17Apr2020

I miss you, Italy! Truly amazing places to visit in Lazio after Coronavirus.

Written byRenata Jirasova17 Apr. 2020

LAZIO is somewhat unfairly neglected region, lying in the shadow of its famous capital, Rome. I've been through it many times, but there's still much to discover. I am not exaggerating when I say that you will find an exceptional place on every square kilometer.

Medieval "dead" towns of Civita di Bagnioregio or Vitorchiano and divine thermal baths hidden in nature nearby the city of Viterbo; the Santuary of the Holy Trinity in Vallepietra or monastery in Subiaco both built in the rocks, lovely waterfalls in Monti Simbruini – this is just a few breathtaking Lazio´s places you can´t see anywhere else in the world.

Here is a nostalgic list of some of the truly amazing places I visited before the Coronavirus pandemic and I´ll definitely go back when the borders of Italy reopen.

1. Civita di Bagnoregio

Founded by Etruscans more than 2,500 years ago, the stunning Civita di Bagnoregio rises on a table mountain nearby the city of Viterbo and the only way to the town is by a footbridge long 366 metres. Civita has only twelve inhabitants, if I don´t count a group of cats living there.

A strong earthquake in 1695 drove the locals out of their homes, so it almost became depopulated in the following centuries. So did erosion and land sink.

It is the only city in the world where you have to pay a 5 EUR entry fee.

The only way to Civita di Bagnoregio is by the footbridge, long 366 metres.

The landscape around and the view from the footbridge is truly amazing.

It is the only city in the world where you have to pay a 5 EUR entry fee.

A strong earthquake in 1695 drove the locals out of their homes, so it almost became depopulated in the following centuries. So did erosion and land sink.

2. Vitorchiano

Located nearby the city of Viterbo, the ancient Vitorchiano is one of the many but pretty towns of Tuscia. The old town is characterized by the gray colour of the peperino (a local stone) and by very suggestive alleys, arches and squares.

Another typical feature of Vitorchiano are the so-called profferli (external stairs generally leading to balconies of houses).

Out of the historic town, there is a unique Moai, 6 metres high statue, carved by 11 Maori from a peperino stone. It is a perfect reproduction of the famous monoliths with human faces that are found on Easter island (Rapa Nui) in Polynesia. It is the only Moai outside of the island.

The old town is characterized by the gray colour of the peperino (a local stone) and by very suggestive alleys, arches, profferli (external stairs) and squares.

The Moai giant, 6 metres high statue, was carved by 11 Maori from a peperino stone and given as a gift to Vitorchiano. It is a perfect reproduction of the famous monoliths with human features that are found on Easter Island. It is the only Moai outside of the island. There is a parking place and astonishing view on the historic part of Vitorchiano.

The astonishing panoramic view of Vitorchiano town next to the Moai statue

3. Bagnaccio, spa park and botanical garden

This spa park is a truly unique experience. Several thermal baths in the middle of fields (difficult to find it) nearby the city of Viterbo is a paradise for those who love hot spring water.

Pools have a different temperature, water is clean, changed daily. This hidden place is peaceful and visited just by locals.

4. Santuario della SS. Trinitá di Vallepietra (Sanctuary of The Holy Trinity)

Sanctuary of the Holy Trinity is a real gem. It is a small, lovely Catholic Church located in the town of Vallepietra, in a mountainous environment at an altitude of 1337 meters above sea level.

It is built under a large rocky cliff overlooking the mountain group Monte Autore. Surrounded by centuries-old beech forests on the karst plateau of Campo della Pietra, the church is a frequent destination for pilgrims and local tourists. The view from the courtyard is breathtaking.

5. Parco Naturale regionale, Monti Simbruini

Parco naturale regionale with its lovely waterfalls in Monti Sembruini is a piece of paradise.

6. Monastero di San Benedetto, Subiaco

Built in the 13th century in the mountain rocky cliff, the Monastero di San Benedetto in the town of Subiaco is a real cultural gem with strong history and atmosphere. The church and chapel areas are covered with astonishing, well-preserved frescoes and from the courtyard is a breathtaking view.

The marvellous Monastery of San Benedetto is located just one hour driving from Rome (or one hour by bus from station Ponte Mamolo in Rome) on the south-eastern part of Lazio.