TOUR IN LATIUM

The map of 10 things to visit in Lazio
10 Things to See in Upper Latium
Alto Lazio refers to the area that encompasses the province of Viterbo. Thus, from the border with Tuscany to the city of Rome. This region is commonly referred to as Tuscia.

1. Viterbo
A city of Etruscan origin, Viterbo is the main city of Tuscia and among the first things to see in Upper Lazio. Did you know that Viterbo preserves the largest medieval-era historic center in Europe? The San Pellegrino Quarter is in fact the ancient heart of the city and is a succession of porticoes, bridge houses, loggias and ancient palaces.

Viterbo is in fact called “The City of the Popes,” as this was the main residence of the pontiffs outside Rome, and the Palace of the Popes is Viterbo’s main attraction. Built in the 13th century, it is a masterpiece of medieval art. Inside you will find the Hall of Conclave, where audiences were held.

2. Civita di Bagnoregio
Having become one of the best known and most beautiful villages in Italy, Civita di Bagnoregio is called “The Dying City.” In fact, this spectacular village sits atop a tuff hill, from which one of the most beautiful views in the entire region can be enjoyed. Founded more than 2,500 years ago by the Etruscans, today it is a tiny medieval village where time seems to have stood still. In fact, access is exclusively via a narrow footbridge, after the collapse of the driveway.

civita di bagnoregio
The spectacular view of Civita di Bagnoregio

3. Lake Bolsena
Nestled among the Volsini Mountains, 305 meters above sea level, we find Lake Bolsena. At the center of Europe’s largest volcanic water basin rise the Bisentina Island and Martana Island. On the former stood an ancient Etruscan city, while today we find the seven small churches erected by the Friars Minor. Isola Martana, on the other hand, is private and has a curious crescent shape. But what makes Lake Bolsena so unique are an almost intact natural environment and the presence of beautiful villages. In fact, the coasts are interspersed with inlets with sandy beaches and hills planted with olive trees and vineyards, from which the famous Est! Est!!! Est!!! of Montefiascone.

Among the villages overlooking the lake, a must-visit in Lazio is, of course, Bolsena. Its historic center is a perfect mix of medieval and Renaissance art, of which the Collegiate Church of Santa Cristina and the Rocca Monaldeschi della Cervara are to be admired. But the most characteristic and scenic village is Capodimonte. It is the smallest town, but also the most picturesque. Famous for its characteristic ochre houses, it is made up of alleys that lead to splendid terraces that open onto the lake’s body of water. An enchanting place, definitely among the things to see in Lazio!

4. Tarquinia
Among the things to see in Upper Lazio, here we are in Tarquinia. This city was for centuries one of the main centers of the Etruscan dodecapolis. Its influence in the ancient world is evidenced by the fact that as many as three kings of Rome were Etruscans, and they came from this city. The Etruscan Necropolis of Monterozzi, named for the archaeologist who discovered it, is one of the greatest examples of Etruscan art in Italy. In fact, it consists of more than 200 beautifully frescoed tombs depicting religious scenes with banquets, musicians and dancers.

Instead, inside the National Etruscan Museum you will be able to admire the largest collection of Etruscan artifacts in the world. In fact, you will find high reliefs, vases, sarcophagi and coins. Tarquinia allows you to take a plunge into the past and discover this extraordinary people who influenced the entire Mediterranean.

upper lazio what to see what to visit – tarquinia
A detail of the Necropolis of Monterozzi, in Tarquinia
5. Bomarzo
Nestled in the woods of the Cimini Mountains, in the heart of Tuscia, lies Bomarzo. It is one of the most beautiful and well-known historical centers of the region near the border with Umbria, stands out for its medieval center and the beautiful Palazzo Orsini. Moreover, also in Bomarzo we find incredible Etruscan testimonies, such as the Necropolis of Santa Cecilia, the Tomb of Musetto and the Etruscan Pyramid.

But the real feather in the cap of Bomarzo, is the striking Sacred Wood, better known as Monster Park. This park nestled in the forest was created in 1552 by Prince Orsini. The park is composed of numerous figures of monsters and dragons, mythological animals and esoteric temples. They in fact represented an initiatory path, and the monsters depicted are a metaphor for the mystery of science. An evocative place, unique and definitely worth seeing in Lazio!

what to visit in lazio – bomarzo
The peculiar sculptures in the Park of the Monsters of Bomarzo
6. Lake Bracciano
Moving southward, we find Lake Bracciano in the province of Rome. This extraordinary body of water of volcanic origin is rightfully among what to see in northern Lazio. With an area of 58 square kilometers and a maximum depth of 160 meters, it is a splendid natural oasis. In fact, the area offers numerous hiking trails, where you can admire a rich flora and fauna. Around the lake, on the other hand, rise very picturesque villages.

