Calcata Vecchia is one of several hilltop towns in Tuscia, the region of northern Lazio that you can find perched on an almost unreachable crag of volcanic tufa rock. With its Medieval buildings and winding cobbled streets – not to mention its more recent creative community – it makes for a great place to explore … Read more
If you’re a fan of mystery, history or simply like the idea of exploring a ghost town, then you should definitely put Celleno Borgo Fantasma on your itinerary when you visit Italy. This is one of the country’s 6,000 or so villages or hamlets that have been left practically abandoned – Borgo Fantasma literally means … Read more
Vitorichiano is one of a collection of pretty towns to be found in the Tuscia region. Taking its name from the Etruscans (a pre-Roman civilization), not only is this area strewn with ancient origins, it has also played an important role in medieval Italian history – and beyond. I grew up with a poster of … Read more
You’ll find Soriano nel Cimino in the historic Tuscia region – a charming part of Lazio, well off the usual tourist track. This picturesque part of the country offers an insight into real local life in Italy. Soriano nel Cimino itself is a small town nestled on the slopes of the Monti Cimini and is … Read more
There are plenty of sights in Rome, but if you want to escape the crowds and explore further afield, don’t fret: there’s plenty of places to do just that a mere stone’s throw from the Italian capital. One of these is the Mannerist gardens of Villa Lante. Situated just over 100 kilometers (62 miles) from … Read more
Situated just 93 kilometers (57 miles) northwest of Rome, the UNESCO-recognized city of Tarquinia is a great place for a day trip from the capital. With its Etruscan roots and ancient Etruscan necropolis, and location just seven kilometers (four miles) inland from the Tyrrhenian Sea, there’s plenty of history to marvel at – and some … Read more
Just 121 kilometers (75 miles) north of Rome, Orvieto is a popular place to take a day trip from the Italian capital. The small city, situated on a rocky tuff outcrop, is replete with medieval history, and boasts a wealth of architecture and even a connection to the Papacy. With all this fascinating history to … Read more
While Rome has a lot going for it, sometimes you just need to escape the bustling capital and get a breath of fresh air. Luckily, there’s plenty of places to check out just a stone’s throw from the city. One of these is Villa Farnese. Located 60 kilometers (37 miles) north of Rome in the … Read more
Viterbo is an ideal spot for a day trip from Rome. It’s in easy reach of the Italian capital, being just 80 kilometers (50 miles) away. So once you’ve perhaps had enough of the hustle and bustle of Rome, Viterbo makes for the perfect antidote. This city and its medieval streets and architecture is packed … Read more
If you’re looking for an interesting place to visit on a day trip from Rome, none come more visually fascinating than Bomarzo Monster Park. Officially named Sacro Bosco (literally “Sacred Grove”), Bomarzo is a Mannerist garden that’s so bizarre, and perhaps even frightening, that it’s earned the nickname “Parco dei Mostri” – Park of the … Read more