Itinerary: Park of the Monsters in Bomarzo, Castiglione in Teverina, Civita di Bagnoregio
Tuscia and its Etruscan evidence in Civita di Bagnoregio
During this tour, you will visit Tuscia, a real, authentic area in Italy that has been inhabited since the Etruscan Era. In fact, Tuscia was the homeland of the ancient Etruscans. Today, this area is located in the region of Lazio, not far from Rome and mostly around the city of Viterbo. So, you will discover the history, art, and culture of bygone days visiting this area.
Let's start out from Viterbo. Take the regional route to get to the Park of the Monsters, Parco dei Mostri located in Bomarzo.
Park of the Monsters in Bomarzo pic n°4 - 5
The Park of the Monsters was designed by architect Pirro Ligorio, one of the greatest Italian architects of the 16th century, at the request of Prince Pier Francesco Orsini (called also "Vicino"). After the death of his wife, Prince Vicino wanted to create a unique and magnificent work in her memory, something that would "astonish" everyone. That is why this park was born for.
In fact, inside this huge park, you will find many startling statues of gigantic shapes such as giant animals, sirens, Roman goddesses, and Homeric heroes beyond the funeral mausoleum of his deceased wife. It is a Manieristic monumental complex, a beautiful garden where among the natural vegetation the above-mentioned large sculptures and buildings are hidden. Today it is private property, and one of the major tourist attractions of the area.
Wine Museum Castiglione in Teverina pic n°6
Leaving the park, go ahead in the direction of Castiglione in Teverina. Here, you can visit an interesting museum of wine. Tools, machinery, various objects, and many photos are displayed, all related to wine production. You can take part in a guided tour right at the museum.
Civita di Bagnoregio (pic n°1 - 2 - 3)
Now, follow the sign and reach Civita di Bagnoregio. This village is listed among the "most beautiful villages" in Italy. Civita di Bagnoregio is famous for being called the "dying city". Due to the erosion of the hill and the surrounding valley in addition to some earthquakes occurred in the past, the village is at risk of collapsing. This is why it is called the "dying city".
Civita di Bagnoregio is located on the top of a hill in a secluded position where people can get by a long, pedestrian bridge only. It is a very ancient village as it was founded by the Etruscans in the 6th century B.C. During the Etruscan Period Civita di Bagnoregio was a thriving city with five entrance gates, a sort of a trading center of that era, thanks also to its strategic location. After the Etruscans, the Romans arrived here in 265 B.C. and continued the works of constructions and channelings the Etruscans had started.
Today you can access the village by only one gate located at the end of the bridge. When inside the village, you will realize that it is such a beautiful hamlet, you may think it has just come out of a fairy tale!
Here, you will also find some evidence of the Etruscan Era. For example, the so-called "Bucaione", which is a deep Etruscan tunnel or in the area of the "Old St. Francis" (San Francesco Vecchio) where you will find a small Etruscan necropolis discovered in the cliff below the viewpoint of St. Francis.
Meanwhile, nowadays only a few inhabitants live here (around twenty people), Civita di Bagnoregio is a beloved destination for many tourists from all over the world!
Read more about The Wine Road of Tuscia tasting some excellent local wines
Departure: Viterbo
Arrival: Civita di Bagnoregio
Length:Km 64
Some picture of Tuscia:
Civita di Bagnoregio (pic n°1 - 2 - 3); Park of the Monsters in Bomarzo (pic n°4 - 5 - middle); Wine Museum Castiglione in Teverina (pic n°6);