Guidebook for Bomarzo
Sightseeing
Bomarzo
About a 10 minute walk downhill from our apartment is Bomarzo's main attraction is the world famous, and totally unique Sacro Bosco. The Sacro Bosco, colloquially called Park of the Monsters, also named Garden of Bomarzo, is a Mannerist monumental complex. The 16th century woods contain larger-than-life sculptures carved from the natural rock. It is a lovely place to spend the afternoon. Picnic/Play area. Restaurant seasonally. The park is open daily 8:30 until dusk. Entry €13.
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Parque Mostri
Località GiardinoAbout a 10 minute walk downhill from our apartment is Bomarzo's main attraction is the world famous, and totally unique Sacro Bosco. The Sacro Bosco, colloquially called Park of the Monsters, also named Garden of Bomarzo, is a Mannerist monumental complex. The 16th century woods contain larger-than-life sculptures carved from the natural rock. It is a lovely place to spend the afternoon. Picnic/Play area. Restaurant seasonally. The park is open daily 8:30 until dusk. Entry €13.
Bomarzo - The Orsini Palace, jewel of Renaissance architecture, completed by Vicino Orsini. Private quarters called Gallery Apartments became city offices after WWII. Lovely architectural painting, a soldier mummy and grand architecture make it worth a look. There is also a Palio Museum on the third floor. The Palio is a horse race between competing areas (rione) of the town held every April 25 in honor of our patron saint Anselmo. Now the palace is used as a public venue for displays of art, concerts, weddings, conferences and is open to the public for touring Sundays. €2 pp entry.
Orsini Palace
40 Via Borghese Bomarzo - The Orsini Palace, jewel of Renaissance architecture, completed by Vicino Orsini. Private quarters called Gallery Apartments became city offices after WWII. Lovely architectural painting, a soldier mummy and grand architecture make it worth a look. There is also a Palio Museum on the third floor. The Palio is a horse race between competing areas (rione) of the town held every April 25 in honor of our patron saint Anselmo. Now the palace is used as a public venue for displays of art, concerts, weddings, conferences and is open to the public for touring Sundays. €2 pp entry.
Etruscan Pyramid of Bomarzo
Necropoli di Santa Cecilia
Cascadas del Fosso Castello
Strada Provinciale 151 Ortana
Bagnaia
Formal garden commissioned by Cardinal Gianfrancesco Gambara in 1566. The gardens of the Villa Lante features cascading fountains and dripping grottoes. Entrance 5 euro.
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Villa Lante
71 Via Jacopo BarozziFormal garden commissioned by Cardinal Gianfrancesco Gambara in 1566. The gardens of the Villa Lante features cascading fountains and dripping grottoes. Entrance 5 euro.
The Palazzo dei Papi, a palace with an elegant loggia, was the seat of the popes in the 13th century. Nearby is San Lorenzo Cathedral, with a Gothic bell tower, frescoes and a 15th-century baptismal font. The Colle del Duomo Museum houses archaeological artifacts and a sacred art collection. The frescoed Palazzo dei Priori, Viterbo’s city hall, is on Piazza del Plebiscito.
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Viterbo
The Palazzo dei Papi, a palace with an elegant loggia, was the seat of the popes in the 13th century. Nearby is San Lorenzo Cathedral, with a Gothic bell tower, frescoes and a 15th-century baptismal font. The Colle del Duomo Museum houses archaeological artifacts and a sacred art collection. The frescoed Palazzo dei Priori, Viterbo’s city hall, is on Piazza del Plebiscito.
Santa Rosa (Saint Rose), the patron saint of Viterbo, Italy, died in the 13th century at the age of 18 after a short life of devotion, prayer, charity, politics, and miracles.
Today, her incorrupt body lies in a church bearing her name.
September 3 there is a lighted procession in her honor.
Visitors must walk up a very steep hill to reach the Sanctuary of Santa Rosa. Entrance into the church is free and visitors are asked to cover their shoulders and knees. Wraps are provided for those with exposed shoulders and knees.
