lakes of rome. lake bracciano guide

Lakesfo Rome

www.lakesofrome.com

eXperience

EnzoRamella

The Guide

http://www.lakesofrome.com

Enzo RamellaLakes of Rome eXperience. The Guide.

1st edition June 2015

Printed in Neustadt an der Aisch (DE)by Onlineprinters GmbH

Ass.Terre degli Orsini - Contea Pisciarellivia Olmata Tre Cancelli 7 - 00062 Bracciano (RM)

Terredegli

Orsini

Disclaimer: every information contained in this guide have been checked before printing, however they may no longer be correct at the time you read them: you must always check the information you read in this guide before using them. Please consider that the charts shown in this guide do never represent the complete overview neither of public transport system nor of single lines: we show you only the parts both of public transport system and single lines that we consider to be of your interest. Prices, schedules and opening times may change or conditions may be applied to them. Trains per hour link information refers to peak hours on weekdays: the frequency may change over the year, week and day. All distances and travel times are calculated from town’s center to town’s center by Google Map™: travel times may differ if you’re reaching destinations scattered throughout a municipality’s territory. Distance to/from airports are calculated in the same way (airport to town’s center and vice versa). Both author and publisher of this guide disclaim any and every liability for damage, inconvenience and discomfort that may result to property and persons from incorrect or no longer updated information. Reading this guide imply that you accept these conditions. The same terms and conditions apply to the Internet site www.lakesofrome.com.

Printed with the contribution of

This brochure is

http://www.terredegliorsini.it

http://www.bccroma.it

http://www.climatepartner.com

Experience Lakes of RomeChoose your accomodation

Agriturismo La [email protected]

+39 06.99815284 / +39 329.4237639Agriturismo La Gismonda

Braccianovia della Cisterna, 6

Agriturismo L. B. [email protected]

giusepperre64+39 06.9988554 / +39 333.2302194

Braccianovia Baglione, 13

Borgo [email protected]

Borgo Paola Casa Vacanze+39 06.99804569 / +39 347.2952984

Braccianovia del Micciaro, 11b

BeB Antico Casale La [email protected]

La Terrazza di San Clemente+39 339.6034325

Anguillaravia Casale della Riccia, 5

Terrazza di S. [email protected]

La Terrazza di San Clemente+39 339.6034325

Braccianovia San Clemente, 14

Bella di [email protected]

Bella di Casa Apartments+39 338.3172394 / +39 333.9404300

Braccianovia C. Cattaneo, 1

http://gismonda.lakesofrome.com

http://lbstud.lakesofrome.com

http://borgopaola.lakesofrome.com

http://lariccia.lakesofrome.com

http://sanclemente.lakesofrome.com

http://belladicasa.lakesofrome.com

Experience Lakes of RomeEnjoy your meal

Bracciano

The excellent restaurant under the castle’s wall

via della Collegiata 4/10

Al CastelloRestaurant

(closed on Monday)

+39 06.99.81.52.72+39 347.91.54.001

FUUD

Trevignanop. Vittorio Emanuele III 15/20

(closed on Monday)

+39 06.99.97.548+39 347.18.57.246

RISTOPIZZA

The excellent restaurant along the lake promenade

Bracciano via Circumlacuale 27d

The excellent restaurant on the beach

+39 320.87.60.696+39 340.28.75.063(open every day)

VivaSporting!

http://alcastello.lakesofrome.com

http://fuud.lakesofrome.com

http://vivasporting.lakesofrome.com

Taxi is a way to get from point A to point B. But in Lakes of Rome TAXIs are much more: they are a way to know the territory and explore its co-olest stuff without any wor-ries and thoughts. They are the promoters of the project Carpe Diem. Book 1, 2 or 3 TAXIs (up to 18 passengers) and ask for Carpe Diem: the taxidrivers will organize you a tour around Lakes of Rome, accompanied by a licensed guide, even on boat. All of our TAXIs can carry up to 6 passengers. All the drivers speak English. See the Menù card to know prices and ava-iable itinerary.

TAXI 1 - Angelo+39 345.344.9836

TAXI 2 - Roberto+39 338.817.4480

TAXI 3 - Mauro+39 329.425.1065

More info

http://braccianotaxi.lakesofrome.com


How to get to Lakes of RomeLanding at Fiumicino Airport (FCO)

FiumicinoAirport

RomaTrastevere

RomaOstiense

RomaTermini

La Storta

Cesanodi Roma

AnguillaraSabazia

Bracciano

Manziana

OrioloRomano

up to1h 35’

up to1h 40’

up to2h 00’

up to2h 05’

up to2h 25’

up to2h 30’

Legend

to Viterbo

Disclaimer: The chart does not show the entire line, but it contains only the informations that we consider interesting for travelers heading to Lakes of Rome. The max journey times are

calculated by the official website www.trenitalia.com, and represent the max times, including the interchange waiting time, on weekdays at peak hours, assuming

you take the first available train at interchange depot. At the station of Roma Trastevere, or Roma Ostiense, you have to get on the train to

Bracciano or Viterbo. Conversely, for the return trip, you have to look for the trains to Roma Ostiense or Roma Tiburtina.

FL1

Train Station

4 trains per hourlink Rome

2 trains per hourlink Rome

1 train per hourlink Rome

max journey time to travel from/to Fiumicino Airport

Rome - Fiumicino Airport Railways

Rome - ViterboRailway

FL3 name/number of the railroad line

FL3

How to get to Lakes of RomeLanding at Ciampino Airport (CIA)

Ciampino AirportCiampinoAnagnina

MARoma Termini

MAValle AureliaBracciano AnguillaraManzianaOriolo R.

BattistiniMA

Legend

Train/Metro Station

4 trains per hourlink Rome2 trains per hourlink Rome1 train per hourlink Rome

Railway

Metro

Road

Bus Station

MA

Ladispoli

FL4

FL5

FL3

to V

iterb

o

FiumicinoAirport

Bracciano

AnguillaraSabazia

TrevignanoRomano

Canale Monterano

OrioloRomano

Manziana

42’

45’

54’

50’

55’

54’

How to get to Lakes of RomeLanding at FiumicinoAirport (FCO)

CiampinoAirport

Bracciano 55’

AnguillaraSabazia 47’

TrevignanoRomano 53’

Manziana 1h 04’

Canale Monterano 1h 08’

OrioloRomano 1h 07’

Landing at CiampinoAirport (CIA)

70€ up to 4 passengers

80€ up to 4 passengers

Do not take chances with the taximeter: save money traveling at flat rates by Lakes of Rome official TAXIs.

TAXI 1 - Angelo+39 329.425.1067

TAXI 2 - Roberto+39 338.817.4480

TAXI 3 - Mauro+39 345.344.9836

Disclaimer: Travel times are calculated by Google Map™. The prices refers to a one way Bracciano - Airport or vice versa, in the daytime. Call to confirm the quote.



MA

P

30'

40'

35'

64

MB

25'

4 trains per hour link Rome



station in Rome's city center

travel by car

MAInterchange stationtrain - subway line A

MBInterchange stationtrain - subway line B

64 Interchange stationtrain - bus line n. 64

P Interchange stationtrain - parking30' car travel time

Disclaimer: the schemes do not contain the entire network, but show only the stops that we consider useful for the tourists. Car travel times are calculated by Google Maps™.

The number of trains per hour link refers to peak time: alway check the informations at stations or on the official websites

www.trenitalia.com and www.atac.roma.it

Public transportation’s network to and from Rome

Legend

Valle Aurelia

Viterbo

Vetralla

Capranica

Oriolo R.

Manziana

Bracciano

Anguillara S.

Cesano di R.

La Storta

Civitavecchia

Ladispoli

Roma S. Pietro

Roma Trastevere

Roma Ostiense

FL3 FL5

8


MB

Disclaimer: The chart does not show the entire line, but only the stops that may be of interest to you, indicating, for each of them, the main monuments: those marked by an aste-risk require a short walk to be reached.

Battistini

Valle Aurelia

Cipro

Ottaviano

Lepanto

Flaminio

Spagna

Barberini

Repubblica

Termini

Vittorio Emanuele

Manzoni

San Giovanni

Anagnina

S. Giovanni in Laterano

S. Maria Maggiore* - Porta Maggiore*

train to: Ladispoli - Civitavecchia

Baths of Diocletian - via Nazionale

via Veneto - Fontana di Trevi*

piazza di Spagna - Trinità dei Monti - via del Corso*

piazza del Popolo - Villa Borghese - via del Corso

St. Peter*

Vatican Museum*

train to: Cesano di Roma - Bracciano - Viterbo

MA Baroque Rome

St. Peter

Castel S. Angelo

Piazza Navona

Campo de’ Fiori

Pantheon

Largo Argentina

Piazza Venezia

Quirinale

Bus line

Roma Termini

Roma S. Pietro

train to: Cesano di Roma Bracciano - Viterbotrain to: Ladispoli

Tram line

Piazza Venezia

Casaletto

8

Villa Sciarra

Largo Argentina*

Trastevere

Tiber Island*

Porticus Octaviae*

Roma Trastevere

Disclaimer: The chart does not show the entire line, but only the stops that may be of interest to you, The sites marked by an asterisk require a short walk to be reached.

train to: Cesano di Roma Bracciano - Viterbotrain to: Ladispoli

o

MA

Disclaimer: The chart does not show the entire line, but only the stops that may be of interest to you, indicating, for each of them, the main monuments: those marked by an aste-risk require a short walk to be reached.

Ancient RomeMB


via dei Fori Imperiali* - Basilica of Saint Mary Major*

Coliseum - Imperial Forums - Domus Aurea Arch of Costantine - Palatine

Circus Maximus - Baths of Caracalla* Temple of Vesta* - S. Maria in Cosmedin*

Pyramid of Cestius - porta S. Paolo

train to: Cesano di Roma - Bracciano - Viterbo


train to: Ostia Antica - Ostia Lido

Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls

train to: Ostia Antica - Ostia Lido

Rebibbia

Termini

Cavour

Colosseo

Circo Massimo

Piramide

Garbatella

Basilica S. Paolo

Laurentina

Going to Rome by train:find your station

Navigate to (GPS)

BRACCIANOgo: from 05.45back: up to 22.05every: 30’-60’

severalhardcheap

ANGUILLARAgo: from 05.57back: up to 22.05every: 30’-60’

severalmediumcheap

LA STORTAgo: from 06.10back: up to 22.05every: 15’-30’

a loteasyvery cheap

LADISPOLIgo: from 05.30back: up to 23.38every: 15’-30’

fewhardaffordable

Disclaimer: “go” means the first train to Rome; “back” means the last train from Roma Ostiense (for Roma S. Pietro add 8’, for Valle Aurelia add 13’).

Always check at the stations or on www.trenitalia.it

App advisorFree Apps you may consider installing on your smartphone

is the application for getting around Rome by public transport: it lets you know in real time the fastest routes, the waiting time for the bus, and the latest news on urban mobility.

Probus Roma

is the official Trenitalia’s app that let’s you see the train times, buy tickets, edit your purchases, check train punctuality and view departures boards, both on local and national trains.

