CIVITA DI BAGNOREGIO
This area lies mid way between Rome and Tuscany and it boasts both the scenic countryside of the latter and the historical background of the first.
Civita di Bagnoregio is perched on top of a hill and clinged to the edge of a cliff where it dominates the wide desolated valley made up of calanchi. This isolation is the result of a continuous erosion: the rock upon which Bagnoregio was built rests on layers of clay which over time tend to slip downwards, thus determining the collapse of sections of the rock above them. This explains why it is called “la città che muore”, the dying town.
Civita is connected to the town of Bagnoregio by a narrow pedestrian bridge rebuilt in 1965 after the bombing of WWII that completely erased an already eroded ancient bridge. The walk is long and uphill, but the view is spectacular and you finally enter the town through an Etruscan archway, Santa Maria gate. The town is really small, but the unique atmosphere of such a cozy village is worth a drive from Rome.
Complete your day trip:
families and active travellers
Mezzano is a small volcanic lake where we can practice a fun “water tubing” excursion, suitable for any age. This different perspective on the natural landscape is a refreshing moment in the hot summer months: while rowing around the lake, you can learn about the flora and fauna of the area and relax in a clean quiet environment.
spiritual travellers
Bolsena is the ancient Roman town of Volsinii, founded next to the ruins of an important Etruscan centre. But now it is especially known for a miracle occurred – according to the tradition – in the Basilica of Santa Cristina in 1263: a Bohemian priest reported bleeding from the host he had consecrated at Mass. The Orvieto Cathedral was eventually built to commemorate the miracle and a famed fresco by Raphael in the Vatican Stanze depicts the event. This story proves the importance of the area in times of pilgrimages: we are on the Via Francigena, the path leading to Rome, and here we also find Acquapendente: in its cathedral, the Romanesque crypt preserves a replica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. A legend tells some blocks here became relics, having been poured with the blood of Jesus collected during the Passion.
relax seekers and families
Bolsena is a town, but also the name of the largest volcanic lake in Europe. The lake has many sandy beaches around for seashore activities and it is particularly suited for families with small children because, in the mornings above all, the lake tends to be very calm. The beaches are dark sand volcanic beaches however with some pebbles. Many water related activities are available like water skiing, sailing, windsurfing or you can circumnavigate on a ferry the two small islands, Martana and Bisentina.
romance and nature lovers
Located near the town called Torre Alfina, dominated by the homonymous castle, Sasseto is a protected area rich with biodiversity and ancient trees. This wood is crisscrossed by paths running through mosses, ferns, and twisted branches, eventually leading to the resting place of Marquis Edoardo Cahen: he is the nobleman who bought the property in 1881 and transformed the former intricate forest into one of the most enchanting places in Italy.
foodies
Do you know the story of the wine called “Est! Est! Est!”? The legend tells a traveling bishop on his way to Rome sent a servant ahead to find places with the best wine for the bishop to enjoy. Visiting villages throughout Italy, the servant would scrawl Est (Latin for “there is”) on the door of the places he found to have good wine and apparently the servant was so impressed with the wine being served at a Montefiascone inn that he enthusiastically scrawled Est! Est!! Est!!! on the door. If you are into wine, a stop in this hilly town is a must, including a tasting in a cellar, of course!
You can also pay visit to the tomb of the bishop who appreciated so much the local wine to settle down here and be eventually buried in San Flaviano church.
