Lazio: Etruscan and Roman archeological sites, natural reserves and wild mountains…
Even before the birth of Rome, this area located along the Tiber River was called Lazio, from the latin word Latium. Its history is intertwined with the destinies of Roman Empire, Catholic Church and Italian Republic. Art cities and natural reserves caracterize this uncommon destination.
SOPRANO SUGGESTED AREAS
COMING HERE
International Airport Leonardo Da Vinci (Fiumicino) | Rome
International Airport of Ciampino | Rome
GEOGRAPHY
Lazio is extended from the Apennines to the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its territory is diversified, predominantly hilly. The coast is low and sandy, while the inner part is characterized by the Apennine mountains landscape, made of woods and pastures. Off the coast there is the splendid Pontine Archipelago, composed by the islands of Ponza, Palmarola, Zannone, Gavi, Ventotene and Santo Stefano. The Tiber comes from Umbria and it is the largest river.
CLIMATE
Lazio has a mild climate, typical of central Italy. On the coast the average temperatures in july are 24-25 °C, while in January it lowers to 9-10 °C. Proceeding inward, the climate becomes continental. On the highest mountains it can snow. Summers are mediterranean.
EVENTS
St. Benedict celebration in Montecassino. On March the 21st, the town of Cassino celebrates St. Benedict, the patron. Events and traditional parades animate the streets.
Chestnut Festival of Soriano del Cimino. The first two weekends of October, the town of Soriano del Cimino celebrates the historical Festival dedicated to chestnuts. The tradition comes from the Middle Ages; performances, a procession and other exhibitions take place. Typical food is served in the medieval taverns of the settlement.
HISTORY AND CULTURE
The history of Lazio is profoundly marked by the presence of the Roman Empire and of the Catholic Church. But the history of this region dates back to II Millennium BC, when Indo-European populations settled in the area. Among them, the Latins –from which the region takes its name– the Sabines and the Volscians. The northern part of Lazio, was inhabited by the Etruscans, who developed a wonderful culture. Today we can see the Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia, listed by UNESCO in the World Heritage Sites.
From the fifth century BC to the first century BC, the history of Lazio coincides with that of Rome. The new masters, intended to increase their power, defeated the local populations. Rome, at the heart of the region, became the capital of a wide and powerful empire; streets and settlements where built in Lazio, and goods from all over the known world arrived here. This age of splendor finished in 476 AD, with the end of the Roman Empire.
The power vacuum due to the fall of the Empire was filled by the Catholic Church. Lazio became part of the Vatican property, and it was beautified with monasteries and churches. Until in 1870 the region became part of the Italian Republic.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura
- Villa Adriana, Tivoli
- Villa d’Este, Tivoli
- Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia
SITES OF INTEREST
Tivoli. A destination not to miss is Tivoli. Two sites of extraordinary historical value are located here: Villa Adriana and Villa d’Este. Villa Adriana was built by the Roman Emperor Adrian, a man of deep culture, influenced by the Greek civilization. Fountains, statues, alleys and building dott a wide area, inspiring the vistor a sense of harmony and beauty. Villa d’Este is a concentration of fountains, nymphs, caves and water games. It was a well known model for the European architects of the gardens, who tried to emulate its Mannerism and Baroque. Both the villas are part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Bracciano and Martignano Lakes. Bracciano is a lake of volcanic origin, surrounded by a natural reserve. Three historic towns stand on its shores: Bracciano, Trevignano and Anguillara Sabazia. This lake is ideal for a bike tour or for renting a boat. Close to Bracciano Lake, at about 2 km eastward, stands the tiny and charming Martignano Lake. Here you can go for a swim or rent a canoe in one of the bathing establishments.
Veio Natural Reserve. This fascinating natural reserve has a long history behind, dating back to Etruscans. You can enjoy the beauty of this unspoiled nature in many ways: just walking, riding a horse or by bike.
Calcata. A fascinating tiny town built in a tuff hill dominating the countryside. It located in the Treja Valley, a green hilly area about 50 km from Rome. Calcata is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Italy; with an history dating back to XIII century. The ancient city center, closed to traffic, is made of narrow streets and typical buildings. You will not find huge monuments, but a cozy atmosphere that will give you the feeling of a fairy tail.
The town of Anagni. Anagni is called the city of popes, because it gave birth to 4 popes, being the Papal Residence for a long time. The medieval centre is made of elegant and austere buildings, Romanesque churches, towers, loggias and squares. Of particular interest the Palace of Bonifacio VIII, the Town Hall, Barnekow House and the several churches, among which the Cathedral. The frescoes of the beautiful crypt constitute one of the most interesting examples of the thirteenth century Italian art.
Abbey of Monte Cassino. This magnificent Benedictine Abbey is located in the province of Frosinone, standing on the top of a high hill. It was founded by St. Benedict of Norcia in 529 AD, but it was devasted by the Lombards (580 AD), by the Saracens (883 AD) and by a disastrous earthquake in 1349 AD. During Second World War, the Abbey of Cassino was completely destroyed by a violent bombardment of the Allies. Thanks to the tenacity of the Benedictine monks, it has been reconstructed, and it is today an active monastery.
Soriano nel Cimino. In the province of Viterbo, Soriano nel Cimino is a tiny medieval town, built around an ancient castle. Small houses and narrow streets overlook a wide valley of chestnut trees. The most representative building is the Castle Orsini.
Garden of Ninfa. The Garden of Ninfa is an Italian natural monument. It is a typical English garden designed in 1921, on the ruins of the old medieval town of Ninfa. The garden contains over a thousand specimens and it is crossed by the Ninfa river. Open on the first Saturday and Sunday of each month from April to October; and on the third Sunday in April, May and June.
Among the most beautiful seaside spots, Gaeta, Sperlonga, Sabaudia, Terracina, the Island of Ponza and San Felice Circeo.
FOOD
That of Lazio is a simple cuisine, which originates from folk traditions. In Lower Lazio the typical appetizer is mozzarella cheese, while in Northern Lazio a dish of mix grilled vegetables is the standard. Among the typical recipes, bucatini all’amatriciana –a pasta with tomato sauce, chilly and pecorino cheese; spaghetti alla carbonara –pasta with eggs and parmesan cheese; abbacchio alla cacciatora –lamb baked with garlic, rosemary, white wine, anchovies and hot pepper; saltimbocca alla romana –veal with ham and sage; baccalà al guazzetto – cod fish; porchetta –pork; artichokes alla giudia –fried, a traditional Jewish recipe. Among cakes, there is the maritozzo –a soft roll with peanuts, raisin and orange peel.
In Castelli area a good white wine is produced, called Frascati. Among the red wines, we suggest Est! Est! Est! di Montefiascone, and Gennazzano, produced in the area of Viterbo.