Pronto Treno

identifies, based on you location (GPS), the gas station the clo-sest to you, and the cheapest one too, showing you the price table. And once you’ve chosen the distributor it loads the target on the smartphone navsat.

Prezzi Benzina

is the official app of Aeroporti di Roma, that shows, in real time, the flight status of Fiumicino and Ciampino airports. It updates in real time on Terminal and gate, planned and actual time, number of conveyor belt for baggage claim.

Aeroporti di Roma

Disclaimer: apps, trademarks and images belong to their respective owners; we are not in any way connected with them: we just want to suggest some apps that we consider

to be of interest to you. Read the information in the app store before downloa-ding, and install the app at your own risk: we accept no liability for any

accident, loss or damage to both your smartphone and datas.

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34

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Table of contents

eXperience

Viterbo

Tarquinia

Civitavecchia

Allumiere

Santa

Marinella

Ladispoli

Cerveteri

Tolfa

Bracciano

Manzian

aCanal

e

Oriolo

Anguillara

Campagnano

Tuscania

Vetralla

Vejano

BleraBarb

arano

BassanoSutri

Nepi

CapranicaRonciglione

Caprarola

Maz

zano

Calcata

Trevignano

CivitaCastellana

Montefia

scone

Bagnoregio

Fabricadi Roma

Vignanello

Soriano

Bomarzo

28

12

10

Lakes of Rome

locations you can reach in

less than 60 minutes of driving from any town in Lakes of Rome

locations you can reach in

less than 90 minutes of driving from any town in Lakes of Rome

Legend

Bracciano municipality

10 pages’ number

13

14

15

17

18

19

Navigate to (GPS) Web SiteNavigate to (GPS) Web Site

Bracciano

The construction of the castle began in 1470 by order of Napoleone Orsini, lord of Braccia-no, and is completed by his son Gentil Virgi-nio in 1485. Previously the site was occupied by a quadrangular t ower, presumably com-missioned by the Ghibelline family of Prefetti di Vico (who owned Bracciano between the 13th and 14th c.), later incorporated into the new building. Over the centuries the castle, designed b y Francesco d i Giorgio Martini, underwent p rofound c hanges. F or its s tra-tegic position it w as o ften at t he center o f disputes among the most important Roman noble families. Pope Alexander VI, motivated by a deep resentment towards the Orsini, in

devoted to the woman, who shows momen-ts of late medieval court life associated with the passage o f time and t he seasons, and the Antoniazzo Romano’s fresco with the triumph of Gentile Virginio Orsini. At the end of the 16th c., for the marriage of Isabella de’ Medici and Paolo Giordano Orsini (1st duke of B racciano), Taddeo and Federico Zuc-cari painted several r ooms, including t he

one that in 1481 was home to the Pope. In 1696 Flavio Orsini sold the castle to Livio I Ode-scalchi. In 1952 the castle became a museum. On Saturday and Sunday you can combine a visit to the Museum of the Duomo. The Civic Mu-seum, housed in the former Augustinian con-vent of Santa Maria Novella, is worth a visit.

castleBracciano’s

(Castello Orsini-Odescalchi)

Opening:su

mm

er ti

me

Tue - Sat10.00 - 12.0015.00 - 17.00

Sunday10.00 - 12.3015.00 - 18.00

win

ter t

ime

Tue - Sat10.00 - 12.0015.00 - 17.00

Sunday10.00 - 12.3015.00 - 18.00

Bracciano, Piazza Mazzini

Castle: +39 0699804340

point of interest

page number

municipality

scan with your smartphone to load the tar-get in the navigator: it’ll send you to the parking lot closest to the point of interest.

address loaded in the QR code

institutional phone numberscan with your smartphone to load more updated information

the gold medal indicates the best experien-

ces: don’t miss them!

the road in-dicates a fast expe-

rience you may con-sider on the road to another destination.

Legend

information on opening and closing times

1

Navigate to (GPS) Web Site

Bracciano Anguillara&

&TrevignanoLake

Bracciano(Lago di Bracciano)

largest free and sandy beach: Vigna di Valle’sAnguillara, via Lungolago delle Muse

Lake Bracciano (or Lake Sabatino, from latin Lacus Sabatinus), is a volcanic lake situa-ted north of Rome. It has an area of 57.5 km², the maximum depth is 160 meters (525 ft). On the shores of the lake there are three towns: Bracciano, on the western side, An-guillara, on the south eastern, and Trevigna-no, on the northern one. The lake is at the center of Regional Nature Park of Braccia-no-Martignano, an area of great naturalistic value, ideal for lovers of hiking and cycling. The waters, off-limits to motor boats, are cle-ar and clean (the lake is a water reserve of Rome) and ideal for water sports: the lush vegetation on the shores and the numerous archaeological sites which lies at a shallow depth underwater, makes SUP (stand up paddle) and canoeing unique experiences. Many sandy or grassy beaches surround the lake, both free and equipped. A boat in

service from spring to summer links the three towns and the Air Force Museum (four stops in all) via the lake: a nice way to explore the terri-tory. During the day there are several shuttle bu-ses that link Bracciano to the lake promenade.

http://01000.lakesofrome.com


2

Navigate to (GPS) Web SiteNavigate to (GPS) Web Site

Bracciano

The construction of the castle began in 1470 by order of Napoleone Orsini, lord of Braccia-no, and is completed by his son Gentil Virgi-nio in 1485. Previously the site was occupied by a quadrangular tower, presumably com-missioned by the Ghibelline family of Prefetti di Vico (who owned Bracciano between the 13th and 14th c.), later incorporated into the new building. Over the centuries the castle, designed by Francesco di Giorgio Martini, underwent profound changes. For its stra-tegic position it was often at the center of disputes among the most important Roman noble families. Pope Alexander VI, motivated by a deep resentment towards the Orsini, in 1496 confiscated the castle. These were the years of the first pictorial: the famous cycle devoted to the woman, who shows momen-ts of late medieval court life associated with the passage of time and the seasons, and the Antoniazzo Romano’s fresco with the triumph of Gentile Virginio Orsini. At the end of the 16th c., for the marriage of Isabella de’ Medici and Paolo Giordano Orsini (1st duke of Bracciano), Taddeo and Federico Zuc-cari painted several rooms, including the

one that in 1481 was home to the Pope. In 1696 Flavio Orsini sold the castle to Livio I Ode-scalchi. In 1952 the castle became a museum. On Saturday and Sunday you can combine a visit to the Museum of the Duomo. The Civic Mu-seum, housed in the former Augustinian con-vent of Santa Maria Novella, is worth a visit.

castleBracciano’s

(Castello Orsini-Odescalchi)

Opening:

sum

mer

tim

e

Tue - Sat10.00 - 12.0015.00 - 17.00

Sunday10.00 - 12.3015.00 - 18.00

win

ter t

ime

Tue - Sat10.00 - 12.0015.00 - 17.00

Sunday10.00 - 12.3015.00 - 18.00

Bracciano, Piazza Mazzini

Castle: +39 0699804340



3


MuseumMunicipal

(Museo Civico di Bracciano)

BraccianoOpening:

sum

mer

tim

e Tue - Fri17.00 - 20.00

Sunday10.00 - 13.0017.00 - 20.00

win

ter t

ime Tue - Fri

09.00 - 13.00

Sunday10.00 - 18.00

Bracciano, via Umberto I, 5+39 06.99805106

The Museo Civico di Bracciano is based at the former Augustinian convent of Santa Maria Novella. Along with the municipal hi-storical archive, located in the same building, preserves the memory of the community of Bracciano and the roots of his identity. This justifies the exhibition criterion: collected works, in fact, bear witness to the life of Bracciano over the centuries, offering the visitor an image of everyday life rather than the extraordinary episode. The museum is divided into five halls: the fist one introduces the museum and the community of Braccia-no, understood as the institution from which it derives the City. The maps show the land and the old industrial site while artworks tell us about the institutional life of the city and some local personalities. In hall B are expo-sed Etruscan found in the territory of Brac-ciano, documenting the presence of settle-ments in the era prior to the Romanization of Etruria. The hall C exhibits of Roman and

early Christian, some of which come from the important archaeological site of Clodii Forum. In hall D are exposed artworks made for major local clients, both public and private, were born in the town: valuable the statue Venere e Adone from Cristoforo Stati (18th c.), con-sidered one of the masterpieces of Lazio’s mannerism. The hall E exhibits objects of wor-

ship, liturgical and architectural remains from the Church of Santa Maria Novella. On Saturday and Sunday you may consider a visit to the Museum of the Duomo.



4


MuseumAir Force

(Museo dell’Aeronautica)

Opening: summer timeTue - Sun

09.00 - 17.30

winter timeTue - Sun

09.00 - 17.00

Bracciano

Bracciano, via Circumlacuale+39 06.99887509 [email protected]

The first aviation exhibition to be put on di-splay in Italy was mounted in 1913 in Castel S. Angelo in Rome. In 1923 the Air Force had been established as one of the Italian Armed Forces. In 1939 the exhibition was located in Lungotevere delle Vittorie. From 1950 onwards, the idea of setting up an Hi-storical Aviation Museum surfaced again: as a result, the aviation material held by the Air Force was moved virtually entirely to the airport at Vigna di Valle where a centre for the collection of historical and scientific ma-terial relating to flight had already been set up. Nowadays the Museum is located on the south shores of Lake Bracciano where in 1904 the first Experimental Aviation Yard was established, and where in 1908 the first Italian military airship, the N.1, was built. The Museum is set amongst the buildings and structures of the seaplane base, today the only site of this kind where the typical archi-tecture of an Aviation centre that evolved from the birth of aviation to the 1960’s are preserved intact. In its 13,000 sq. it houses

over sixty aircraft and a vast collection of engines as well as mementos of all types that tell, in chronological order, the history of military flying in Italyand of the men who lived it and sha-ped it. The Museum tour winds through the various sectors dedicated to the Pioneers, the

Airships, WWI, Nobile’s epic Polar Flights, the Great Flights in Mass Formation, the Schneider Trophy, the period between the wars, WWII and the post-war revival.



5


BraccianoOpening: free access

PisciarelliAntica

(Pisciarelli, hamlet of Bracciano)

Archeonatura

Bracciano, via Olmata Tre Cancelli

Ask for a guide: +39 06.99815284

Three historical aqueducts (from the Ro-mans up to XVIII sec.), a great and charming ancient cistern, divided into three environ-ments and, once, supported by 16 columns, several water intakes, a Roman sepulcher and a road (Via Clodia), a bridge with whi-ch you can cross a crystal clear stream, the ruins of a church of the 16th c., an old iron foundry, some abandoned farmhouses, and a cave used in early Christian: all this artifacts are hidden in the wood of Pisciarel-li, along a network of trails that’s ideal for a

walk or a bike ride. You may choose how long your route are going to be, and how much time are you going to spend on it, enjoying the archaeology, the history and the nature. Let

a scholar who has professionally studied this mo-numents guides you in the tour. At the end a deli-cious tasting of local products will wait for you in a agriturismo nearby. Call +39 06.99815284.



