Around the lakes of Bracciano and Martignano, there is a park of 16,000 hectares, which protects and enhances the extraordinary natural heritage of the territory. The hills of the Sabatini Mountains are covered with chestnut groves and deciduous oak trees, a forest heritage embellished by the presence of beech forests below altitude. Numerous animal species inhabit the environment, from mammals that live in their nature environment, which boar, fox, porcine, weasel to those introduced by the rsquo; man like the mouflon and the deer. There is also the presence of rare species such as the wild cat and the wolf. In addition to the numerous birds of prey, among woods and lakes there is a significant presence of about 10,000 migratory birds of over 150 species different for which banks and reeds are rest and nesting zones.
During one of the first weekends of early autumn, I went for a day to a historic town located north of the capital, its name is Viterbo. The city is located north of the Lazio region on the border with the regions of Tuscany and Umbria, it is a town of long and deep story. In fact, it was an important center in the Etruscan era, while in the era of the ancient Romans, thanks to its proximity to the Via Cassia it had an enormous development both economic, commercial and cultural. A city so fascinating and beautiful that in the Middle Ages, starting from the 13th century many popes, put their home here. It is still surrounded by ancient walls and access to the historic center is possible through seven doors. I walk along the streets of the historic center of Viterbo and I am fascinated to discover how much of the Middle Ages is still present in this enchanting place. Here are palaces and churches with a deep history, wonderful examples of Renaissance art. In particular, I was struck by the 13th century clock tower and the beautiful Piazza del Plebiscito from which I move away. to reach the enchanting and majestic cathedral of Viterbo. Built in the 12th century, it is in full Roman style and the mosaics that can be admired here are of a blinding beauty. Walking through the city of Viterbo, we can appreciate the city museums including: the Civic Museum, the Museum of Medieval Ceramics and Renaissance, the Museum of the Colle del Duomo, the National Archaeological Museum and the Museum of the Facchini Association of Santa Rosa. But Viterbo is also a city of cinema. In the corners of this beautiful city there are fiction, commercials, films of national and international level. In the 1960s, Viterbo was already the protagonist of various films including Fellini's masterpiece “I Vitelloni”. The city and the City Administration are ready to offer a welcoming location to film professionals. Spring-Summer Events: Baroque Festival, international festival of classical music. September: Feast of Santa Rosa, companion of the city. The evening before, the Santa Rosa Machine was transported, an impressive votive construction carried by the Porters of Santa Rosa. September Viterbese, a month of celebrations and events. Known as the City of Popes, in reference to the period when the papal seat was moved to this city of aristocratic palaces, medieval districts, cloisters and churches period, Viterbo has always been remembered for its thermal waters. The offer of spa facilities, with various treatments, establishments and hotels open all year round, & heavy; very wide. The natural springs of water and mud extend for more than 12 kilometers from north to south. These wonderful waters, with healing properties, were already appreciated by the Etruscans and the Romans.
There are many things to see in the city of the popes, the other name to call Viterbo. Let's start from the spas that are located on its territory. Already known by the Etruscans and described by Dante in Inferno, the Bullicame hot spring provides sulphurous waters the swimming pool of the Terme dei Papi, just outside the city center. The Popes were very important for Viterbo and made the city discontinuously their residence from the '200 to the 1500s. Beautiful buildings, churches and squares were built. In Piazza San Lorenzo we find the homonymous cathedral and the Palace of the Popes with the Loggia. The Cathedral of the '200 is the oldest building, the Palace was built in the '300 and the Loggia later in the '500. Buildings and square form a beautiful set of medieval architecture. Palazzo Farnese and Palazzo dei Priori (or Comunale) are also from the same time. During that time there was also a very religious girl called Rosa who was later known as Santa Rosa. On 3 September the ceremony of the Machine of Santa Rosa takes place. A bell tower of modern workmanship, 30 meters high and of considerable weight with the statue of the saint on top, is taken in procession to the Sanctuary of Santa Rosa in the city. This act symbolizes the translation of the body of the saint from the cemetery to the church. Obviously there are museums that speak to us from the ancient Etruscans, the first inhabitants of these areas and beautiful churches full of statues and frescoes that tell the story of the popes and the city. The historic center of Viterbo is closed in the ancient city walls with no less than fifteen access doors. Watchtowers and crenellated walls complete the picture of this city in Lazio.