The eponymous village of Bracciano began as a small fishing center, developed around an ancient Etruscan settlement. The current urban planning, however, is from medieval times, when it became the residence of the Orsini family. In this regard, visit the Orsini Odescalchi Castle, from which you can admire an amazing view of the lake.

what to visit in lazio – Lake Bracciano
The beautiful village of Bracciano
7. Caprarola
One of the symbolic places to see in Upper Lazio, is the village of Caprarola, a few kilometers from Lake Vico, possesses beautiful 16th-century urban planning. In fact, the medieval village was literally torn apart to create the Via Dritta. This beautiful street is a straight line that leads from the town center directly to Palazzo Farnese, the symbol of Caprarola.

Considered the grandest late Renaissance work ever done in Italy, the greatest artists of the sixteenth century worked on it. Its pentagonal shape derives from an old medieval fortification, which Vignola decided to leave unchanged. Inside, however, we find fine frescoes and elegant Italian gardens. A small masterpiece of elegance, in the heart of Italy!

Caprarola
The view of Caprarola from the Palazzo Farnese
8. Tuscania
If you are still wondering what to visit in Lazio, we recommend the beautiful Tuscania. Considered one of the most beautiful villages in all of Central Italy, it stands on a set of 7 tufa promontories on which the historic core is built. In fact, its medieval village built directly into the rock is a real gem. Tuscania’s two most famous attractions are the Basilica di San Pietro, built on the hill of the same name, and the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.

These two churches alone are worth a visit to the village, but there is more. In fact, its historic center is an intricate labyrinth of narrow streets that conceals mysteries and secrets, scattered throughout the municipal area are numerous Etruscan necropolis. For example, the extraordinary Necropolis Madonna dell’Olivo, which hides the famous Tomb of the Queen. Or the Pian di Mola Necropolis, testifying to Tuscania’s great importance in Etruscan civilization.

what to visit in Lazio – Tuscania
The Church of St. Peter in the heart of the Etruscan city of Tuscania
9. Cerveteri
Among the 12 cities that formed the Etruscan dodecapolis, Cerveteri was along with Veio the closest to Rome. But unlike the latter, Cerveteri always tried to remain a friend and ally of the Romans. In any case, today we are left with a very prestigious archaeological site. In fact, the famous Necropolis of Banditaccia belonged precisely to ancient Caere. Included, together with that of Tarquinia, in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites includes perfectly preserved tumulus tombs. Inside the Tomb of Reliefs it is still possible to admire splendid decorations in relief, a novel fact compared to the usual frescoes.

Today the center of Cerveteri houses the beautiful Cerite Archaeological Museum, where we find all the Etruscan artifacts of the area. In addition, the medieval-era historic center preserves the striking Ruspoli Castle, built in the 13th century. One of the most impressive things to see in Lazio.

what to visit in Lazio – Cerveteri
The imposing Necropolis of the Banditaccia, in Cerveteri
10. Montalto di Castro
Finally, among what to visit in northern Lazio, we find ourselves in Montalto di Castro, in the beautiful scenery of the Maremma Laziale, has a small historic center. In fact, the present medieval village was built by the inhabitants of nearby Gravisca to escape the raids of the Saracens. Today, the village is composed of a series of alleys, from which you can unearth truly amazing glimpses. Certainly the building that stands out the most is the Guglielmini Castle, the true symbol of the town.

Finally, let us not forget that one of the most important cities of the Etruscan dodecapolis also stood here. In fact, Vulci was located right along the banks of the Fiora River, where the archaeological park stands today. Unfortunately, little remains to us today of the ancient Etruscan city, as the Romans literally razed it to the ground. In fact, Vulci was the first casualty in the war against Rome, and even today its ancient inhabitants are remembered for their strenuous resistance.

Montalto di Castro
The remains of the Roman bridge of ancient Vulci and the castle
10 Things to See in Lower Latium
We now point out a list of 10 things to see in Lower Lazio. This area includes the current provinces of Latina and Frosinone, as well as the southern section of the province of Rome. Therefore, in this area we find historical regions such as the Colli Romani, Ciociaria, Agro Pontino, and Riviera di Ulisse, all the way to the border with Campania.