6


The Vivasporting is located on the shores of the Bracciano Lake, it’s a natural oasis just a few steps away from the historical town. It’s one of the most saught-after beaches of the lake, where you can spend thoughtless days sunbathing and jumping in the clear water. Our restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. We propose fine taditional cuisine with natural and local dishes. Most of the vegetables we serve are taken from our garden, from the tomatoes to the spices

wich you can find planted on every corner of the location. Even the different types of cheese and meat is taken from local producers. Later in the afternoon you can join us sipping an aperitif, which is one of the most fascinating moments here at the Viva: we use fresh fruit and create many different and innovative types of cocktails, all served while admiring the beautiful sunset on the lake. Many courses take place at Vivasporting: Canoeing,

Windsurfing, Tango, Zumba, Pilates, Volleyball, Salsa, etc... On summer evenings you can join various events like Swing and Jazz sessions, theater performances and also Disco evenings, there’s always something going on!

Bracciano, via Circumlacuale, 27d

+39 320.87.60.696 - 340.28.75.063

VivaSporting!

(beach - bar- restaurant)

BraccianoOpening: May - September

every day08.00 am - 02.00pm



7

Navigate to (GPS) Web SiteAdriani’s store: Bracciano, via Volpi, 19

Dairy: Anguillara, via Casale S. Angelo km 16

Bracciano Anguillara&

dairyAdriani’s

(Caseificio Adriani)

At the time of Granpa Serafino, shepherds and cheese makers, those who possessed sheeps, had to walk from Abruzzo to the Campa-gna Romana (transhumance): they left the Apennines in September, when it was time of sfi-gliatura (when the lambs were born), and in the mountain the grassland was depleted. They arrived in Rome within a week (the most far-sighted reached Lake Bracciano, where the microclimate is ideal for clover, sulla and oat), where they found the new grasses. The she-pherds curdled the milk in the huts where they lived during the winter, and the next morning they departed by vignarola, a long horse-drawn cart, to go and sell their products to the citi-zens of Rome. This ancient story continues, between the tradition and the latest technology, in the Adriani’s Dairy: our products are recognized at the highest level of quality, so as to

have won, several times, the Premio Roma. Our pride are the Serafino, a caciotta from sheep, and the Caciocardo, a cheese made by vege-table rennet obtained from wild thistle, following the recipe of Columella’s De Re Rustica.

Opening: Mon - Sat08.30 - 13.00store08.30 - 13.00dairy

weekly rest on Thursday afternoon

16.30 - 20.0016.00 - 20.00



8


Anguillara

SabaziaAnguillara

Town and museums

Anguillara is a charming town perched on a promontory lying on the lake. The site has been inhabited since the Neolithic, as evi-denced by the discovery of a submerged vil-lage near the area known as La Marmotta: at Centro Espositivo del Neolitico di Anguil-lara Sabazia (Via Anguillarese, 147) you can see a canoe of 9.50 meters (31 ft) carved out of a single tree trunk. The existence of mi-neral water springs (still in use today), arou-sed the interest of the Romans: the ruins of Villa of AQVA CLAVDIA (by the emperor Claudius) are located in the homonymous archaeological and nature park, close to the modern plant. From the same period was the villa of Rutilia Polla, mentioned in the Digest (a compendium of Roman law compiled by order of the emperor Justinian I): some ruins lie underwater close to the modern pier. The so-called Mura di Santo Stefano (photo 2) is a monumental example of rustic Roman villa (2nd c.), later converted into a church. The medieval town dates back to the 11th c., when it was in the hands of Anguillara’s

family; at the end of the 15th c. it became a feud of the Orsini’s family, which built the ho-monymous tower, which today houses the museum of rural culture. The 16th c. Collegiate

Church of Santa Maria Assunta is located on top of town, in a strategic location that allows you to enjoy a superb view of the lake: it houses the impressive organ built by Domenico Alari (19th c.), and several sacred paintings.

Anguillara Sabazia

Tourist Office: +39 06.9968415

Opening: on public holidays09.00 - 12.0015.00 - 19.00

Museum of rural culture

Tuesday to Sunday10.00 - 13.0016.00 - 20.00

Museum of Neolithic



9


MartignanoLake

Opening: free access

The small Lake Martignano (2.44 sq km, 0,94 sq mi) lies on the east side of Lago di Bracciano, where it occupies the crater of an ancient volcano (from the Sabatino’s volca-nic system). In Roman times the lake was known as Alsietinus Lacus: in 2 BC Augu-stus built an aqueduct that carried the water to Rome (in Trastevere), to feed the nauma-chia (a place where naval battles could be staged). The course of the aqueduct, which was mainly subterranean, is practically unk-nown. In the 19° c. a new pipe was built to feed the Acqua Paola, the aqueduct wanted by Pope Paul V at the begin of the 17° c.: few ruins of both Roman and modern aqueducts lie on the south side of the lake. Nowadays the lake, divided between the municipalities of Rome (enclave of Polline), Anguillara and Campagnano, is an attractive tourist destina-tion due to the clean bathing water, the green and peaceful beaches (both free and priva-te) and the existence of bathing facilities.

If you like walking and biking tours you’ll find 8 km (5 mi) of bike paths network, which links the lake to Anguillara Sabazia by dirt roads, through the best environments of Bracciano - Martignano Nature Reserve.

Anguillara, via Comunale Martignano

Anguillara




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RomanoTrevignano

Town, castle, museum

Trevignano

Trevignano Romano

Museum: +39 06.999120201

Trevignano, the smallest of the lakeside towns, runs entirely along the shoreline. Its lakeside promenade is long and well mantai-ned: this makes Trevignano the best choice for a nice walk. Archeology buffs will find it very interesting the small Etruscan mu-seum housed in the Town Hall, where arti-facts from the surrounding area are on di-splay: the most importantare the flabellum (a fan used by those who exercised power), the chariots, and the skeleton of the warrior (8th c. BC). On this side of the lake the history began early: scholars believe that stood here Sabate, a proto-Etruscan city which disappe-ared swallowed by the waters, as told by the the ancient greek geographer Strabo. On top of Trevignano stands the medieval fortress, which you can reach through a short clim-bing path. The castle was built at the begin-ning of 13th c. by order of Pope Innocent III; later it was made more powerful by the Orsini. The castle was destroyed in 1497 by soldiers of the Pope Alexander VI, during the war against the Lords of Bracciano, and never rebuilt. There’s no reason to skip the

visit: on site you’ll enjoy both the impressive ruins and one of the best view of the lake. The Church of St. Mary Assumed into Heaven is worth a visit: it was erected in the 16th c., on the foundations of an ancient religious building in Gothic style. The bell tower was formerly a tower of the fortress.

Opening:

sum

mer

tim

e

Tue - Fri10.00 - 13.0015.00 - 17.00

Saturday09.00 - 13.0016.00 - 20.00 w

inte

r tim

e

Tue - Fri10.00 - 13.0015.00 - 17.00

Saturday09.00 - 13.0015.00 - 19.00

Etruscan Museum

Sunday09.00 - 13.00

Sunday09.00 - 13.00



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Trevignano

VinoTrevignano

(Winery)

Opening:

Mon - Sat09.00 - 13.0015.00 - 18.30

Trevignano R., via di Monterosi, 113

+39 338.16.15.092 - 06.99.82.56.12

Sun10.30 - 13.00

On the hills of Lake Bracciano, on the outskirts of Trevignano Romano, it is the winery Trevignano Vino, which it was founded by family Capitani (1974), who planted native vines like Trebbiano, Greco, Malvasia, Sangiovese and Montepulciano, that best fit the volcanic soil. In those years the winery began production of Primo di Trevignano, a still white wine, Bianco del Lago, a lively wine excellent as an aperitif, Rosso del Lago, a well balanced red wine, Rosè il Lago, a Sangiovese vinified in white, lively and lovely. Later Trevignano Vino started the production of I.G.P. Lazio wines: the Merlot, that shows all the characteristics of the vine, the Syrah, that is vinified in steel and show the typical spicy notes, the Syrah Barricato, refined 8 months in oak barrels, and the Sauvignon, a well structured wine. Since 2009 Trevignano Vino produces also the extra virgin olive oil: pleasant and delicate, it has the flavor of our territory. By distilling Sangiovese’s grapes a white Acquavite is produced: the taste is smooth and enveloping. In the farm shop, which is immersed in the vineyards, you can

learn about and buy a selection of local handicrafts, that are great paired with our wines. Capitani’s family is pleased to welcome in the farm shop the travelers, tourists and customers who want to taste the wines, find out the pairings, and know the secrets of winemaking.

http://trevignanovino.lakesofrome.com

http://trevignanovino.lakesofrome.com

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Manziana

natural monumentCaldara’s

(Monumento naturale della Caldara)


Manziana, via della Caldara

Manziana, via della Caldara

Town hall: +39 06.9962980

The village of Manziana is home to two very interesting biological and geological sites: Macchia Grande, about 580 ha (1.430 ac) of Mediterranean maquis, in which a num-ber of historical and archaeological sites are hiding, and Caldara’s natural monument. Caldara is a circular depression, probably a small crater (a caldera, hence the name), evidence of the presence of the ancient vol-cano Sabatino, which 600.000 years ago occupied the entire rift valley between Monti della Tolfa and Soratte. In Caldara there are three distinctive natural environments: the swamp of sulphurous waters, the birch gro-ve and the peat bog. At the heart of Caldara there is a bog in which the water gurgling in various springs as a result of the gaseous emissions of sulfur dioxide: the thick layer of mud that has been accumulated has gene-rated the swamp. The water is rich in sulfur compounds, thatis recognizable for having a characteristicodour. The white birch (Betula pendula) is a species that lives in cold clima-tes, in the tundra: at these latitudes is extre-mely unusual. It could be a wreck post-gla-cial: the birches, perfectly acclimatized,

would have remained in this area until the present day thanks to the special microclimate. Other trees in the area are the black alders, the oaks, the Montpellier maples, the European crab apple, the medlar, the Hop Hornbeam, the Field Elm, the blackthorn, and many shrubs.



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CanaleMonterano


Canale Monterano

Nature Reserve: +39 06.9962724

The Monterano Nature Reserve covers just over 10.8 km² (4 sq miles) with a great va-riety of habitats and an abundant biodiversi-ty: wooded hills, volcanic gorges, meadows, pastures and a river, the Mignone (classified Site of Community Importance by EU). In the park there are numerous attractions: water-falls, abandoned sulfur mines, lunar land-scapes, a reproduction of the typical hut of the butteri (the cowboys of the Maremma), a botanical garden and many Etruscan sites. The most impressive place, however, is the abandoned town of Monterano. The site was inhabited since Bronze Age; later became an Etruscan site, until Rome conquered it: du-ring this period was known as Manturanum. At the beginning the early Middle Ages beca-me a Diocese, sign indicating the importance of the town at that time. The most impressive building is the castle, probably dating back to 8th c. In the 17th c. Gian Lorenzo Bernini redesigned the fortress transforming it into a ducal palace, decorating the outer wall of Piazza Lunga with a fountain on which do-minates the statue of a lion, hence the name of the Lion Fountain. Contemporary is the

Bernini’s convent of San Bonaventura, visible today in a flat area outside of the village, at the center of which emerges the octagonal fountain. The aqueduct was built in 17th c. The village was depopulated during the Napoleonic domination.