Santuario di Santa Rosa
33 Via Santa RosaSanta Rosa (Saint Rose), the patron saint of Viterbo, Italy, died in the 13th century at the age of 18 after a short life of devotion, prayer, charity, politics, and miracles.
Today, her incorrupt body lies in a church bearing her name.
September 3 there is a lighted procession in her honor.
Visitors must walk up a very steep hill to reach the Sanctuary of Santa Rosa. Entrance into the church is free and visitors are asked to cover their shoulders and knees. Wraps are provided for those with exposed shoulders and knees.
Orte, theatre of battles between Etruscans and Romans (310 and 283 BC), was later occupied by the Ostrogoths, the Byzantines and Lombards. Take the underground tour!
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Orte
Orte, theatre of battles between Etruscans and Romans (310 and 283 BC), was later occupied by the Ostrogoths, the Byzantines and Lombards. Take the underground tour!
Montefiascone, built on the site of an Etruscan Temple, has lots to see: the Rocca Dei Papi, Chiesa di San Flaviano, Cattedrale di Santa Margherita, and Cimitero di Guerra di Bolsena for example.
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Montefiascone
Montefiascone, built on the site of an Etruscan Temple, has lots to see: the Rocca Dei Papi, Chiesa di San Flaviano, Cattedrale di Santa Margherita, and Cimitero di Guerra di Bolsena for example.
Rock of the Popes - Located on the highest point of the town of Montefiascone, the fortress was built by Pope Innocent III during the 13th century and later used by many other popes. From there you get a lovely view of Lago Bolsena. Entry €5.
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Rocca dei Papi
Piazza Urbano VRock of the Popes - Located on the highest point of the town of Montefiascone, the fortress was built by Pope Innocent III during the 13th century and later used by many other popes. From there you get a lovely view of Lago Bolsena. Entry €5.
Built in 1032, repaired and enlarged in Gothic style late 14th century, is an architecturally significant double church with some 14th-century frescoes and the grave of a traveler who drank too much!
Via San Flaviano
Via San FlavianoBuilt in 1032, repaired and enlarged in Gothic style late 14th century, is an architecturally significant double church with some 14th-century frescoes and the grave of a traveler who drank too much!
is one of the earliest structures by Michele Sanmicheli. Dedicated to Saint Margaret (Santa Margherita), the cathedral was a ruin in 1330 and took three centuries to rebuild.
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Basilica Santa Margherita
Piazzale Santa Margheritais one of the earliest structures by Michele Sanmicheli. Dedicated to Saint Margaret (Santa Margherita), the cathedral was a ruin in 1330 and took three centuries to rebuild.
Lake Bolsena (Lago di Bolsena) is a volcanic, crater lake, with a long historic tradition. The Romans called it Lacus Volsinii, from the Etruscan. Seasonal swimming and boating.
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Lago Bolsena
Lake Bolsena (Lago di Bolsena) is a volcanic, crater lake, with a long historic tradition. The Romans called it Lacus Volsinii, from the Etruscan. Seasonal swimming and boating.
UNESCO site, Civita, il paese che muore ("the town that is dying") was founded by Etruscans 2,500+ years ago and noted for its striking position atop a volcanic overlook. Take a walk up the donkey's bridge to the central piazza where donkey races are held several times each year. €5 entry is used to support preservation/conservation efforts.Treat yourself to lunch!
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Civita di Bagnoregio
UNESCO site, Civita, il paese che muore ("the town that is dying") was founded by Etruscans 2,500+ years ago and noted for its striking position atop a volcanic overlook. Take a walk up the donkey's bridge to the central piazza where donkey races are held several times each year. €5 entry is used to support preservation/conservation efforts.Treat yourself to lunch!
Caprarola
If you drive a half hour, you can spend an amazing day at the Villa Farnese, also known as Villa Caprarola. It is a lavish 16th-century mansion filled with spectacular staircases, fantastic frescoes, and gorgeous gardens. It is one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture around.
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Villa Farnese
1 Piazza FarneseIf you drive a half hour, you can spend an amazing day at the Villa Farnese, also known as Villa Caprarola. It is a lavish 16th-century mansion filled with spectacular staircases, fantastic frescoes, and gorgeous gardens. It is one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture around.
