Viterbo and Bomarzo

Chasing The Sun Travel

This day tour will allow you to discover the  hidden treasures in the heart of Tuscia, the ancient Etruscan land north of Rome.
The first stop is the Sacred Forest of Bomarzo, also known as the Monster Park, an unusual mysterious fairytale charming place that will enchant you. This extravagant garden was built by Prince Orsini in 1552 who commissioned the work to the architect Pirro Ligorio in memory of his wife. The park is now a real open-air museum, with its large sculptures carved from the rocks of granite that come to life and become grotesque figures leaping off from the surrounding nature.
We will continue to Viterbo, the “City of the Popes”, so named for hosting several popes during the thirteenth century. The characteristic and peaceful medieval town features the thirteenth-century village of San Pellegrino, historical center and heart of the city, which is the largest medieval block in Italy. For its peculiarity, this neighborhood has been repeatedly chosen as a movie set, for example Othello was filmed here by Orson Welles.
Within a few minutes driving from Viterbo is also possible to arrive at Bagnaia to visit Villa Lante, an Italian style garden built in the sixteenth century by Cardinal De Gambara on a probable project of Vignola. Through the paths you will discover beautiful fountains, decorated pools, waterfalls and water features at the highest terrace of the park on the garden laying below the villa.