Nature ReserveMonterano

(Riserva Naturale di Monterano)



14


Oriolo

Beech forestPalazzo Altieri

Parco della Mola

Opening: Tue - Sun08.30 - 19.30Palazzo

Altieri

Beech forest

Parco della Mola

free access

free access

Oriolo RomanoPalazzo Altieri: +39 06.99837145

The village of Oriolo was founded in the second half of the 16th c., under the Lord Georgio Santacroce: he, after having defo-rested part of the large Selva di Manziana, invited to his lands farmers and foresters (Capannari) from Tuscany and Umbria. He built the baronial mansion (Palazzo Altieri), today the main historical attraction of Oriolo. It was built between 1578 and 1585. It is a classic example of 16th c. Roman villa, with Mannerist influences. The palace reached its current form in the 17th - 18th c. by Altieri’s family, under the direction of Carlo Fontana. The interior is divided into large rooms, de-corated with stucco, frescoes and paintings of good quality, some attributed to the school of Taddeo Zuccari. The palace is home to the Galleria Altieri, a collection of oil paintings on canvas portraying in chronological order all the Popes who succeeded in history from St. Peter to Benedict XVI. Just outside the town you can see a beautiful beech forest still intact. It occupies a large area in the

Monte Raschio, at an altitude of 450 mt. AMSL: despite the beech trees prefer higher alti-tudes, they have settled well here due to the special microclimate. The Parco della Mola is named after the gristmill, built in 1573, which used the waters of the river Mignone. In the

park you can still see the canalization works, the weir, and some walls of tufa. A picturesque pond with a waterfall lies between marsh and riparian vegetation. The area is rich in springs. The park has been equipped with tables for dining.



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Cerveteri

of BanditacciaEtruscan necropolis

Cerveteri, piazzale della Necropoli

+39 06.9940001

There are many necropolis surrounding Cer-veteri as the modern town is the heir of the Etruscan city Caere. The total area is 450 ha (1,110 ac), but can be visited only 10 ha of the Necropolis of Banditaccia, the only one open to the public. In 2004 the site has been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site. The tombs date from the 9th c. BC (Villano-van culture) to the late Etruscan age (3rd c. BC). The most ancient ones are in the shape of a pit, in which the ashes of thedead were housed; also simple potholes are present. From the Etruscan period are two types of tombs: the mounds and the so-called dice, the latter being simple square tombs built in long rows along roads. The mounds are circular structures built in tuff, and the inte-riors, carved from the living rock, house a re-construction of the house of the dead, inclu-ding a corridor (dromos), a central hall and several rooms. The most famous of these mounds is the so-called Tomba dei Rilievi. The most recent tombs date from the 3rd c. BC. Some of them are marked by external cippi, which are cylindrical for men, and in

the shape of a small house for women. Some of the artifacts found here are on display at Museo Nazionale Cerite, housed in the Castle Ruspoli (in the historic center of Cerveteri). The museum is fully multimedial and interactive than-ks to augmented reality.

Opening: Tue - Sun08.30 - 18.30



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of CeriMedieval hamlet

(Ceri, frazione di Cerveteri)

Cerveteri


Cerveteri, via di Ceri


Ceri is a village in the municipality of Cer-vetri: it occupies a fortified plateau of tuff at a short distance from the town. It stands on an Etruscan settlement that was certainly an integral part of the ancient city of Caere. The hamlet as it looks today was founded when the inhabitants of Caere moved in looking for a better protected site: the documents attest it happens since 1054 A.D. To the new site they gave the name of Caere Novum (simply Ceri, not to be confused with Cerenova), in order to distinguish it from the ancient city, Caere Vetus (Cerveteri). In the same period, the castle was constructed for the defense of the town. You arrive in the village walking on a road carved deeply into the rock: after the double bend you arrive in the square where they are visible, still embedded in a home, the remains of a building in opus latericium (brickwork) that testifies the life of the site in Roman times. The main attraction is the Romanesque Church of the Madonna di Ceri (which was previously dedicated to St. Felice). The original building dates back to 11th c., built on the highest point of the sett-

lement, presumably on an Etruscan sanctuary. In the church are preserved frescoes dated from the early 12th c. attributed to the art work-shop which painted the frescoes of St. Clemente in Rome. This cycle is an important example of religious painting relating to the artistic program of the Gregorian Reform.



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Marina di S. NicolaTorre Flavia

Nature Reserve of Palo

Ladispoli

Ladispoli is a modern town founded in 1888, which lies on the Mediterranean Sea. It oc-cupies the area of the ancient Alsium, one of the ports of the Etruscan Cerveteri. Ladispo-li has two interesting beaches: Marina di S. Nicola and Torre Flavia. The last one takes its name from the medieval coastal tower erected in the 16th c. over a Roman monu-ment restored several times during the Mid-dle Ages. The beach is a wide strip of sand that connects the WWF’s eponymous natu-ral oasis to the tower. There are both free beach and bathing facilities. Marina di San Nicola is a seaside village located south of Ladispoli: the beach is popular with those se-eking privacy and tranquility, the sea is ideal for those who practice surf. Close to the bea-ch you will find the archaeological remains of a Roman villa traditionally identified as Villa of Pompey as alleged possession of Pom-pey the Great, but more likely the ruins of the ancient city of Alsium. A pedestrian pro-menade leads to the WWF’s Oasis of Palo Laziale. The vegetation of the oasis includes

a hydric wood with pools and ponds, some areas with Mediterranean plants and a park with exotic plant species. Iinteresting is the Garden of Wild Orchids in the Mediterranean, a botanical garden located in the oasis. Very impressive is the coastal fortress of Palo, a

private castle which is not open to the public, but that can be seen from the beach. The medieval fortified farmhouse of Montironi, located close an Etruscan site, worth a visit.

LadispoliCity Hall: +39 06.99231310




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TownCastle of Frangipane

TolfaOpening:

TueWedThuFriSatSun

Museum 15.00 - 18.0010.00 - 13.0015.00 - 18.0010.00 - 13.00 15.00 - 18.0010.00 - 13.00 15.00 - 18.0010.00 - 13.00

Tolfa is a beautiful town of medieval origin, and the main center in the Monti della Tolfa, an extinct volcanic group between Civitavec-chia and the Lake of Bracciano. The town stands on a rocky spur overlooking the val-ley, and is dominated by the picturesque ru-ins of the Castle of the Frangipane (half of the 15th c.). The oldest traces of settlement date back to Neolithic: there are also traces of the Bronze Age.The present-day village has developed in the Middle Ages around the fort that existed before the fortress, since 11th c., following the shape of the conical hill, which has given Tolfa the characteristic se-micircular plan. All that remains of the castle, which was destroyed by the French under Napoleon in 1799, are the crenellated wal-ls, the cylindrical keep built in square blocks of local stone, and part of the central body, where still remains a basement with loopho-les and a large central hall with groin vault. On the site you will enjoy a splendid view of the Monti della Tolfa. Adjacent to the castle

is picturesquely embedded the small Church of the Madonna della Rocca: inside is an altar piece attributed to the brothers Carracci (16th c.). In town there is the Church of Ma-donna della Sughera (built around a cork tree, where two hunters had the apparition of the Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus), whose construction (15th c.) was commissioned by

Agostino Chigi. Inside there are the public library and the Civic Museum, which houses artifacts dating back to the Etruscan, Roman, Medieval and Modern times.

Civic Museum: Tolfa, largo 15 marzo 1799

Civic Museum: +39 0766.92127



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Vejano

CastleTown

Vejano is small town in southern Tuscia, perched on a volcanic outcrop. It is worth a visit because it shows clearly the shape of the typical medieval settlement of Tuscia: the houses, one against the other, have been built like a boundary wall, which surrounds the castle. Both houses and fortress have been built by blocks of local tufa. The castle, built by Anguillara’s family, was destroyed in 1493 by Pope Alexander VI Borgia, and re-

built by Onofrio Santacroce in 1518. It has a triangular plan equipped with three imposing towers: it is distinguished from other fortresses and castles of Tuscia as the foundations are dug into the tuff. The lower floor was used as stables and cellars, gendarmerie and prisons, while the top masonry was the residence of the lords of Viano. A moat protected access

from enemies, while the three towers domina-ted the valley from every angle. The castle is not open to the public but you can see a lot of it from outside. You may stop at Vejano during a journey to another destination.

Vejano

Town hall: +39 0761.463051




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Blera(the town)

Civitella Cesi(hamlet of Blera)

Blera

City Hall: +39 0761.479255

Blera


Blera is a small town in Tuscia: in ancient ti-mes, it was an Etruscan town on the Via Clo-dia. In 772 AD it was destroyed by the Lom-bards of King Desiderius. In the 13th-14th c. it belonged to the Di Vico family. In 1247 the army of Frederick II ravaged it. In the 15th c. Pope Boniface IX gave Blera to the An-guillara’s family, who owned it until 1572. Later it followed the history of the Papal Sta-tes. Blera is now a well-preserved medieval town, whose walls still exist partially, and also two ancient bridges, both belonging to the Via Clodia, and many tombs hewn in the rock with small chambers imitating the archi-tectural forms of houses. In the town’s cen-ter there is the Museum of the Horse which aims to raise awareness of the relationship between man and horse. The museum has a section dedicated to the prehistory and pro-tohistory and an open area that documents the folkloric aspects of the Maremma and the Roman countryside. Civitella Cesi is a hamlet perched on a small hill of tufa, in the municipality of Blera. It offers to visitors the charm of walking in a village characterized

by narrow cobbled alleys and intimate atmosphere. The castle, which dominates the few houses, dating back to the thirteenth century, but its present appearance is the result of reno-

vations carried out over the centuries. The Chur-ch of San Leonardo, is the result of the 18th c. restoration of an older building. The interior has a cross plan with three apses and altar.



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Blera

Opening: free accessof S. GiovenaleEtruscan town

Blera

City Hall: +39 0761.479255

In the municipal territory of Blera lies the ar-chaeological site of San Giovenale. The excavations have brought to light a town of Villanovan origin, which was built on a Bron-ze Age’s settlement. While for the Etruscan age necropolis are well documented, San Giovenale is one of the few still remaining examples of a town. The most important part of housing is located on the hill known as del Borgo: the site allows you to have a fairly

comprehensive view of the organization of an Etruscan settlement and the structure of its houses, including fireplaces and pits. Very interesting are the remains of the acropolis, built of large blocks of tufa. The strong position of the tuff cliff determined the choice of Vico’s family to erect a castle (14th c.), whose ruins overlooks the archaeological site. Near the

Acropolis lies the necropolis of Vignale, with a wide variety of tombs. Impressive is Tagliata del-le Poggette an Etruscan road embedded in the tuff and lined with rock tombs, which led from the necropolis to the village on the hill.