Atop medieval ruins on the slopes of the Cimini Mountains, the village of San Martino al Cimino preserves rare and remarkable examples of Baroque-era architecture and urban planning, conceived in the 16th century by the influential and (in)famous Olimpia Maidalchini Pamphilj, one of the most powerful women of Papal Rome.
Located along the Via Francigena pilgrimage road to Rome, the village was originally settled by the Cistercian Order, who built an abbey and a monastic complex there in the 11th and 12th centuries, which now lie in ruins.
San Martino al Cimino is located near Viterbo, a short drive away from Lake Vico in the Cimini Mountains region of Lazio. The map coordinates above point to the Cistercian Abbey (Abbazia Cistercense) of San Martino al Cimino at the center of town. The palace is right next to the abbey, and ruins of the medieval-era monastery can be seen between the two buildings.
The town centers around a Gothic-Cistercian church, framed by two bell towers designed by Borromini. Donna Olimpia herself, who died of plague in 1657, is buried in the church. Another landmark of the village is the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj (Doria Pamphilj Palace) next to the church. The palace is only occasionally open to the public but it is a remarkable example of Baroque architecture, with its wooden gilded ceilings, frieze frescoes, and spiral staircase. One feature stands out: Donna Olimpia had the architects design her room with a system of pulleys that could lower the ceiling in winter to make the space smaller and easier to heat.
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San Martino al Cimino
Atop medieval ruins on the slopes of the Cimini Mountains, the village of San Martino al Cimino preserves rare and remarkable examples of Baroque-era architecture and urban planning, conceived in the 16th century by the influential and (in)famous Olimpia Maidalchini Pamphilj, one of the most powerful women of Papal Rome.
Located along the Via Francigena pilgrimage road to Rome, the village was originally settled by the Cistercian Order, who built an abbey and a monastic complex there in the 11th and 12th centuries, which now lie in ruins.
San Martino al Cimino is located near Viterbo, a short drive away from Lake Vico in the Cimini Mountains region of Lazio. The map coordinates above point to the Cistercian Abbey (Abbazia Cistercense) of San Martino al Cimino at the center of town. The palace is right next to the abbey, and ruins of the medieval-era monastery can be seen between the two buildings.
The town centers around a Gothic-Cistercian church, framed by two bell towers designed by Borromini. Donna Olimpia herself, who died of plague in 1657, is buried in the church. Another landmark of the village is the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj (Doria Pamphilj Palace) next to the church. The palace is only occasionally open to the public but it is a remarkable example of Baroque architecture, with its wooden gilded ceilings, frieze frescoes, and spiral staircase. One feature stands out: Donna Olimpia had the architects design her room with a system of pulleys that could lower the ceiling in winter to make the space smaller and easier to heat.
Grotta "Pozzo Del Diavolo"
Hike required to access (42.3436, 12.1798)
Interesting pilgrimage site. 16th-century son of Sienese nobility carved this hermitage out of volcanic rock. Hike required to access. 42.3244, 12.1320
Eremo di San Girolamo
12 42.324403NInteresting pilgrimage site. 16th-century son of Sienese nobility carved this hermitage out of volcanic rock. Hike required to access. 42.3244, 12.1320
Drive about 30 minutes north on A1 you'll find the walled hilltop city of Orvieto. First a major Etruscan center, then a cultural center in the time of Thomas Aquinas who taught there.
Visit St. Patrick's Well. See the Albornoz fortress, Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo, the Duomo (cathedral) and papal residence. Wonderful shopping too. Enjoy a perfect day and be back to Bomarzo for dinner.
Also accessible by train from Orte or Attigliano. If you park or arrive downhill try out the funicular cogwheel train up.
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Orvieto
Drive about 30 minutes north on A1 you'll find the walled hilltop city of Orvieto. First a major Etruscan center, then a cultural center in the time of Thomas Aquinas who taught there.
Visit St. Patrick's Well. See the Albornoz fortress, Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo, the Duomo (cathedral) and papal residence. Wonderful shopping too. Enjoy a perfect day and be back to Bomarzo for dinner.