I visited the Underground Viterbo in December. The cost of the ticket is really low, only 4 euros including a tasting of typical products. As he told us the highly prepared guide according to some accredited theories advanced by archaeological scholars, the first cut in the tuff of the Viterbo Underground could even go back to the Etruscans. Underground Viterbo is composed of a network of tunnels that extend under the historic center and lead all the way beyond the city walls. For now, the only passable stretch of the underground winds for a hundred meters arranged on two levels under Piazza della Morte, respectively at 3 and 8 meters deep. The route is completely excavated in the tuff, a volcanic rock that characterizes the current landscape of Tuscia. The origin of the tunnels is controversial. According to some accredited theories, advanced by scholars and archaeologists, the first cut in the tuff could even go back to the Etruscans. At that time, probably, the structure was used as a hydraulic system, a way to collect and channel rainwater and river waters, and then sort them where necessary precisely through a dense network of tunnels. It was during the Middle Ages that these places took on their current conformation: raised, enlarged and stretched, the underground tunnels became an authentic maze made of secret passages that were used to connect the nerve and strategic structures of Viterbo. The galleries also led to all the main exits of the city and secured the escape route for the Viterbo in case of danger or siege. More recently, the dungeons were exploited by the brigands for their shady business and during World War II they were used as anti-aircraft shelters during the bombings. A guided tour of the Underground Viterbo is a journey through history over 2500 years. The tunnels are illuminated by LEDs, well ventilated and comfortably walkable.
Rome is the city whose name everyone knows, and whose monuments are famous all over the world and for this reason I don't want to talk about it (just take any guide and read the chapter dedicated to the Italian capital) ). I wanted to give you an idea what to do when you are tired of visiting the monuments in the warm Roman sun and when your legs hurt so bad that you will no longer be able to take a step. This means that you have to take the car or train and go to Viterbo about 80 km from Rome, and famous for its hot springs. The most famous are the Terme dei Papi, immersed in the heart of Tuscia 2 km from Viterbo, for centuries a privileged destination for the popes and their courts. With a little money aside you can offer you a relaxing day at a specialized spa, but even if you're broke, it's no problem. In fact, in addition to the large stations, the area is rich in thermal baths, where the entrance is completely free or costs a truly symbolic amount. These are Carletti pools, the Bulicame Thermal Baths and the Bagnaccio Thermal Baths. All of them are located near Viterbo (from 2 to 8 km) and often easily reached even by means of urban transport. The Carletti Baths are hyperthermal springs. The outgoing water has a temperature of about 58C, and feeds various pools frequented by many bathers. It is very pleasant to bathe in winter, as the water temperature always remains high. Even at the Terme Bagnaccio you can swim in winter. The area includes hypothermal (temperature 23-290C) and hyperthermal springs (temperature 65-660C). Admission is free, but the area is poor in services. The Bulicame hot spring is the best known source of Viterbo, whose waters have a temperature of about 58C. Unfortunately, in 2008 it was not possible to bathe because of the low water level and empty tubs. Fortunately, there are other spas such as Zitelle, the thermal baths of San Sisto and those of Callara. Take advantage of it because it's really worth it!
A friend of mine lives in Viterbo, I am very happy to visit her sometimes even for the beauty of her city. No matter when you get here, you can always find a variety of events that are absolutely worth seeing. In addition to the religious festivals of the patron saints of the city, you will find the Italian Film Festival, and a Baroque Festival with classical music. During the month of September, the city organizes various events throughout the period. I was lucky enough to be able to attend some of these parties. The city is also worth seeing outside the festival period. It was built on a dive hill. The main attraction of the city is the Papi Palace, with the Cathedral of San Lorenzo. Not far from here is the medieval village of San Pellegrino, where the buildings have remained in original style, with their casting stairs. In this neighborhood the Feast of San Pellegrino in Fiore is held in May, in which the whole neighborhood will be covered with flowers. I also visited the Etruscan Museum, but we also went a few kilometers outside Viterbo to explore the surrounding area, where you can also see the Terme dei Papi , the former thermal baths.
Relais Il Postiglione is set in a recently renovated 15th century historic inn, which now comprises a hotel and two adjoining meeting rooms with conference facilities. It is situated close to Campagnano di Roma, around 30 minutes drive from Rome city centre, and within minutes of a local racetrack and golf course. All rooms are fully air conditioned and non-smoking with en suite bathrooms (complementary slippers and Avon toiletries included). They are equipped with free Wi-Fi and LCD TV, and are traditionally decorated with terracotta flooring and antique furniture. The grounds of the hotel feature a swimming pool, tennis courts, and an enclosed Italian-style garden, plus a children's playground and free car parking facilities. The hotel serves a continental sweet breakfast every morning, and the on-site restaurant has been serving traditional family-style Italian food for over forty years. The hotel is fully equipped for events such as business conferences and weddings, while for tourists there is easy access to the nearby lakes Martignano and Bracciano, and is also close to the Bracciano nature park. The building and site itself retains many historical features passed unchanged down the centuries, and was once part of the Grand Tour hosting the likes of Goethe and Alfieri as guests. More informations at: www.ilpostiglione.it