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Barbarano

Barbarano Romano is located on a triangular tufa plateau. Inhabited since prehistoric times, the settlement is permanently occupied since the Dark Ages. The importance Barbarano reached during the Middle Ages is proved by the existence of a triple ring of walls: the first one (11° c.) is part of the so-called “castle”; the second one, equipped with square towers, dates back to the 13° c.; the third one (15° c.) had circular towers, stronger against the new firearms. The “castle” no longer exists: the so-called area is now occupied by the oldest bu-

ildings, including the Town Hall, all of them built with blocks of tufa. Characteristics cellars dug into the tufa surround Barbarano, at the foot of the plateau.

Barbarano RomanoTown hall: +39 0761.414601

Barbarano(the town) Opening: free access



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Barbarano

Barbarano Romano

Town hall: +39 0761.414601

Regional ParkManturanum

(Parco Regionale Manturanum)Opening: free access

Manturanum Regional Park covers an area of 1240 ha (3064 ac) characterized by large tufa valleys, covered with dense vegetation, where two major rivers flow: Vesca and Bie-dano. Inside the park there is the hill of San Giuliano, which takes its name from a small Romanesque church situated on its top: on the reddish tuff slopes of the hill lies the large and impressive Etruscan rocky necropolis of San Giuliano. The site is home to impor-tant archaeological remains dating back to the Villanovan (9° c. BC). The whole Etru-scan age is well documented: Orientalizing by circular burial mounds, Archaic by cube and semicube tombs, Hellenistic by Tomba del Cervo (tomb of the deer) characterized by the great semicube room used to house dozens of sarcophagi of the same family. The facade is decorated with a false door Doric, beyond which a long hallway (dromos) leads to the room. The cube is flanked by two stairways: on the left one there is a bas-relief depicting a deer attacked by a wolf or a dog (that gives it its name). After the destruction

of Veii (396 b.C.) began the inexorable decline of the Etruscan civilization: the inhabitants of these places took refuge on the height of San Giuliano, where they built the high defensive tuff walls that still exist. After the conquest, the Romans linked the settlement by means

of the Via Clodia, of which remain visible parts. Several quarry roads cross the park. The site was definitively abandoned in the Middle Ages (11° c.).



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BassanoRomano

Bassano Romano(the town)

Bassano is a village that is half way between the lakes of Bracciano and Vico, surrounded by an environment rich in lush vegetation, mainly characterized by old trees of beech, chestnut and oak. The origins of Bassano date back the year 1000, when the first sett-lement was founded in order to exploit the natural resources of the area. Between the Middle Ages and the modern age the feud of Bassano, later promoted to marquisate than principality, belonged to the most important Italian noble families of their time (Anguillara, Giustiniani, Odescalchi). The marquis Vin-cenzo Giustiniani, in particular, commissio-ned to the young Michelangelo the statue of the so-called Christ Carrying the Cross, today conserved in the Church of the Mo-nastery of St. Vicenzo, in its original loca-tion. The church is a pilgrimage destination, a place where you invoke the divine mercy and the gift of peace. Every last Tuesday of the month is celebrated a Mass followed by an hour of adoration. Here the monks cele-brate each day the Liturgy of the Hours and pray in the choir. The most important building

of the village is Palazzo Giustiniani-Odescalchi, originally a feudal manor, later conver-ted into valuable summer residence, enriched by an Italian garden. Inside the village you can see some defensive towers, now converted into housing, such as the one located at the head of the bridge delle Vaschie (17° c.).


Bassano Romano

Town hall: +39 0761.636901



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CapranicaCapranica

(the town)

Capranica

Town hall: +39 0761.66791


Capranica (in local dialect Crapà) is a small town of Tuscia perched on the southern fo-othills of the Monti Cimini: the old town is on a tuff plateau surrounded by woods of oaks, turkey oaks and chestnuts. The first settle-ments on the territory date back to Etruscan times, but the earliest records are from Mid-dle Ages, when Capranica was the capital of a County. The village grew in importance be-cause it was a stage of the Via Francigena, the medieval route that led to Rome: today is a pilgrimage route through Italy, similar to Camino de Santiago. During the 14° c. the Anguillara’s built the castle, over an earlier stronghold. In 1465 Pope Paul II defeated the last representative of the Anguillara’s family, and conquered the feud: he did then destroy the castle, leaving only one tower. Today remains only the tower that houses one of the entrance gates, and on which has been mounted a clock (photo 1). Many chur-ches enrich the town: the most important one is the Church of the Madonna del Piano (photo 2). It has been built between the 12°

and 14° c., and has been renovated in 1559 on a design by Giacomo Barozzi da Vignola. Unfortunately the architecture of Vignola has been compromised by the restoration of 1632,

occurred after an earthquake. The Church of St. Francis (12° c.) is worth a visit: inside it houses the magnificent Gothic sepulcher of Anguilla-ra’s (15° c.), and a fresco of St. Anthony of Pa-dua attribuited to Michelangelo.



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SutriSutri

(the town)

Sutri is a small town in the Tuscia, perched on a spur of tuff. In the past it has been a Bronze Age settlement, an Etruscan village, a Roman town (Sutrium, the first Latin colony of Rome) and, in the Middle Ages, an impor-tant fortress to protect the road to Rome (Via Francigena). Etruscans and Romans have left many important traces, now preserved in the Urban park of the ancient City of Sutri, while the town reminds of the Middle Ages. In the Dark Ages Sutri has been a settlement of paramount importance because it control-led the Via Francigena: for this reason it has been involved in the wars between the Lom-bards and Byzantines, until the year 728, when King Liutprand gave the city to Pope Gregory II: this donation is considered the beginning of the temporal power of the Chur-ch, and the first step into the establishment of the Patrimony of St. Peter. In the 9° c. is the setting for the legend of valiant Roland, nephew of Charlemagne, who was born in

Sutri, in the cave called del Paladino Orlando (originally an Etruscan chamber tomb). In the Middle Ages Sutri was at the center of fighting between the Guelphs and Ghibellines, ended in 1433 when the town was set on fire. Since 5° c. Sutri is a bishopric. In the town you may want to visit the City gate called Franceta, the old wash (which, in summer, is home

to valuable musical events), the Romanesque Church of St. Sylvester Pope with the Italian hours clock, and the Musem fo Patrimonium, which preserves artifacts dating from Roman to Contemporary.

Opening: MonTueWedThuFriSatSun

Museum of Patrimonium

15.30 - 18.3015.30 - 18.3010.00 - 12.0015.30 - 18.3010.00 - 18.3010.00 - 18.3010.00 - 18.30

Sutri




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SutriUrban Park

of the Ancient Cityof Sutri

(Parco Urbanodell’antichissima Città di Sutri)

In just 7 he (17 ac) the small park contains se-veral important archaeological sites, placed in a rich and lush natural environment and very easy to reach. Roman amphitheater (2nd - 1st c. BC) is surely the most impressi-ve site: its peculiarity is that it is entirely dug into the tufa. The plant is elliptical in shape and consists of three rows of bleachers, able to contain more than 9,000 people. The Ro-man necropolis (1st c. BC), is visible along the road to Rome and consists of 64 tombs carved into the tuff wall. It’s considered one of the most representative examples of Ro-

man hypogea. Very interesting is the Mithraeum: it’s been Etruscan tomb, pagan temple (dedicated to the god Mithras), Christian church (at first dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel, later to St. Mary with the child). The building, dug into the tuff, is rich in frescoes that adorn the wal-ls and columns.

Opening:free accessPark

Service Center

Every day09.00 - 13.00 14.00 - 18.00

Mithraeum Tue - Sun09.00 - 18.00

Sutri, via Cassia

Park’s Service Center: +39 0761.609393



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RonciglioneRonciglione

(the town)

Ronciglione

Town hall: +39 0761.62901

Ronciglione is a small town which, from the tuff spur where it’s perched, overlooks the southern shore of the Lake of Vico. The ne-cropolis (columbaria) scattered in the tufa valleys show that the settlement was inhabi-ted since Etruscan times. Traces of Roman suggest that Ronciglione has been a ca-strum built to control the intersection of the consular roads Cassia and Cassia Cimina. The medieval settlement has been founded by the 11th c., by the will of di Vico’s family, who built the large towers, I Torrioni (photo 1) to protect the only natural access to the village. The building has undergone many renovations: the last one took place in the years 1475-1480 by the Florentine architect Giovanni Dolci, who added the circular keep and the four corner towers. Between 1526 and 1649 Ronciglione has been a feud of the Farnese: under their wise lordship the town lived a period of great development and splendor, during which important monu-ments such as the Porta Romana, the Town Hall, and the Fountain of unicorns were built. The Romanesque Church of St. Mary

of Providence (photo 2) is a must visit: it was built on the edge of a cliff in the 11th c. The Duomo, designed by Rainaldi, was built in 1671: it’s dedicated to Saints Peter and Catherine. The Romanesque Church of St. Eusebius is worth a visit: it’s situated on the way to Rome, 2 km. (1,25 miles) away from the village.




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Campagnanodi RomaCampagnano

(the town)

Stracciacappe

Campagnano di Roma

Town hall: +39 06.9015601


Campagnano is a town in the Roman coun-tryside, perched on a tuffaceous hill at the foot of Monte Razzano. Inhabited since the Bronze Age, in Etruscan age the settlement falls under the control of Veii. In the Roman era, on the summit of Monte Razzano, is erected a small temple dedicated to Bac-chus, from which originated the name ad Baccanas given to the valley below, where, in the 1st c. AD, next to the Via Cassia, is built the mansio (an official stopping place) ad Va-canas. In the Middle Ages Campagnano is a fortified village along the Via Francigena, the medieval route to Rome. In 1410 the Senate of Rome sells the feud of Campagnano to Gentile Orsini: than, in 1558 it’s annexed to the Duchy of Bracciano, at that time ruled by Paolo Giordano I Orsini. A basic tour of the town includes a visit to Fontana dei Delfini, Fontana Secca, Palace Venturi, Collegiate Church of St. John the Baptist, Church of Piety and Church of the Gonfalone. Just

north of Lake Martignano lies the crater of Stracciacappe (photo 2), once oc-cupied by a lake (until 19th c.). The whole area is included inside the Regional Natural Park of Bracciano and Martignano, and is linked to both lakes through

a network of bike paths and dirt tracks. In the north-west slope of the crater, over a small hill, stands the Tower of Stracciacappe. The ruin, which dates back to 11th c., is all that

remains of the keep of an early medieval settle-ment: it has the typical square plan of the Latium military architecture of that time, and allows you to get an idea of how originally the castle of Brac-ciano was, before the expansion of 15th c.




30 Campagnanodi RomaValleys of Sorb

(Valli del Sorbo)

Sanctuaryof Our Ladyof the Sorb

Much of the territory of Campagnano spre-ads within the Regional Natural Park of Veio. Here lies the Valli del Sorbo (Valleys of Sorb), approved as a Site of Community Importance for the presence of characteri-stic tuffaceous valleys, crossed by streams that are home to a fairly preserved and in-teresting wildlife. Within the park, at a di-stance of 6 km. from the Campagnano, the Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Sorbo so-ars on valleys. The monastery, built in 1427 by Cardinal Giordano Orsini, rises above the ruins of Castrum Sorbi, a castle which dated back to 10th c., built to control both Via Cassia and Via Flaminia, and abando-ned during the 13th c. The foundation of the monastery goes with a local legend that tells of the apparition of Our Lady on a sorb tree (typical plant of this area) to a young shepherd of swine. The complex is spread over three levels, connected by a staircase. In the lower levels there are several buildin-gs dating back to 17th and 18th centuries, while on top lies the church dedicated to the

Virgin Mary. You enter through a portal, highlighted by a simple frame made of peperino: “AD 1487” is carved on the lintel. The interior, large and shallow, has three naves with ten

columns on which you set round arches built with blocks of tufa. The middle nave has the ceiling with wooden trusses. In the church is preserved a painting on wood (11° c.) depicting a Madonna with jeweled robes and throne in Byzantine style.