Also accessible by train from Orte or Attigliano. If you park or arrive downhill try out the funicular cogwheel train up.
Soriano Nel Cimino
Cattedrale di San Lorenzo
Piazza San LorenzoMuseo Geologico e delle Frane
Piazza San DonatoBomarzo
Soriano Nel Cimino
The present Orte Cathedral, opened for worship in 1721, was built to replace the previous medieval basilica, whose three-nave plan it retains. The stucco decoration is rococo, rather sober and elegant. The floor, originally made of terracotta, was replaced in the second half of the twentieth century by white Carrara marble.
Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption
10 Via Giulio RoscioThe present Orte Cathedral, opened for worship in 1721, was built to replace the previous medieval basilica, whose three-nave plan it retains. The stucco decoration is rococo, rather sober and elegant. The floor, originally made of terracotta, was replaced in the second half of the twentieth century by white Carrara marble.
Marta, Lazio
Food Scene
Bomarzo
Bomarzo - New restaurant, locally owned and featuring local specialties. Sits atop the city wall offering panoramic views and a talented chef. Try the mojitos! Highly recommended. Open for cocktails and dinner. Tell Eleanora we sent you!
L'etrusca Bistrot
36 Via TeverinaBomarzo - New restaurant, locally owned and featuring local specialties. Sits atop the city wall offering panoramic views and a talented chef. Try the mojitos! Highly recommended. Open for cocktails and dinner. Tell Eleanora we sent you!
La Fraschetta degli Antichi Sapori
2 Via MentanaBomarzo- Family owned and operated, this is the place for a morning coffee and brioche with lots of cream or an afternoon cup of fresh delicious gelato. Just a short walk uphill takes away the guilt! The view of Bomarzo is spectacular from their outdoor seating area. The little gelato shop is open seasonally. Here you can place special orders for cakes and cookies. Say hello to Marta for us!
Piccola gelateria in un borgo medievale. Non molti gusti ma tutti buonissimi e, ciliegina sulla torta, la panna!!
Bar Pasticceria Dolcissima
7 Via RomaBomarzo- Family owned and operated, this is the place for a morning coffee and brioche with lots of cream or an afternoon cup of fresh delicious gelato. Just a short walk uphill takes away the guilt! The view of Bomarzo is spectacular from their outdoor seating area. The little gelato shop is open seasonally. Here you can place special orders for cakes and cookies. Say hello to Marta for us!
Piccola gelateria in un borgo medievale. Non molti gusti ma tutti buonissimi e, ciliegina sulla torta, la panna!!
Bomarzo - Owned by the local butcher next door, this restaurant serves homemade regional specialties. Their pumpkin lasagna is spectacular and so are their seasonal offerings like chestnut soup. Tell Guila we sent you!
Tutto n'artro magnà
5 Via CavourBomarzo - Owned by the local butcher next door, this restaurant serves homemade regional specialties. Their pumpkin lasagna is spectacular and so are their seasonal offerings like chestnut soup. Tell Guila we sent you!
Bomarzo - Tasty wood fired pizza, pasta, salads, appetizers. This is a great place to stop in for an afternoon or evening aperitif. Have a glass of Prosecco, an Aperol Spritz or even a cup of coffee. Friendly service, lots of locals, soccer on the big screen and bar snacks on weekends.
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Il Quadrifoglio
191 Via Giovanni VergaBomarzo - Tasty wood fired pizza, pasta, salads, appetizers. This is a great place to stop in for an afternoon or evening aperitif. Have a glass of Prosecco, an Aperol Spritz or even a cup of coffee. Friendly service, lots of locals, soccer on the big screen and bar snacks on weekends.
Bassano In Teverina
Bassano (10 min) Unbelievably delicious pizza and antipasto. Huge portions. Order one or the other, never both! Incredible steaks too. Leave room for the Nutella Riccota pizza for desert. Our personal favorite.
Pizzeria La Piazzetta
Bassano (10 min) Unbelievably delicious pizza and antipasto. Huge portions. Order one or the other, never both! Incredible steaks too. Leave room for the Nutella Riccota pizza for desert. Our personal favorite.
