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Regions of Italy
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Viterbo |
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Foto: Patrizia De Socio |
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Bomarzo |
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 About one kilometre from the small town of Bomarzo is a very particular garden, Parco dei Mostri (park of monsters). Created by the architect Pirro Logorio, the same who completed Saint Peter’s after the death of Michelangelo and created the splendid Villa d’Este in Tivoli, by request from a member of the Orsini family, this park was born in 1552 as “Villa delle meraviglie” (villa of wonders) in order to mystify the guests of the prince, who called this park Sacro Bosco and dedicated it to his wife, Giulia Farnese.
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Lake Bolsena |
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 Lake Bolsena is the second largest lake of central Italy, after Lake Trasimeno. It is oval shaped, with a maximum depth of 151 metres, and features two islands: Bisentina and Martana, which were probably created by volcanic activity. This lake, famous for its beauty and great fishing since ancient times, is almost completely surrounded by the Vulsini Mountains. This area has a lot to offer: such as the typical festivities, feasts, and spectacular cooking. While here, many tourists choose to go out on the lake and practice sports such as windsurfing, sail boating, and fishing. |
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Foto: Cristiano De Scisciolo (www.cdsweb.it) |
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Bolsena |
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 The town of Bolsena (from the antique name of Volsinii) was very important during the Etruscan times and became a rich roman municipality. It is famous in the history of Christianity for a miracle, which happened in 1263, when a Bohemian priest broke his leg during mass, and from his broken leg drops of blood came out: this miracle consequently created the festival of Corpus Domini. Amongst the monuments worth visiting, we note the splendid basilica of Saint Cristina, consecrated in 1077 by Pope GregorioVII. This basilica is composed of two chapels, a cave, and the catacombs of Saint Cristina. The Monaldeschi Fortress is also quite striking. From the opposite piazza you can enjoy a spectacular view of the lake.
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Foto: Cristiano De Scisciolo (www.cdsweb.it) |
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Tuscania |
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 Tuscania is a beautiful, enchanting town that is constructed on six hills of tuff. This town definitely merits a visit, especially in order to admire the wonderful churches of Saint Peter and Saint Mary. The church of Saint Peter is located between the Palazzo dei Canonici and the defensive towers, while the high apse faces the residential area. It was built in the 8th century and was restructured in the 11th century, while the façade was completed in the 13th century. The church of Saint Mary was constructed on top of a large roman building and is the most antique structure in Tuscania (from the 6th century). Along the façade there are three beautifully decorated portals. The central portal, in white marble, depicts two lions underneath a moon.
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Foto: Gaetano D'Elia |
Located between lakes Vico and Bolsena, the city of Viterbo features an extraordinary amount of interesting monuments, especially from the medieval time period. Capital of the ancient area of Tuscia, its history goes back to the Etruscan and ancient Roman times. Viterbo, defined as “the city of Popes”, can be discovered by passing through its numerous amount of streets in its historic centre. By taking these streets you can arrive in piazza San Lorenzo, where you are able to admire the cathedral (built in the 12th century) and the beautiful Palazzo dei Papi, completed in 1267.
The cathedral is the main public and social meeting point, where the community gathers to discuss the town’s business. Its bell tower from the 1300s reveals influences of Tuscan art. The inside has three naves with cosmatesco flooring. The Palazzo dei Papi, however, is famous for its legendary book collection. The loggia, with gothic arches, is absolutely fabulous and features a fantastic panoramic view. Not to be missed is also the Civic Museum, set up inside that convent that is attached to the church of Santa Maria della Verità. The sarcophagus of the Bella Galliana (decorated with hunting scenes) is located inside the area dedicated to sculptures. The picture gallery is also very noteworthy. Just outside of Viterbo is where the famous Terme dei Papi (thermal baths of the Popes) and the thermal spring of Bullicame are located. The thermal-mineral resources of the historic basin of Viterbo are, without a doubt, among the most precious in Italy.