Campagnano di Roma, via del Sorbo

Park of Veii: +39 06.9042774




31


Nepi

Nepi, city of waters (Nepa is the Etruscan word for water) is a small town that is located on a spur of tuff cut to the north and south by two gorges. Originally it was a Faliscan settlement, highly influenced by Etruscan culture: later, after the Roman conquest, became, along with Sutri, the first Latin co-lony of Rome (383 BC). Sacked several ti-mes during the barbarian invasions, grew in importance during the Dark Ages, as it was located along the Via Amerina, the only con-nection between Rome and Ravenna during the Gothic War (535-554 AD). In the early Middle Ages it has been for a short time a free commune, than it has been annexed to the Papal State. The town was fortified at the end of the 15th c. by Cardinal Rodrigo Bor-gia (later Pope Alexander VI), who built the square fortress with four circular towers. In 1537 Nepi was subjected to the Farnese’s

family, which added the Farnesian bastions. The aqueduct of Nepi (photo 2), built in 1727, intersect the fortification by a monumental double row of arches: what results is an highly suggestive scenario. The Co-cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta dates from the late 15th c.: the interior has a basilica plan, with five naves separated by pillars; under the apsidal chancel lies the crypt ad oratorium (11th c.), supported by 24 columns and pila-sters. From the Church of San Tolomeo alle Sante Grotte you access the underground complex of the Catacombe di Santa Savinilla, a late-imperial cemetery: it consists of three

main galleries and numerous tunnels dug into the lithoid tuff. Along the walls are piled different kinds of burials: arcosolia, niches, tombe a men-sa. The site preserves frescoes dating from the 13th c.

Nepi(the town)

Civic museum: +39 0761.570604

Civic museum: Nepi, via Falisca, 31

Opening:Tue - Fri

11.00 - 13.00 16.00 - 18.00Civic museum

Sat - Sun10.00 - 13.00 15.00 - 18.00

Catacomb of S. Savinilla

ask at the museum



32


MazzanoRomanoRegional Park

Treja’s Valley(Parco Regionale

Valle del Treja)

Park: Mazzano, strada Vallelunga le Rote

Park’s office: +39 0761.587617

The protected area spreads over an area of 600 he (1482 ac) covered by dense ve-getation and crossed by the river Treja. The whole area can be visited on foot or on horseback, following the marked trails. Many species of animals inhabited the area: foxes, badgers, porcupines, weasels, woo-dpeckers, jays, owls, coquettes, barn owls and tawny owls. Many plants thrive in the dense vegetation, including orchids, daf-fodils, periwinkles, buttercups, cyclamens, primroses and wood violets. The list of park’s sites to visit include the waterfalls of Mon-te Gelato (photo 1), formed by the Treja, an highly suggestive site which has been used as setting in many films. Nearby lies an old restored water mill. There are also seve-ral water sources: following the path on the left bank of Treja, after about 1 km from the waterfalls you’ll find a fountain of fresh and effervescent water (Fontana Salsa). Near Mazzano is an old furnace that still bakes bricks and tiles according to the ancient tra-dition. In the northern side of the park lies the archaeological site of Narce, an ancient

Faliscan settlement, which has been continuously inhabited since the Bronze Age to the 2nd c. BC. Many examples of Faliscan art and culture have been found in the numerous tombs

discovered near the settlement. Between the 6th and 5th c. BC the inhabitants of Narce erected two suburban sanctuaries: that one of Monte Li Santi at Le Rote (photo 2), can be visited (it’s located along the banks of the Treja).




Web Site

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Navigate to (GPS)

Calcata


Calcata(the town)

Calcata is a small town perched on a moun-tain of tufa, at the center of the Park Valle del Treja. The existence of Calcata is docu-mented from the 8th c.: the current village, however, dates from the 13th c., when the family of Anguillara built the walls and the baronial castle. The settlement of Narce, lo-cated behind the village proves that the site was inhabited as early as the 13th c. B.C., by the population of Falisci (literally people of Falerii). Later the site was ruled by Etruscan. Over time the weaknesses of the tuff cliff led the inhabitants to move downstream, preser-ving the charm of the place. Nowadays the village is completely closed to traffic and you can only enter village on foot, through a large fortified portal. Behind the gate there is a small square on which stands the Church of SS. Name of Jesus, dating from the first half of the 14th c. The church preserves some late Renaissance stuccos and a polychrome marble tabernacle (XVI c.). From the squa-re narrow streets unfold: they wind through small houses and old cellars, now restored

and used as stores of objects of art and antiques. Wandering through the village you can rediscover the ancient walls of the houses windows, portals and the famous medieval prof-

ferli. A visit to Granarone, an old restored medie-val barn where they organize concerts, debates, conferences and courses in painting and sculptu-re, is recommended. Today Calcata is inhabited mostly by artists from all over the world.

Calcata

Town hall: +39 0761.587021



34


SantaMarinella

Santa Severa Opening: Tue - Sun09.00 - 19.00Antiquarium

Museum 09.00 - 13.0015.00 - 17.00

Antiquarium: +39 0766.570194

Museum: +39 0766.570209

Santa Severa is a seaside village in the mu-nicipality of Santa Marinella: it stands where once stood Pyrgi, one of the ports of the Etru-scan Cerveteri. It’s renowned for the beach that overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea and the mighty coastal fortress. The free sandy be-ach is long and wide: few bathing facilities are on the sidelines. The castle was built in the 14th c.: the village was formed in several stages during the 15th-16th c. The castle is home to the Museum of the Sea and the Ancient Navigation, which offers an exhi-bition that introduces visitors to underwater

archeology and ancient navigation. In front of the castle there’s a small Antiquarium, which contains a large graphic and photographic documentation of the excavation of the archae-

ological site of Pyrgi and many of the materials found during the excavations, in which the archa-eologists have uncovered a Tuscan temple with three cells, abundant fragments of pottery and a relief representing a gigantomachia.



35


Allumiere

Museum: Allumiere, piazza della Repubblica, 29

Museum: +39 0766.967793

Opening: Tue - Sun09.00 - 13.00Museum

TownBorgo dellaFarnesiana

Allumiere is a small town located on the Tolfa Mountains, 522 meters above sea level. The territory, inhabited since the Paleolithic, has been populated, repeatedly, during the Cop-per Age, the Bronze Age and, by Etruscans, in the Archaic. In Roman times the countrysi-de was controlled and utilized by the system of villae rusticae. A genuine town was foun-ded in the late 16th c., after the discovery of the mines of alum and the fall of Constan-tinople, which interrupted the supply of that mineral from the East. The town of Allumiere corresponds to what was the largest storage facility and material processing plant. In the historic center is the Allumiere’s archaeolo-gical, natural, mineralogical museum, in the building (16th c.) that housed the mines’ administration. In the same square stands the Parish Church of St. Mary’s Assump-tion: it was built in 1608 above a small cha-pel which was used by mine workers. Initially the church was formed by a single nave: in 1857 two side naves were added. Another

settlement built to service the mining industry was Borgo della Farnesiana (photo 1), today a semi-abandoned hamlet of Allumiere. The village, founded by Pope Paul III Farnese, has not changed over time: it included a mill, an oven, a farm and a Neo-Gothic Church dedica-

ted the Immaculata (photo 2). Likewise isolated is the Baroque Sanctuary of Our Lady of Cibona: it was built in the 17th c. next to the eponymous alum quarry, to serve the workers.



36


CivitavecchiaCity

Harbor

Civitavecchia is a port city overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea: its port is among the most important in Italy, second in Europe by num-ber of passengers. Although the territory is inhabited since the Neolithic, a real city is formed only in imperial times, at the behest of Trajan, who wanted to build here the new port of Rome. The work proceeded for three years, (107 - 110 AD), during which time the emperor made his residence nearby, at Cen-tumcellae, where he had built a great palace. Civitavecchia had a troubled life during the Dark Ages, being at the center of the ambi-tions of Byzantines, Lombards, Papacy and being prey to Saracens: it came firmly un-der the temporal power of the Church only in the 15th c., after being disputed between the Guelphs and Ghibellines at the begin of Mid-dle Ages. Pope Julius II (1503 - 1513) began construction of the Bramante’s coastal for-tress: it was completed in 1535 by Michelan-

gelo, who designed the upper part of the hexagon keep. More fortifications were added over time, as the walls of Sangallo (1555). In the 17th c. Civitavecchia was equipped with arse-nal, for being the headquarters of Papal Navy. At the end of the same century was restored the Trajan aqueduct, which supplied the city. The old port is now, as a whole, an important architectural work in addition to military structures are valuable the Fountain of Vanvitelli, the tower of the lazaret, the antemurale. Today it is on the end of the long seafront pro-

menade where there are many restaurants and bars. The National Archaeological Museum, housed in the 18th c. palace that was once the seat of the papal garrison, contains a number of findings from Centumcellae.

Opening: Tue - Sun08.30 - 19.30Museum

Civitavecchia

Town hall: +39 0766.5901



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CivitavecchiaArchaeological siteof Terme Taurine

Baths of Fincocella

Terme Taurine: +39 327269699665

Civitavecchia, via delle Terme Taurine

Opening: Every day08.30 - 19.30Terme

Taurine

The archaeological site of Terme Taurine (or Trajan) is located a few kilometers from Civi-tavecchia, on a hill from which you can enjoy the beautiful views of the Tyrrhenian. It lies in open countryside and is a genuine archaeo-logical park. The name Taurine comes from the Latin word taurus (bull): Rutilius Nama-tianus tells that a god in the guise of a bull, scraping the ground with the hoof, found the sulfur hot water. The complex is divided into

two areas: the Republican Baths (1st c. BC), built in opus reticulatum (reticulated work) and the Imperial Baths, built in opus latericium (brick work) between 123 and 136 AD. Among the ruins you will find baths, massage rooms and mosaics with ornamental motifs. Since 2000 in the ancient complex there is also a botanical garden. Today in the archaeological

park there is no water, but in the nearby there is the Baths of Ficoncella (photo 3) a free thermal complex, where you can immerse yourself in one of the five pools. The waters are hot, odorless, and therapeutic.