Bassano (10 min) This is a great family owned restaurant with a variety of salads, pizza, pasta, meat dishes and desserts. We particularly enjoy the pizza misto and the mixed fried appetizers. Tell Pamela and Juliano we said hello! Highly recommended! Closed Mondays.
LA LOCANDA DEL PRINCIPE
Strada Ortana Km. 18.600Bassano (10 min) This is a great family owned restaurant with a variety of salads, pizza, pasta, meat dishes and desserts. We particularly enjoy the pizza misto and the mixed fried appetizers. Tell Pamela and Juliano we said hello! Highly recommended! Closed Mondays.
Soriano Nel Cimino
Montefiascone - Right on the lake, this restaurant offers great service, and huge portions of fresh fish and seafood. Come hungry and try the razor clams! Full menu €30pp. Closed Mondays. Highly recommended.
Situato a pochi metri dalle rive del lago di Bolsena, immerso in un incantevole panorama, il ristorante Isola Blu propone menù a base di pesce e ottima pizza cotta nel forno a legna. Il Ristorante Isola Blu di Montefiascone è aperto tutti i giorni escluso il lunedi!
Ristorante Isola Blu
122 Via del LagoMontefiascone - Right on the lake, this restaurant offers great service, and huge portions of fresh fish and seafood. Come hungry and try the razor clams! Full menu €30pp. Closed Mondays. Highly recommended.
Situato a pochi metri dalle rive del lago di Bolsena, immerso in un incantevole panorama, il ristorante Isola Blu propone menù a base di pesce e ottima pizza cotta nel forno a legna. Il Ristorante Isola Blu di Montefiascone è aperto tutti i giorni escluso il lunedi!
Montefiascone - Great service, delicious appetizers, pasta, fish and meat cooked to order over a wood fire. The gnocchetti alla crema di gamberi was exquisite.
Ristorante Da Roland Montefiascone
83 Via Cassia NuovaMontefiascone - Great service, delicious appetizers, pasta, fish and meat cooked to order over a wood fire. The gnocchetti alla crema di gamberi was exquisite.
Soriano - Located off the main square down a few steps beside the main cathedral in a labyrinth of subterranean storage tunnels, this venue is hugely atmospheric and offers a menu of local specialties like panzanella (bread and tomato salad) freshly prepared and delicious. One of my favorites!”
Rottezzia Osteria Birreria Di Famiani Emanuele
10 Via dello ScaricoSoriano - Located off the main square down a few steps beside the main cathedral in a labyrinth of subterranean storage tunnels, this venue is hugely atmospheric and offers a menu of local specialties like panzanella (bread and tomato salad) freshly prepared and delicious. One of my favorites!”
Drinks & Nightlife
Giove has an interesting history and is worth a visit if for nothing else then to imbibe a sunset aperitivo on the public patio overlooking the incredibleTiber valley. The town dates to 1191. In 1481 Pope Sixtus IV gave the fief and castle to Lucrezia Appiani of Aragon. Giove was purchased by the Farnese family in 1514 then in 1643 Pope Urban VIII issued a papal bull recognising Giove as a Duchy of the Mattei. The arrival of Napoleon's troops in 1796, led to Giove to becoming a dependent of France but after the fall of Napoleon, Giove returned to the Papal States and the House of Mattei. It was annexed to the newly formed Kingdom of Italy in 1860. Sadly the castle is not currently open to the public.
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Giove, Umbria
Giove has an interesting history and is worth a visit if for nothing else then to imbibe a sunset aperitivo on the public patio overlooking the incredibleTiber valley. The town dates to 1191. In 1481 Pope Sixtus IV gave the fief and castle to Lucrezia Appiani of Aragon. Giove was purchased by the Farnese family in 1514 then in 1643 Pope Urban VIII issued a papal bull recognising Giove as a Duchy of the Mattei. The arrival of Napoleon's troops in 1796, led to Giove to becoming a dependent of France but after the fall of Napoleon, Giove returned to the Papal States and the House of Mattei. It was annexed to the newly formed Kingdom of Italy in 1860. Sadly the castle is not currently open to the public.