1. Rome
Not too much explanation is needed to understand the uniqueness of Rome. The Eternal City is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and its immense beauty is due to its legendary history and the role it has always played in the Western world. In fact, in addition to the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, the Pantheon and the other great vestiges of Ancient Rome, let us remember that Rome is also the seat of the Catholic Church.

So St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel are the other superstars of the Italian metropolis. Add to that the medieval history with the Castel Sant’Angelo, the Risorgimento era with the Trevi Fountain, the baroque of the Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona, and the grandeur of the Altar of the Fatherland. In short, Rome is a microcosm apart and a lifetime would not be enough to visit it at its best!

What to visit in Lazio – Rome Colosseum
The Colosseum, symbol of Ancient Rome
2. Tivoli
Among what to visit in southern Lazio, Tivoli should not be missed. Tibur is even older than Rome and preserves some attractions of extraordinary historical and artistic value, for example, the Temples of the Acropolis, including the Temple of Sibyl. While near the ancient baths, stands the incredible Temple of the Cough. At the foot of the Acropolis, on the other hand, stands Villa Gregoriana.

Surrounded by beautiful forests and waterfalls, it was strongly desired by Pope Gregory XVI. Tivoli is a city of ancient villas. Indeed, how can we not mention Villa Adriana, the extraordinary home of Emperor Hadrian? Or, Villa d’Este with its incredible terraced gardens and water features, former home of the Duke of Este. A must-see in Lazio!

What to see in Lazio – Tivoli
All the ancient splendor of Hadrian’s Villa, Tivoli.
3. Castelli Romani
Castelli Romani refers to the set of towns that rise in the Alban Hills. This resounding geographical area is first and foremost a mythological place. In fact, it seems that ancient Albalonga rose right here, probably on top of Monte Cavo. Today we find authentic villages and beautiful towns, where history and mythology are intertwined with ancient traditions. You will find two volcanic lakes, Lake Albano and Lake Nemi. On the shores of the former rise Albano Laziale, the most populous town in the Castelli Romani, and Castel Gandolfo.

The latter houses the Barberini Palace and the Papal Palace, still owned by the Pope. While on Lake Nemi stands the eponymous village of Nemi, city of Caligula and among the most beautiful in Italy. Finally, we recommend you stop in Frascati for a visit to Villa Lancellotti, and Grottaferrata where the Byzantine-style Abbey of San Nilo, where the Greek Orthodox faith is still professed, is located.

Roman Castles
Lake Nemi and its beautiful village
4.Riviera of Ulysses
Among what to visit in Southern Lazio, this is one of the places we are most fond of. The Riviera of Ulysses is indeed a mythological place of great charm, capable of conveying strong emotions. It was here that Ulysses met the Lestrigons, and it was here that Aeneas’ nurse died and was buried. The Ulysses Riviera Regional Park includes the municipalities of Gaeta, Formia and Sperlonga. In these 50 kilometers of coastline you will encounter fine sandy beaches that alternate with beautiful rocky headlands with cliffs that reach up to 1,000 meters high

Roman emperors and wealthy men of Rome used this area as a vacation spot dedicated to idleness. In fact, in Sperlonga you can visit the extraordinary Villa of Tiberius, with its ancient gardens that housed the incredible Grotto of Tiberius. But Formia is also home to an important archaeological site. In fact, don’t miss Nerva’s Wall, probably connected to Tiberius’ project in Sperlonga.

Riviera of Ulysses Sperlonga
The evocative Caves of Tiberius, in Sperlonga
5. Terracina and the Circeo
Continuing our journey into myth, we find Terracina. Considered the most beautiful city in the province of Latina, it was an important center in Roman times. Today, its historic center preserves the spectacular Roman Forum. Perfectly intact, you can observe the original pavement. Still in the city center, you can admire the ancient Amphitheater and the Mosaic Temple. But the real symbol of Terracina is the Temple of Jupiter Anxur, one of the largest sanctuaries in all of Roman history and dominating from above the entire Pontine Plain and the Circeo Promontory. An unmissable sight to see in Lazio.

Continuing north, we reach instead the spectacular Monte Circeo, the home of the Sorceress, where the ancient Temple of Circe stands. The main center of the area is San Felice Circeo, from where the path leading to the Peak of Circe begins. Along the way stop at the Grotta della Sibilla, an ancient Roman cistern from which to admire a splendid panorama.

Finally, the last municipality in the Circeo National Park, here we are in Sabaudia. This beautiful town was built during the fascist era and is home to beautiful beaches such as La Bufalara. The area is highly marshy, as it lies in the heart of the Agro Pontino, and preserves a unique fauna. Near Lake Paola, do not miss the archaeological site of the Villa of Domitian.

