Ancient Tuscia
Tuscia was the name given to Etruria after the end of Etruscan rule, which was invalid from Late Antiquity and throughout the early Middle Ages. The name originally indicated a very large territory that included all of historic Etruria, Tuscany, western Umbria and northern Latium, which various historical vicissitudes have divided into three macro-areas: “Roman Tuscia,” corresponding to northern Latium with the ancient pontifical province of the Patrimony of St. Peter, which is equivalent today to the Province of Viterbo and the northern part of the province of Rome north to Lake Bracciano; “Ducal Tuscia,” which included the territories of Latium and Umbria subject to the Duchy of Spoleto; and “Lombard Tuscia,” roughly the present-day Tuscany, including the territories subject to the Lombards and constituting the Duchy of Tuscia.
Lake Bolsena
About 10 km from the farmhouse you can visit the town of Bolsena and its famous volcanic lake surrounded by small beaches where you can relax or stroll along its shores.
Civita of Bagnoregio
About 2 km away is the beautiful town of Civita di Bagnoregio, known as the “dying city.” The village stands on a tufa spur and is connected to the mainland by a single bridge that can be crossed only on foot. Very picturesque the small village and unique, it has become part of the Unesco heritage. The small streets and perched houses give it a magical atmosphere and unique charm. Founded 2500 on one of the oldest routes in Italy joining the Tiber (then a major waterway in Central Italy) and Lake Bolsena.
The ancient settlement of Civita was accessed through five gates, while today the gate called Santa Maria or della Cava, represents the main one. The main attractions is within the village are the medieval houses, the church of San Donato overlooking the main square, Alemanni Palace, home of the Geological and Landslide Museum, the Bishop’s Palace, a 16th-century mill, the remains of St. Bonaventure’s birthplace, and the Porta di Santa Maria, with two lions holding a human head between their paws, commemorating a popular revolt by the inhabitants of Civita against the Orvietan Monaldeschi family.
The village is a member of the association of The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy.
Main events:
-A living nativity scene is held there during the Christmas season;
-The last week of July and the first week of August is the Tuscia in Jazz Festival with concerts, seminars and jam sessions. The best names in world jazz come together with hundreds of students from all over the world in the beautiful setting of Civita every first Saturday in August for Notte in Jazz, the only night in white dedicated to jazz in Italy.
http://www.tusciainjazz.it/
Orvieto
One of the oldest cities in Italy, it owes its origins to the Etruscan civilization: the first settlements date back to the 9th century B.C. and were located within the tufa caves carved out of the massif on which the Umbrian town currently stands.
Although Orvieto’s fame is deeply intertwined with that of its magnificent cathedral, the city offers numerous historical and artistic insights and itineraries, precisely because of its ancient origins.
Don’t miss the wonder of the Cathedral. Begun in 1290, it was later continued by Lorenzo Maitani, to whom we owe in particular the admirable facade with its exceptional bas-reliefs. The frescoes in the New Chapel (executed from 1499 to 1504) are sure to leave you breathless with their beauty and the brightness of their colors.
Don’t miss the Underground City, which was entirely carved out of the cavities dug by the inhabitants over the centuries, full of wells and caves: The most famous is St. Patrick’s Well, an extraordinary work of civil engineering from the 16th century. Intended for reasons of survival in case of siege or natural disasters, it was made to Antonio da Sangallo, the dimensions are impressive: 62 meters deep, 13.5 meters in diameter. All around are two helical spiral staircases that never meet; the two staircases, consisting of 248 steps each, receive light from 72 windows creating a surreal atmosphere.
Main Events:
In June, don’t miss the historical parade with figures (http://www.corteostoricoorvieto.it) or the Palombella Festival, centuries-old traditions that must be seen once in a lifetime.
Umbria jazz festival in its winter version is held in and around Orvieto.
Last but not least some culinary details: meanwhile, the principals Slow Food such as also called “villano steak,” beans Secondo del Piano di Orvieto and Fava cottòra dell’Amerino, Of course, one does not live on food alone, in fact Orvieto is best known for its wine, the famous Grechetto, but also the Trebbiano, the Sangiovese and the celebrated Noble Mold, a sweet wine that has been handed down since Etruscan times.
Nearby Food and Wine:
Il bocconcino restaurant Lubriano 340 729 4174
