Traditional Tuscany Holidays - Lazio :: Tuscia
Lazio :: Alto Lazio (Upper Latium) or Tuscia
Bordered to the north by Tuscany and to the east by Umbria, the area of the upper Latium know as Tuscia is a land of gently rolling countryside, volcanic craters that gave rise to the beautiful freshwater lakes of Bolsena and Vico, thermal pools popular in the treatment of various ailments and medieval hilltop villages that include; Pitigliano, Sorano, Civita di Bagnoregio, Orvieto, Montefiasone and Tarquinia, to name but a few.
The Lake of Bolsena (Italian: Lago di Bolsena). Lying within the northern part of the province of Viterbo that is called Alto Lazio ("Upper Latium") or Tuscia, the lake has a long historic tradition as well as providing beaches for lazing and picnics, a wide range of water sports, spectacular scenery and three thriving little towns; Bolsena, Marta and Capodimonte. Bolsena on the northern shore of the volcanic lake, has a museum full of Etruscan relics, a fine medieval castle, some picturesque alleys, and two early churches, 13th century San Francesco and 11th century Santa Cristina, best remembered for a miracle which occurred during a mass held in 1263, when the host dripped blood onto the altar cloth and marble floor, subsequently giving rise to the festival of Corpus Christi. Capodimonte, on the southern shore is also attractive, with beaches and boat trips to Isola Bisentina (pictured) where there are Etruscan tombs, early frescoed chapels, and one of the many Farnese villas of this area.
This region was the heartland of the flourishing and cultivated Etruscan civilisation, later overrun by the Romans. To the south is Viterbo, with its papal palace from the middle ages, and the Tarquinian necropolis at Tarquinia. To the west Sorano and Pitigliano, of medieval importance and interest, are picturesquely striking up on their hills.
The approach to Pitigliano in particular, especially from the road coming up from Manciano and Rome, is one of the most spectacular sights anywhere in Italy. Rounding the last curve you are confronted by a wall of medieval stone houses that seem carved out of the tufa rock cliffs on which the town rests. Although red roofs, turrets and towers mark Pitigliano as medieval, the many primitive burial caves hollowed out of its underlying cliffs make clear that man has made his home here since prehistoric times.
Orvieto, to the east, is the site of one of Italy's greatest cathedrals (Duomo di Orvieto), with a stunningly sumptuous façade it has earned the nickname, the 'Golden Lily of Cathedrals'. As you approach you are struck by the dazzling technicolour hues of its mosaics, and by the richness and beauty of the sculptural detail. The remarkable design and execution of the celebrated bas-reliefs on the lower pilasters recount the story of t he Creation to the Last Judgement, a Bible in stone that captures the essence of the stories with vivid drama and detail.
For gastronomic delights you are offered the chance to sample the local specialities: various lake fish in the villages around lake Bolsena, mushrooms at Vetralla, chestnuts at Soriano al Cimino, beef steak at Monteromano, wine at Montefiascone (famous for the Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone wines), and many, many more! The beaches of the Maremma can be reached in under an hour and Rome, Siena and Florence are all very accessible for day trips.