What to visit in Lazio what to see – Circeo
The breathtaking view from Mount Circeo
6. Pontine Islands
Off the Gulf of Gaeta, among what to visit in Lazio, you cannot miss the Pontine Islands. The archipelago is divided between the northern Ponziane Islands, which includes Ponza, Palmarola, Gavi and Zannone, and the southern Ponziane Islands, with Ventotene and Santo Stefano. Among them, only Ponza and Ventotene are inhabited.

Ponza is the largest island, the small town consists of picturesque narrow streets and colorful houses, while all around you will find postcard-perfect sea, incredible beaches and coves. Among them we recommend Cala Feola, Cala Fonte and Frontone Beach, which can be reached on foot, while the splendid Chiaia di Luna, Cala Felce and the spectacular Faraglioni di Lucia Rossa can only be reached by boat.

Ventotene, on the other hand, is a sensational historical landmark that is definitely worth seeing in Lazio. In fact, its port is very ancient and even dates back to Roman times. On the island you will also find the beautiful Villa Giulia, an ancient Roman residence that houses an interesting Archaeological Museum but, above all, the island is set within a marine protected area covered with impressive vegetation; a true natural oasis.

Finally, Palmarola is even considered the most beautiful island in the world!

What to see in Lazio – Ponza Pontine Islands
The beach of Chiaia di Luna, in Ponza
7. Anzio
Continuing northward, about 60 kilometers from Rome, we find Anzio. Among the main things to visit in Lazio, ancient Antium has very ancient origins. It was in fact the capital of the Volscians and later fell under Roman rule. Today, Anzio offers a splendid waterfront and beautiful beaches. The most striking of all is undoubtedly the Grotta di Nerone Beach, with fine sand and surrounded by spectacular cliffs overlooking the sea.

Just across the beach stands the ancient Imperial Villa that belonged to Nero and its Archaeological Park. Some of the greatest masterpieces of classical art have been found here, such as the Borghese Gladiator and the Apollo of Belvedere, respectively housed in the Louvre and the Vatican Museums.

Anzio
The Beach of Nero’s Caves at Sunset
8. Anagni
Continuing our list of what to visit in Lazio, we move to Ciociaria and recommend visiting Anagni, in the heart of the province of Frosinone was an important papal city. In fact, you cannot miss the beautiful Palace of Boniface VIII, home of one of the most controversial popes in papal history. The town, at present, has an intricate system of narrow streets and small squares from which to admire picturesque views. The main street of Anagni is Via Vittorio Emanuele where stands the splendid Palazzo della Ragione, built in 1163 in Lombard style.

But the real feather in Anagni’s cap is its magnificent Cathedral, facing Pope Innocent III Square on the ancient acropolis; a perfect example of Gothic-Romanesque. Descend into the crypt to admire one of our country’s most important treasures; you will find a cycle of incredible frescoes, so much so that it is considered the Sistine Chapel of Ciociaria.

What to see in Lazio what to visit – Anagni
The beautiful medieval village of Anagni
9. Sermoneta
We return to the province of Latina, where we recommend a visit to Sermoneta. This small medieval town stands on the ancient Roman city of Sora Moneta. In the medieval period it became particularly influential thanks to the seigniory of the Cateani family, who turned it into a thriving artistic and cultural hotbed until the Renaissance. In fact, the Caetani Castle was an impregnable fortress in medieval times, which the Borgias transformed into a residential castle in the 1500s. In the city center, we recommend you stop by the Loggia dei Mercanti, the place where commercial activities took place and where the film “Non ci resta che piangere” with Massimo Troisi and Roberto Benigni was filmed.

But Sermoneta’s most important attraction lies slightly outside the historic center. In fact, about 5 kilometers away was the small village of Ninfa. Built on the site of a small Roman temple dedicated to the goddess Maia, mother of Hermes, the village was destroyed and abandoned in the 14th century. It was only thanks to the Caetani family, in the 1800s, that the place shined again and the Garden of Ninfa was created, a splendid paradise composed of lakes, waterfalls, bridges and fragrant flowers. A place absolutely to be experienced!

Sermoneta
The romantic Garden of Ninfa, in Sermoneta
10. Cassino
Finally, we descend southward, and a few kilometers from the Campania border we find Cassino. Founded on the ancient Roman city of Casinum, today we find an archaeological area with a sanctuary, theater and amphitheater. But Cassino is, of course, the town of the Abbey of Montecassino, a place rich in spirituality capable of provoking emotions that few other places in the world can bestow. Founded in 529 by St. Benedict of Norcia, who wrote the famous “ora et labora” rule here, it sits atop the ancient acropolis overlooking the town of Cassino. The abbey was destroyed four times in the course of its history, but always rebuilt with – precisely – Benedictine patience. After the last terrible bombing during World War II, today we find it again in all its splendor and great spirituality.

