an artistic and historical perspective is San Flaviano, a medieval building near the village center. Pitigliano - A palace, an aqueduct, and the cathedral tower tower above the stone houses of Pitigliano. Medieval Pitigliano conveys an image of times long past, as it has remained intact, and nothing disturbs the picturesque ensemble, especially when illuminated at night. A stroll through the winding old town is a delight. Stone houses rise from a tuff cliff that rises steeply from the green forest. A beautiful view of Pitigliano opens up from the Church of Madonna delle Grazie, located on the road toward Manciano. The Orsini Castle guards the entrance to the old town. In the immediate vicinity are the atmospheric Etruscan hollow ways carved into the tufa (hiking trail along the Via della Cava). Pitigliano is 33 minutes from Bolsena. Sovana - Not far from Pitigliano is the charming little town of Sovana. The old town center essentially consists of a single street. Along this beautiful street, which is ideal for strolling, lies the imposing ruins of the 11th-century Aldobrandeschi Castle, and at the center of the town is the beautiful Piazza del Pretorio. From the center begins the old cobbled path to the 11th-century Cathedral of Santi Pietro e Paolo, located on the western edge of the town's rock. In the valleys west of the town lie the interesting Etruscan necropolis of Sovana, which can also be reached on foot via the path descending from the cathedral. Sovana is 42 minutes from Bolsena. Sorano, one of the tuff towns in southern Tuscany, offers a beautiful view with old houses perched on steep cliffs and has retained its originality due to the lack of tourism. Sorano, the third of the tuff towns in southern Tuscany, features old houses perched on steep cliffs. Worth seeing are the main church, the Collegiata di San Nicola di Bari, and the city gate, Porta dei Merli. In the middle of the old village, the Sasso Leopoldini rises above the roofs of the medieval quarter. Sorano is 32 minutes from Bolsena. Tuscania - This small town is located in the hills, about 25 minutes from Viterbo. It has a well-preserved historic center with several Romanesque churches of great artistic interest. East of the old town (just outside the city) are two very interesting Romanesque churches. Both churches (the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore and the Church of San Pietro with the adjoining Bishop's Palace, both dating from the 11th century) can be visited. Situated on seven tufa outcrops, Tuscania is one of the most beautiful villages in the Tuscia Viterbese region. Near Tuscania lies the Riserva Naturale di Tuscania, a nature reserve bisected by the Marta River, which also includes the Etruscan archaeological site.
5. Lago di Bracciano & Lago di Vico
Lake Vico - Located at an altitude of over 500 meters in the heart of the Cimini Mountains, it is a lake of volcanic origin, and its shores are lined with large hazelnut plantations. Etruscan tombs can be found on the slopes behind it. This lake is one of the areas of Lazio with particular natural value and has therefore been declared a nature reserve. A few kilometers further east, at Caprarola, this almost uninhabited landscape offers a glimpse into another world, the splendor of Italian history and art. Caprarola is dominated by the Palazzo Farnese, a remarkable Mannerist building. The palace, with its bright facades, rises at the highest point of the town. On the western edge of the town stands the Baroque church of Santa Teresa, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Palazzo Farnese and the old town center of Caprarola and the surrounding hills. The Palazzo Farnese was built by the Farnese family in the 16th century. The large palace and gardens are open to visitors. Caprarolo is 14 km from Lake Vico. Sutri lies between Lake Vico and Lake Bracciano, just under 50 km north of Rome and surrounded by greenery. This sleepy little town is best reached from Rome via the Via Cassia. Tufa plays a key role in Sutri. The historic town center sits atop a tufa hill. The town's small but important archaeological park features an ancient tufa amphitheater. The ancient Etruscans once carved tombs into the area's tufa walls. Bracciano and Lake Bracciano - This small town lies between Rome and Viterbo on a hill above Lake Bracciano. The eastern part of the town (historic center) with its narrow streets and old facades is worth a visit. The town is dominated by the mighty walls and bastions of the Castello Orsini-Odescalchi. The Castello Orsini-Odescalchi can be visited on guided tours lasting approximately one hour. Lake Bracciano is one of the Romans' favorite recreational areas. Its water is still relatively clean, and there are several small beaches in a tranquil lakeside setting. The very small but picturesque mountain village of Calcata Vecchia, 22 km from Lake Bracciano, is a worthwhile destination for anyone seeking peace and inspiration away from the city. Picturesque alleys and squares, enchanting photo opportunities, and a very special atmosphere characterize Calcata. Many artists, hippies, and dropouts now live again in this former ghost village, surrounded by high defensive walls. The village was threatened with demolition in the 1830s due to the risk of rockfalls.
