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Discovering Lazio
Cerveteri
25 ml north-west of Rome
Rich and famous city of the ancient Mediterranean sea, called by the inhabitants Kaysra, it is today known worldwide for the vast Necropolis: a real "city of the deads", with the typical tombs called "Tumoli".
The Banditaccia Necropoli, has been declared a Unesco site since 2004. Vast and fascinating it is more than 450 hectares, surrounding the whole area of the Ancient city. The visit includes the most important tombs: of the Huts, of Greeks Vases, Capitols, Mengarelli and Relieves.
Tour length: 4 hours.
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Tarquinia
56 ml north of Rome
As soon as you will enter the 150 painted tombs, you will be transfer almost 2500 years ago, the light colors of the banquets scenes, the sacred rituals, the games; the everyday life will precisely describe this sophisticated society.
The Monterozzi Necropoli, is a Unesco protected site since 2004.The visit will start with the small painted "ipogeo" (underground) tombs of the early ages to follow with the Hellenistic tombs: Pulcella, Fiore di Loto, Leonesse, Caccia e Pesca, Leopardi, Baccanti... The National Etruscan Museum, is for sure the best one to get a good understanding of the whole Etruscan era with the main findings.
The tour could end after a stroll along the medieval historical centre and with a lunch in one of the picturesque restaurants to taste the local specialties.
Tour length: 4 hours.
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Palestrina
29 ml south-east of Rome
Before the Roman unification of Lazio in the IV century B.C. this ancient site was occupied by people of different origins and languages, among these the Latin that were staying in the area of the river Tiber up to the Lepini Mountains. Here at the bottom of the Ginestro Mountain there was the ancient Preneste, founded according to the legend by Telegono, son of Ulysses and the Witch Circe.
The strategic position of the city, dominating the Valley of Sacco, is one of the reasons of its prosperity from the VII century B.C. The main period of its history is from the II to the III century B.C. during which they have undertaken a lot of refurbishing. The main monument is the Temple of the Fortuna Primigenia.
We will visit the Archaeological Museum inside the Barberini Palace with important findings from the Area of Palestrina (Capitoline Triad, Grimani relieves, Mosaic of the Nile, funerary equipments) the visit will continue with a stroll in the medieval part of the city with the visit of the church of St. Agapito.
Tour length: 4 hours.
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Civita di Bagnoregio
90 ml north of Rome
18 ml from Viterbo
Looking at it from afar, overlooking the slopes from every side, Civita di Bagnoreggio looks like a phantom city, as only in the mind of a visionaries or in the memories of a dream can exist. This small medieval village of the province of Viterbo, it is a rare jewel, linked to the earth by a suspended bridge long 990 ft, while you walk along it you go back in time to a rustic culture, without the noise of our cities (no cars or other vehicles are allowed). What you will discover as soon as you enter The Saint Mary Gate is unique.
We will stroll in the village up to Civita (20 min walking, 10 with the mini bus) with the sightseeing on the Calanchi Valley with moon colors (Pliocene sand with beige and baby blue colors). We will then cross the bridge and visit the village: Square and Duomo of St. Donato, City Hall and stroll up to the " Bucajone " ancient Etruscan gallery excavated in the " belly " of the city crossing it from north to south.
For lunch we suggest the specialties of the "Osteria del Ponte", in a panoramic position to the village.
Not to be missed is " La Tonna " a donkey run in a circular pen that take place the second Sunday of June and in mid September.
Tour length: 6 hours.
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Viterbo
62 ml north of Rome
Setting of the first Conclave in the history of the Church (XIII century). During the Middle Ages before the Pope's exile in Avignon (XIV century) used to be the alternative seat of the Pope instead of Rome. This is the reason why it is still today known as the "Pope's City". The historical centre kept all the medieval features, the so called "San Pellegrino" quarter is one of the most superb examples of 1200s Italian architecture. The tour includes: Piazza del Plebiscito with the Renaissance Palazzo dei Priori (with fresco regarding the mythological foundation of the city), Piazza del Gesù, San Lorenzo Cathedral, Palazzo dei Papi, Church of Santa Maria Nuova.
Each year on the 3rd of September take place the celebrations devoted to the Patron of the city: St. Rosa. The feast, since the XIV century , is very famous all over Italy, and has its top with the procession of the Saint statue on a monumental baroque machine over 20 meters high parading the whole historical centre carried on the shoulders of more than 100 porters.
Tour length: 4 hours.
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Tuscania
68 ml north-west of Rome
"Pearl of the middle Ages" Tuscania is immerged in the Lazio maremma. The two Basilicas of St. Peter and St. Mary the Major are considered one of the most solid examples of Italian Romanic art. The historical centre is very picturesque with narrow alleys which lead to incredible mind bubbling sights.
Tuscania is also famous for the Etruscan Heritage; it is possible to visit few Necropolis among which the ones of "Madonna dell'Olivo" with the "Tomb of the Queen" with its complicated labyrinth of three levels underground corridors.
A must see is the Archaeological museum with the fantastic sarcophagus which belonged to the Curunas family.
Tour length: 4 hours.
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Castelli Romani
12-25 ml south-est of Rome
In this ancient site we can trace testimonies from the early stages of the Latin civilization from which the Romans come from.
During the middle ages the whole territory was part of the powerful family of the Tuscolo Cons.
In 1191, some adverse roman noble families destroyed their main site Tuscolo. From the destruction of this old city small centres will raise which will become the privileged holiday place of the Roman Clergy.
Frascati: Villa Aldobrandini and Villa Torlonia parks. St. Peter Cathedral and Church of Jesus.
Grottaferrata: Abbey of San Nilo (greek cult) founded by the saint in 1004 with frescoes of Domenichino.
Nemi: picturesque medieval town spreading around the lake. The lake was the seat of one of the most important roman Temples "Specus Dianae", and summer holidays place chosen by the emperor Caligula who used to live into boats on the lake.
Castel Gandolfo: Panoramic position overlooking the Albano Lake, it is famous worldwide to be the summer residence of the Pope: Papal residence, Church of St. Thomas of Villanova designed by Bernini.
The Roman Castles have been celebrated by a lot of local singers of the 50s and 60s such as Renato Rashel and Gabriella Ferri, they are the ideal location also for wine tasting (white Frascati), and of typical pork meat (porchetta di Ariccia) and of the famous wild mushrooms (Nemi-Velletri).
Tour length: 4 hours.
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Bracciano
25 ml north of Rome
Small medieval village developed all around its castle, it is one of the biggest in Europe. Built by the Orsini Family in the 1400s nowadays it is property of the Odescalchi Princes. The rooms were frescoed by Antoniazzo Romano and his 60 helpers, and give an incredible example with the furniture of Renaissance court lifestyle.
Tour Of Bracciano Lake: after the visit to the Castle, we suggest a stop in Anguillara Sabazia which historical centre spread along the lake shores. Terrific the view from the panoramic point of the city: Colleggiata dell'Assunta.
If your trip is in spring time and you are a passionate of life in the open air we suggest also visiting the Natural park of San Liberato. The park is property of the Prince Donato Sanminatelli, has a panoramic position over the lake, and its gardens have been designed by the architect Russel Page.
Tour length: 4 hours.
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