38


TarquiniaTown

NecropolisAra della Regina

(archaeological site)

Opening: Tue - Sun08.30 - 1h to sunsetNecropolis

Tue - Sun08.30 - 19.30Museum

Necropolis: Tarquinia, Strada Provinciale 43

Necropolis: +39 0766.856308

Tarquinia has been one of the oldest and most important settlements of the Etruscan Dodecapolis, which fell under the power of Rome at the beginning of the 3rd c. BC. In the Dark Ages it became Lombard, Carolin-gian and then part of the State of the Church. Later, due to the Saracens, the ancient town was abandoned and rebuilt in the current site. The Etruscans have left important tra-ces: the Necropolis of Monterozzi contains about 6000 graves, which date back up to the 7th c. BC. They preserve the most im-portant collection of paintings of Etruscan art that we know. In 2004 the site was declared a World Heritage Site. Many of the artifacts found in the necropolis are collected in the National Etruscan Museum of Tarquinia, which is housed in the 15th c. Palazzo Vi-telleschi (photo 1). The museum, one of the most important in Italy, preserves numerous sarcophagi, Greek and Etruscan pottery, coins and jewels. Several air-conditioned rooms preserve some graves rebuilt and de-corated with the original frescoes. Another

important Etruscan site is Ara della Regina (photo 2): it’s an Etruscan temple (4th c. BC) probably dedicated to Diana (Artume in Etruscan) goddess of night, fertility and nature.

The stone base is all that remains of the original building: scholars suggest that it was the access to the naos (the interior cell of the temple, where the statue of the deity was kept). The site offers a splendid view of the sea.

Ara della Regina free access



39


VetrallaTown

Vetralla

Town hall: +39 0761.461267

The territory of Vetralla was intensely inha-bited by the Etruscans, as shown by the rich archaeological evidences, like the rocky ne-cropolis of Norchia. In Roman times the area has grown thanks to the Via Cassia (which passed through it): in the site occupied by the Church of Santa Maria in Forcassi sto-od the ancient Forum Cassii, a mansio indi-cated on the Tabula Peutingeriana, located along the consular road. Some ruins of the mansio and some well preserved parts of Via Cassia are all that remains of the ancient town. A permanent settlement was formed only in the Dark Ages, when the population moved to Monte Fogliano, a more easily de-fensible site, where today the modern Vetral-la still stands. In 728 AD it becomes part of the State of the Church: in Vetralla Pope Eu-gene III ordered the Second Crusade (1145 AD). Over time the feud of Vetralla was as-signed to several noble families linked to the papacy, like Orsini, Di Vico, Cybo and Far-nese. Today the town offers a long promena-de that crosses the historic center, which is overlooked by palaces and churches: that of

St. Francis (12th c.) preserves the most important cycle of Franciscans frescoes outside As-sisi. Ancient columns and materials, probably from Forum Cassii, have been reused to built

the church. One of the towers of the ancient city wall is home to the Museum of the City and Ter-ritory (photo2), where an extensive documenta-tion on wine, rural traditions and handicrafts is preserved.

Opening: Sat16.30 - 19.00Museum

Sun10.30 - 13.0016.00 - 19.00



40


Caprarola

Caprarola, piazza Farnese 1

Palazzo Farnese: +39 0761 646052

PalazzoFarnese

Opening:Palace Tue - Sun

08.30 - 19.30

Park weekdays10.00, 11.00, 12.00, 15.00

16.00 (15 mar - 31 oct)17.00 (15 apr - 15 oct)

Palazzo Farnese stands on a hill at the foot of the Monti Cimini, dominating the village and the surrounding area: it’s a tangible sign of the power of the Farnese family, which is counted among the protagonists of the history of the 16th c. The building, which is both fortress, palace, and suburban villa, is the result of the stratification of two distinct phases of construction. The first project was entrusted to Sangallo, who conceived it as a fortress able to withstand the new firearms. He oversaw the work until 1534, when the construction stopped: the works resumed in 1559, under the supervision of Vignola, who forced changes to the village too, obtaining the long straight road. The architect repla-ced the angular ramparts (from the original project) with terraces: in this way the fort be-came a palace. In the center of the residence was built a two story circular courtyard. The helical Scala Regia acts as liaison between the noble floors: it’s considered one of Vigno-la’s most original inventions. The best pain-ters and architects of the time worked in the sumptuous home. Along the rooms on the

main floor unfolds an extraordinary wall decoration: in quantity and quality is one of the most important pictorial cycles of the late Mannerism. Behind the palace, connected by bridges,

there are two secret gardens. Further on, on the slopes of the hill, a park with terraces, fountains and water features was built to valorise the “Ca-sina del Piacere”, originally a hunting lodge.



41


Fabricadi Roma

Falerii Novi(archaeological site) Opening: free access

Falerii was the main city of Faliscan, a pre-Roman population in central Italy, whose origins are not clear. After the Roman con-quest of Southern Etruria Falerii joined the Etruscan dodecapolis. During the First Punic War, Falerii, already Romanized, rebelled to the control of Rome, but than they recon-quered it and destroyed it. Later the Romans founded a new settlement, which was called Falerii Novi (New Falerii): then the old town took the name of Falerii Veteres (Old Falerii). During the 10th c., due to the raids of the

Normans, Falerii Novi was abandoned and reconstituted on the old site of Faleri veteres, which later became Civita Castellana. Well preserved city walls surround the ruins of Falerii: through the ancient gate of Porta Giove (photo 1) you can reach the site. The archaeologi-

cal excavations have uncovered homes, theater and city streets, including a section of Via Cimi-na. The most visible monument is the Romane-sque Church of Santa Maria of Falerii (photo 3), whih was built in the 12th c.

Fabrica di Roma, via Faleri Novi

Town hall: +39 0761.569001



42


Vignanello

The territory of Vignanello extends to the ea-stern slopes of the Monti Cimini, surrounded by deep gorges carved by small streams. The area is frequented from the Upper Pa-leolithic, thanks to the numerous tufa caves scattered around the area in which Homo Sapiens Sapiens could easily find shelter. The settlement was formed during the bar-barian invasions, by the population seeking

refuge. In 1169 AD Vignanello is conquered by Frederick Barbarossa, who included it in the imperial possessions: later it was disputed by the feudal families of Aldobrandini, Orsini, Di Vico, Farnese (which took the feud in 1534) and finally Ruspoli-Marescotti. The castle

(photo 2) was built in the 16th c., designed by Sangallo, above the fortress of the 11th c., that was built by Benedictine monks. In 1611 Ottavia Orsini wanted to add an Italian garden (photo 3), divided into three different parts.

Vignanello, piazza della Repubblica

Town hall: +39 0761.7563200

Opening:CastleRuspoli

Apr - NovSunday

10.00 - 13.0015.00 - 18.00

August only on reservation

TownCastle Ruspoli



43


Civita Castellana

Civita Castellana, via Mazzocchi

Museum: +39 0761.513735

TownForte Sangallo Opening:

Museum &Fortress

Tue - Sun08.00 - 19.00

The town is located on a spur of red tufa (generated by volcano Vicano), among the deep gorges of two tributaries of Treja river, along the Via Flaminia. According to legend the greek Halaesus, son of Agamemnon and Briseis, founded Falerii Veteres, the ancient Civita Castellana. In fact, the town was foun-ded by the Faliscan, pre-Roman people who lived in central Italy. After the Roman con-quest they had to move to Falerii Novi, but later they were definitely Romanized. During the Gothic wars and, later, the Lombard inva-sion, the settlement has been repopulated: so Civita Castellana was born. During the Middle Ages the town was disputed between the families of Di Vico and Savelli, until 1426 AD when the State of the Church reasser-ted its dominance. Between 1499 and 1503 the fortress (photo 2) was build, designed by Sangallo, the way of star fort, a style of fortifications that evolved during the age of gunpowder. It’s situated in the western side of the city, outside of the old town, an area already occupied by medieval fortifications,

to defend the only not naturally defended side. Both the walls and the keep were equipped with firing positions, arranged along the entire perimeter: in 1527 it helped Civita Castellana to resist the assault of Landsknecht. Today it houses the Museo Nazionale dell’Agro Fa-

lisco, that shows the historical evolution of Fali-scan civilization. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore (photo 2) dates back to the early 13th c. The church has a single nave; the high altar consists of a Roman sarcophagus (4th c. AD).



44


Tuscania

Tuscania, piazzale Trieste

Tourist Office: + 39 0761.4454259

Town

Tuscania is a town that rises over seven tuff promontories, between the rivers Marta and Capecchio, from where it controls the Marta’s valley, that it has been an important communication route and transhumance that connected, since prehistoric times, the Lake Bolsena to the Tyrrhenian Sea. In the past Tuscania has been Paleolithic site, Etruscan city (connected to Tarquinia), Roman munici-pium; in the Dark Ages was affected by the Gothic wars, but rises again as a free com-mune at the beginning of the Middle Ages. In the 14th c. it becomes part of the Papal States, until 1870. The medieval core of the city is still surrounded by walls: they are predominantly made up of tuff curtain walls, along which some fortified structures related to the ancient watchtowers remain, such as the ruins of the Castle of the ravelin (pho-to 1). The current walls are the result of the post 16th c. restoration: the oldest are those Etruscans, of which few traces remain. In the

place where probably stood the Etruscan acropolis, San Pietro hill, around 1093 AD the Church of St. Peter (photo 2) has been built. The portal and the richly decorated rose win-dow characterize the facade. The interior is divided into three naves: on the right one are a ciborium dating back to the 13th c. and the main entrance to the crypt. This is a large room punctuated with 28 columns (all of them taken from Roman or early medieval buildings) that

support the roof divided into small vaults. The Romanesque Church of St. Mary Major, has a facade with rose window and three finely decora-ted portals: in front there is a massive bell tower, possibly from a previous era.




45


Viterbo

Old Town

Viterbo has ancient origins (the name comes from Urbs Vetus, that means old city) and has a large medieval historic center surrounded by well-kept defensive walls and well-preser-ved neighborhoods. Viterbo is known as the City of the Popes because in the 13th c. It’s been the Papal seat (1257 - 1281). In the 12th c. Viterbo has been a free city allied to the Holy Roman Empire (against Rome): du-ring this period it imposes itself as the main town of Tuscia. Later the direct involvement of the popes guaranteed the city a period of splendor, which ended with the Avignon cap-tivity, period during which Viterbo became a dominion in the hands of the Di Vico’s family. In the modern era the city lost the interna-tional vocation that it had had in the Midd-le Ages, and its destiny followed that of the State of the Church. The Middle Ages has imprinted on Viterbo its image: the entire old town shows intact traces of this past. In the charming Piazza San Lorenzo are located the most important buildigs: one is Palazzo dei Papi (photo 1), which has been papal seat and home of 5 conclaves. It is a massi-

ve building with mighty buttresses overhanging a valley: inside is located the impressive Hall of the Conclave. Outside the Loggia delle Benedizioni opens on the side of the square with

a game of arches supported by slender columns. The Cathedral of St. Lawrence (photo 2) was built in the Romanesque style in the 12th c. The interior has three naves separated by two rows of columns culminating in elegant capitals.