6. Argentario & Maremma
Lago di Bolsena
Orvieto Cathedral
Viterbo
Lake Bolsena - seaside resort of Capodimonte
Peninsula "Argentario" - beach of a hotel
La Maremma
Lago di Bolsena
Viterbo
Bomarzo - Park Parco dei Mostri
Maremma Natural Park
Orvieto Cathedral
Isola del Giglio
6. Thermal baths of Lazio and Tuscany
The Viterbo area is a thermal zone. Those who love free baths can head to the Piscine Carletti (2.5 km from Viterbo). Those who prefer a less wild environment can choose the "Terme del Bagnaccio," managed by an association that takes care of cleaning the pools and has created a small, paradisiacal garden around the thermal baths. Admission costs 5 euros per person. The Terme di San Sisto has a similar concept, but there is only one pool, albeit a relatively large one. Thermal Baths of the Papi, near Viterbo - Thermal bathing in Lazio and in all regions ruled by the Roman Empire has very ancient origins. In fact, it was first the Etruscans and then the Romans who discovered the extraordinarily beneficial and healing properties of thermal waters and created the first public baths, meeting places and hubs of social and political life. The Baths of the Popes are the oldest in the city of Viterbo and owe their name to Pope Niccolo V, who loved them. The waters of the Terme dei Papi in Viterbo are of volcanic origin and can be divided into two types: hyperthermal, with a temperature between 40°C and 65°C, containing sulfur, sulfate, bicarbonate, and alkaline earth water; and hypothermal, with a temperature between 20°C and 30°C, containing bicarbonate, sulfate, alkaline, earthy, carbonic, and ferrous water. They are incredibly rich in beneficial properties and are effective in treating various health problems. Terme Libere Carletti (Viterbo) - The Carletti Baths are perhaps one of the most fascinating spas in the Viterbo area. The water flows down at 58°C in numerous streams and feeds several pools. The water is transparent and has striking colors. (Spring temperature 58°C) Terme libere del Bagnaccio (Viterbo) - These thermal baths consist of six thermal pools and two lawns for lounging and relaxing in the sun. They are managed by an association that keeps the area clean and safe. You pay a €5 entrance fee, which allows you to use the baths year-round. Zona termale delle masse di San Sisto - These thermal baths are clean and well-organized, although space is often very limited due to the large number of visitors. These baths have two pools, one quite large with hot thermal water and a smaller one with warm thermal water (approx. 18°C). The baths are currently managed by the Le Masse di San Sisto association. Simply sign up for an annual membership and pay a modest annual membership fee. Terme del Bullicame (Viterbo) - The free thermal baths of Bullicame are located on the road to Bullicame, 2.5 km from Viterbo. There is a small tub and a larger, elongated one. (Spring temperature 58°C) Terme libere di Saturnia Cascate del Mulino (Grosseto) - This ancient thermal complex is very extensive. In addition to the luxurious thermal area of Saturnia, there are several natural thermal baths and free baths. These include the Gorello Waterfalls and the stepped thermal baths of Manciano. The thermal baths of Saturnia are 56 minutes from Lake Bolsena. (Spring temperature 37.5°C) Terme di Petriolo, Monticiano (Siena) - The free thermal baths of Petriolo are located on the banks of the Farma stream (municipality of Monticiano). The remains of a thermal bath date back to the 15th century. The thermal baths are located at the mouth of a torrent, protected by rocks from the stream flowing alongside. The baths are 1 hour and 59 minutes from Lake Bolsena. (Spring temperature: 43°C) Bagni di San Filippo (Siena) - Hidden in the green forests, at the foot of Monte Amiata, lies a little treasure: the Bagni di San Filippo, the free thermal baths located in the Val d'Orcia, near Siena. The thermal baths of San Filippo are 50 minutes from Lake Bolsena. (Spring temperature: 48°C)
Free thermal baths near Viterbo
Free thermal baths