VILLAS OF TUSCIA
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.
Driving north from Rome you enter a land inhabited by Etruscans, then Romans and later noblemen and even Popes. They left here important vestiges of the bygone days. Of the palaces and villas owned by the Farnese family, Palazzo Farnese in Caprarola is doubtlessly the most magnificent. Designed by Vignola for the Cardinal Alessandro Farnese in the 16th centur, it witnessed an intense court life with musicians, artists and men of power. They climbed the spectacular staircase reaching frescoed halls and a beautiful Renaissance garden. Near Caprarola, you’ll find the little town of Bagnaia, which features another gorgeous residence, Villa Lante. The park, with symbolic fountains and intimate corners, is a pleasure not to be missed.
Complete your day trip:
families
The “Park of the Monsters” in Bomarzo was created in the 16th century by Pier Francesco Orsini and contains surreal sculptures with a mysterious connection. Here, you’ll find here sirens, elephants, Cerberus, a huge ogre with its open mouth, a dragon…. Children are amused by the strangeness of this complex and become happy explorers of the park!
relax seekers
The main city of the region is Viterbo, which used to be a Papal residence in the Middle Ages. It still hosts the gothic “Palazzo dei Papi” and the hot springs called “the Baths of the Popes”. This baths complex is simple and informal. Here, you can enjoy massages and treatments on top of the outdoor baths in hot healthy water.