Viterbo

Tourist Office: + 39 0761.325992



46


ViterboFerento

(archaeological site)


Viterbo, Strada Ferento


Ferento was founded by exiles of Acquavi-va, Etruscan city destroyed by rival Tarquinia (around 500 BC). In Roman times it became a municipium, where were born the Emperor Otho and Domitilla the Elder, wife of Vespa-sian. During the Dark Ages ferento lived an era of decline, because of the continuous wars that afflicted Italy, but the end of the city took place in the 12th c., when it was swept away by expansionist ambitions of Viterbo: in the New Year’s Eve of 1272 AD the army of Viterbo destroyed what remained of Ferento. For centuries to come Viterbo always hindered the rebuilding of Ferento: thanks to that fury today a magnificent archaeological site is preserved. The Roman theater is the most im-pressive building: it’s partly leaning on the natural slope of the land and partly supported by masonry structures. The auditorium was carved directly into the rock. To the east of the theater is located the great thermal complex: we recognize the classical division of spaces

into tepidarium, caldarium, and frigidarium, plus some ancillary rooms, like apodyterium (chan-ging room) and unctorium (anointing room). All the rooms were paved with mosaic tiles. The ba-ths, dating back to the Augustan age, became a block of private homes in medieval times.



47


ViterboVilla Lante

della Rovere

Viterbo, via Jacopo Barozzi, 71

Villa Lante: + 39 0761.288008

In the hamlet of Bagnaia is Villa Lante della Rovere, one of the most famous mannerist Italian gardens: it was voted most beautiful gardens of Italy in 2011. In 1568 Cardinal Francesco Gambara, related to the Farnese, had the idea to transform the park of Bagna-ia into a artistic villa with gardens, woods and water. The project was commissioned to Ja-copo Barozzi da Vignola: he built the older of the two cottages that are in Villa Lante: the second one, almost identical, was build 30 years later, by a different owner. The two square buildings have a ground floor where several rusticated lodges support the floor above: a small tower or lantern stands on top of both sloping tile roofs. The buildings are very different in frescoes: landscape painting decorates the cottage so-called Gambara, while a more classical style prevails in the so-called cottage Montalto. However the main attraction of Villa Lante are the gar-dens, especially the water features such as waterfalls, fountains and grottos dripping. The park extends through parterres (flat sur-

faces, made up of flower beds that extend in symmetrical patterns, separated and connected by gravel paths) and terraces. The geometries of the park are arranged so to amaze th ob-severs, by proposing them different environments according to different observation points.

The unique feature of Villa Lante is the predomi-nance of the garden over the architectural work. The Garden is thus an enchanting place created and built by a powerful cardinal in the name of the supremacy of man over nature.

Opening: Tue - Sun08.30 - 16.30Jan - Feb

Mar 08.30 - 17.301 - 15 Apr

16 Apr - 15 Sep08.30 - 18.3008.30 - 19.30

16 Sep - OctNov - Dec

08.30 - 18.3008.30 - 16.30



48


ViterboOpening: free accessBullicame

(free natural thermal baths)

Viterbo is located in the center of a large hy-drothermal basin fed by dozens water sprin-gs that supply natural and artificial pools: in some of these you can freely immerse at any time of day. The most famous thermal site is the Bullicame (photos 1 & 2), mentioned in Dante’s Divine Comedy: the sulfur water, which has important beneficial properties, flows at 55° C from a natural crateere, to feed 3 pools. Two springs with similar pro-perties supply the so-called Piscine Carletti (photo 3). Here the water gushes out at 58° C, but the channeling in a dozen pools that are different in shape, size, and disposition

allow you to choose the best temperature. The bed of some pools is muddy so that you can make mud masks. If you are in a group, and you have a flashlight, you can try the experience of a night swim, but remember: it’s your own risk because the baths are not guarded. Always

remember to bring a towel (preferably a bathro-be) and a change. Remember that the waters are sulphurous: leaves the thermal bath as last acti-vity before going back to the room.

Viterbo, Strada Provinciale 15Tourist Office: + 39 0761.325992



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ViterboOpening: free access

San Martinoal Cimino(hamlet of Viterbo)

At the beginning of the 13th c. Pope Innocent III granted the lands in the north of Lake Vico to the Cistercian monks of the abbey of Pontigny,with a mandate to build an abbey and develop agricolture: in 1225 the church was comple-ted. Around the religious complex the village of San Martino al Cimino arose and grew, even after 1564, when the abbey was abandoned. In 1645 Pope Innocent X gave the village to the Olimpia Maidalchini, and gave back to the church, at that time in ruins, the title of abbatial church. Lady Olimpia completely restored the church, adding two towers as buttresses, built a palace on the ruins of the large monastic structures and watched on the reconstruction and reorganization of the village. The church (photo 2) shows a solemn facade adorned with a rose window and a large Gothic polifora. The interior is simple and austere, reminiscent of the great Gothic cathedrals and abbeys

Cistercians for the high vaulted ceiling, large win-dows and the colonnade pillars with a cross. In the Doria-Pamphili Palace there is the room of Olympia, where the ceiling is raised and lowered by a pulley system.

Viterbo, piazza Buratti




50


Sorianonel Cimino

Soriano nel Cimino, via dei Telari

Town Hall: + 39 0761.742235

TownCastle

Soriano is located at an altitude of 509 mt AMSL on the slopes of Monte Cimino, the hi-ghest peak of the Monti Cimini. During the Middle Ages in the territory there were seve-ral scattered settlements, consisting of a few houses grouped around small castles: from the 13th c. the village of Soriano prevailed above all. Between 1278 and 1366 the feud has been in the hands of the Orsini: Pope Nicholas III, the most illustrious of the family, between 1277 and 1279, built the Castle Orsini (photo 1), around an earlier tower (about 1000 AD) that was incorporated as the keep of the new building. The rectangular càssero was set against the older tower, connected through a wall bounded by a cylindrical tower to the north, and to the south by a minor branch. The castle was restored and reinforced in the late 15th c. So-riano has been the center of the struggle between Guelphs and Ghibellines until 1435, when Cardinal Vitelleschi recaptured it and, in the churchyard of St Eutizio, beheaded Giacomo

Di Vico, last descendant of the powerful pro-im-perial family. At the end of the 18th c., the Duo-mo of St. Nicholas of Bari (photo 2) was built in neoclassical style. The interior has a Greek cross with three naves and decorated dome.

Opening:Castle

Sunday and holidays10.30 - 13.00 15.00 - 18.00



51


BomarzoMonsters’ Park

(Parco dei Mostri)

Bomarzo, via Madonna della Valle

Park: + 39 0761.924029

Opening: Everyday

08.30 - 19.00Apr - OctJan - Mar 08.30 - sunset

Nov - Dec 08.30 - sunset

The so-called Monster Park (or Sacred Fo-rest) of Bomarzo is a monument located on the slopes of a natural amphitheater. In 1552 Pier Francesco Orsini (called Vicino Orsini), lord of Bomarzo, commissioned the construction to the architect and antiquarian Pirro Ligorio. The park, in the intentions of Orsini, had to be a place where he could ela-borate the mourning for the loss of his wife Giulia Farnese: as a sentence engraved on a pillar states “Sol per sfogare il core” (“Just

to ease the heart”). In 1585, after the death of the last Prince Orsini, the park was aban-doned for nearly four centuries: only in the late 20th c. it was restored and opened to the public. Pirro Ligorio built a park that still remain an enigma: according to the canons of the grotesque, wandering around the 3 he (7,40 ac) of Mediterranean scrub and green areas,

you’ll find impossible architectures, like the tilted house (photo 1) or some enigmatic statues, like the ogre (photo 2), representing the stages of a journey of alchemical array. The park will appeal to both adults and children.



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Montefiascone

Town

Montefiascone is located on the south-eastern slope of the Volsini mountain range Volsini. The territory has been attended continuously since the Copper Age, but the first real settlement da-tes back to Roman times. The town gained in importance during the Middle Ages for being a fortified village along the Via Francigena, the main road leading to Rome: during the inve-stiture controversy was disputed between the papacy and the empire. During the Avignon captivity popes sent representatives in Montefiascone, from where they ruled the Papal States. In the 15th c. begins the decline of the town: the Popes, after returning to Italy, forgot it. In the 17th c. To make things worse Montefiascone was ravaged by both the plague and the earthquake that destroyed the nearby Bagnoregio. Today the name of Montefiascone is closely related to the wine, whose tradition dates back to Frederick Barbarossa: Est! Est!! Est!!! is the name of the DOC white wine, whose name’s origin goes back to the story of

the Prussian Prince John Defuk and the servant Martino, on the journey to Rome of 1111 AD. The old town and the fortress are the main attractions of Montefiascone. It has also a stretch of coast of Lake Bolsena.


Montefiascone, via Indipendenza




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BagnoregioCivita di

Bagnoregio(Old Town)

Town Hall: +39 0761.780815

Bagnoregio, via Tecchi

Opening:Museum Tue - Sun

Oct - 6 Jan

Jun - Sep 09.30 - 19.00 14.00 - 18.30

Fri - SunMar - May10.00 - 13.00 14.00 - 17.30

Civita is both the Old Town an an hamlet of Ba-gnoregio. It’s perched on a tuff cliff subjected to washing away: this causes an erosion that destroys the buildings built on the edge of the cliff: this is why Civita is known as The dying city. Erosion has profoundly transfor-med the surrounding area, drawing valleys of gullies and contributing to isolate the town, which today can only be reached via a pede-strian bridge (photo 1). Etruscan have been the first to occupy the site: at that time the settlement had five town gate. Etruscan and Roman effectively combatted the erosion by constructing hydraulic works, but later the maintenance was abandoned, with the re-sult that the erosion began again, and final-ly the village had to be abandoned. Within the village buildings are preserved as they were in the past: many medieval houses, the Church of San Donato (photo 2), whi-ch overlooks the main square, the Bishop’s Palace, a mill of the 16th c., the birthplace of St. Bonaventure and the town gate of Santa Maria (decorated with two lions keeping in

the paws a human head, in memory of a popular uprising against the Monaldeschi family from Orvieto). The Church of San Donato dates back to the 5th c. but has been restored in the 16th c., according to the shapes of the Renaissance: however, some traces of the

Romanesque plan still remain. Between 600 AD and 1695 AD it has been a cathedral church. Ale-manni Palace houses the Geological Museum of Landslides, which preserves the mineralogi-cal and fossil evidences from the territory.



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Rome has many lakes, but only two are Lakes of Rome: Bracciano & Martignano. They are the core of a beautiful area rich in history, na-tural beauty, tradition and food culture, but they are the gateway to a wider territory too, where a lot more beauties and flavors are: Tu-scia, the land that separates Rome from Tuscany. This is the first in-teractive guide that help you enjoing this part of Italy at best: actual-ly, through the intensive use of QR codes, this book interacts with your smartphone, or tablet, both giving you driving directions (by activating the navigator) and providing you additional and updated informations (by loading related web pages). We understand that your vacation is like a story: it has a beginning, an end, and in the middle there is the experience. Similarly this guide is divided into Start and eXperience, because around the Lakes of Rome eating is not just feeding, exploring is not just seeing new things, enjoying is not just taking delight, but everything is experiencing.

Enzo Ramella is a PhD who loves the territory and wants to make it known and appreciated.

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ISBN 978-1-326-32828-390000

http://www.lakesofrome.com

lakes of rome. lake bracciano guide

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