Don’t miss the Chiostro del Bramante, from which to admire the splendid view of the Ciociara countryside; visit the Museum, which houses paintings, manuscripts and ancient books; and, inside, stop to admire Botticelli’s The Nativity.

What to see in Lazio what to visit – Cassino Abbey Montecassino
The Abbey of Montecassino, founded by St. Benedict of Norcia
5 Things to do in Lazio, the experiences not to be missed
We’ve seen that Lazio offers a unique variety. But among the things to visit in Lazio, we thought we would also point out the best experiences not to be missed in Lazio. In fact, in addition to being a region where great peoples and empires have dominated the entire world, you will also find exquisite local cuisine here. In addition, we are talking about a region rich in parks and gardens, which we highly recommend you explore. Or, how about skiing in the heart of Italy? If, on the other hand, you prefer the sea, you can always take boat trips to the Pontine Islands or, why not, follow the routes of the ancients!

So, let’s find out together what to do in Lazio!

1. Savor typical regional cuisine
On one of your trips to Lazio, you cannot fail to try traditional cuisine. In fact, it is a region rich in flavors, ancient recipes and quality products. You can enjoy delicious pasta dishes such as carbonara, gricia, amatriciana or cacio e pepe. Or head to the Castelli Romani to eat the typical porchetta di Ariccia! But also saltimbocca alla romana, meatballs and guanciale. Finally, we are in a region of excellent wines. On the Castelli Romani you will find the Cannellino di Frascati and the eponymous Marino. While in Montefiascone the singular Est! Est!!! Est!!!

what to do in lazio what to see – regional cuisine pasta amatriciana
The world-famous spaghetti all’amatriciana
2. Explore the gardens of Latium
Latium is a green land, rich in gardens from every era, so we recommend you visit them all and enjoy their peace. Head to Sermoneta to relax at the spectacular Giardino di Ninfa and Giardini della Landriana. But, as we have seen, Lazio is teeming with luxury residences and villas from every era. Again, you can enjoy the special Park of the Monsters in Bomarzo, the gardens of Villa d’Este, Villa Adriana and Villa Gregoriana in Tivoli, and the wonderful gardens of Villa Lante in Bagnaia.

Villa d’Este Gardens
All the pageantry of Villa d’Este, Tivoli
3. Following the routes of the ancients
On the list of what to do in Latium, we recommend a truly evocative experience. In fact we are talking about a legendary place, where Aeneas arrived escaping from burning Troy, Odysseus during his Odyssey, conquerors of all ethnicities and great men of faith. You can thus follow in the footsteps of the ancient Etruscans in Tuscia, but above all retrace the entire coastline of the province of Latina and follow the route of Odysseus, Aeneas and visit the refuge of the Sorceress Circe. Finally, walk in the footsteps of St. Benedict who, from Norcia and after a long journey, stopped in Montecassino to found the monastery that is the symbol of the Benedictine order.

What to do in Lazio what to see – follow routes of Aeneas Ulysses Riviera Gaeta
The beach of Gaeta, where Aeneas landed
4. A boat ride to Ponza and the Ponziane Islands.
For sea lovers looking for what to do in Lazio, we recommend a boat ride to the Ponziane Islands. As we have seen, the islands of the Latium archipelago are a true paradise on earth, and the best way to visit them is undoubtedly by boat. Therefore, you can circumnavigate Ponza Island and stop at the most beautiful bays for a swim. Or, you can dock in Ventotene and admire its unspoiled Nature. But by boat, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy uninhabited islands, such as Palmarola Zannone and Santo Stefano. They are also home to some historic buildings, but above all, a fabulous sea!

Boat in the Pontine Islands
The incredible scenery of the Ponzi Islands
5. Skiing on Mount Terminillo
Finally, we have not forgotten about the Rieti region! In fact, the area that corresponds to the current province of Rieti is the least known in the region. Nevertheless, there are numerous things to see and activities to do. Its capital, Rieti, is considered the navel of Italy as it has been estimated that the true center of the peninsula is this city. In fact, we are located in the heart of the Apennines, and why not take the opportunity to ski in the heart of the boot? In fact, Mount Terminillo is home to great ski facilities. Take the Terminillo cable car and experience the beautiful slopes of Lazio!

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