The Romans and the Etruscans in Lazio Region

Rome Architecture Monuments Museums Archeological Parks and Volcanic Lazio

Lazio - Latium is mainly flat and hilly, with small mountainous areas in the eastern and southern districts. The coastline is mainly composed of sandy beaches. Behind the coastal strip, to the north, lies the coastal plain of Maremma Laziale. The center is occupied by the Roman countryside, a vast alluvial plain surrounding the city of Rome, and the south is characterized by flatlands. The Apennines of Latium are marked by the Tiber River valley and three mountains of volcanic origin whose craters are occupied by Lakes Bolsena, Vico and Bracciano. South of the Tiber, the Alban Hills, are also of volcanic origin.  

Rome

Ancient Rome Campo Marzio, today’s Torre Argentina and adjacent to the Tiber, is where the Roman army mustered and local politics took place. From here, it is a short walking distance to the alley of the historic center, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.
Baroque Rome Piazza Navona was the the center of Rome during the 17^th century. Other baroque era buildings in the historic center include: Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza and its magnificent facade, the Borromini bell towers and the San Luigi dei Francesi Church with works by Caravaggio.
 

Renaissance Rome Palazzo Farnese, home of the embassy of France, is considered the most beautiful building of this period, along with the Palazzo della Cancelleria Vaticana, Palazzo Massimo alle Colonne, Palazzo Venezia. Rome’s capitol square and it’s city hall today, was planned by Michelangelo.
The Aventine Hill is where Remus positioned himself in his quest to give birth to the city. Breathtaking bird’s eye views include the Circo Massimo, the Palatine Imperial Palace and the Church of Santa Prisca.
Saint Peter Square and Basilica is representative of two thousand years of history and faith as recounted by the universal language of art.
 

Villa d’Este Tivoli an Italian baroque garden with large numbers of fountains, nymphs, caves, water and hydraulic works, reminiscent of the gardens of Babylonia, and an example of Roman engineering skills.
 

Civita di Bagnoregio can be reached only via a foot bridge. This unique example of an Italian borgo is continually subject to erosion from the hill on which it stands and the valley below.

Rome and Lazio Country and City Itineraries Local Folklore and Traditions

Museums and Archeological Parks

The Coloseum Amphitheatrum Flavium was a multi purpose stage for gladiator fights and other public events; it held as much as 75 thousand spectators and contained several technological features.
 

The Roman Forum the heart of the ancient city, it starts from the Arch of Titus and unfolds along the Via Sacra, site of parades honoring victorious Roman legions. Among the Forum’s monuments: Massenzio’s Basilica; the Temple of Antonino and Faustina; Caesar’s Temple; the Curia; Settimio’s Arch; the Temples of Concordia and Saturn; the Tabularium and the State Archives.
 

Appia Archeological Park the first and most important road connecting Rome with its provinces was the Via Appia, also known as Regina Viarum. Beginning with the Aurelian Walls, heading south, there are a succession of suburban monuments including Massenzio’s villa and circus, Cecilia Metella’s sepulcher, Caetani Castle and the Bove Cape archeological area and baths.
 

Villa Giulia Etruscan Museum a magnificent building that houses major finds that present the mysterious Etruscans during various periods of their history: domination of the seas during the 7^th   century; the maritime and commercial power of the 6^th century; crisis during the 5^th century; their funeral rites; politics and religion in their communities and the gradual takeover by the Romans.
 

Ancient Roman Paintings in Palazzo Massimo, part of the Museo Nazionale Romano, where frescoes from two Augustus era villas were restored: villa Farnesina and Villa Livia. The finds on display consent a thorough reconstruction of Roman fresco, tempera and encaustic reconstruction techniques.
 

Rome’s Ancient Christian Basilicas contains numerous examples of polychrome mosaics that closely resemble those present in imperial buildings. This itinerary includes: Santa Prassede, Santa Pudenziana, and the Basilicas of Santa Maria Maggiore SS Cosma and Damianno.
Domitilla Catacombs is one of the largest underground Christian cemeteries, containing the remains of Nereo, Achìlleo and two centurions persecuted by Diocletian. The itinerary includes the Flavi hypogeum, a pagan site that holds some Christian remains.
 

The Ostia Antica Archeological Park is one of the best preserved Roman era urban areas. Following the emperor Hadrian’s redevelopment of Rome’s port, Ostia reached a population of 100 thousand.
 

Villa Adriana Tivoli and the Archeological Park were built in 117 ad as Hadrian’s residence away from the chaos of Rome. The archeological park is as large as Pompeii’s. This UNESCO site is an example of Roman architectural and technological know-how.
Virtual Etruscans at the Cerveteri Necropolis a setting that gives us important clues regarding the urban layout of Etruscan cities. The Necropolis has two multimedia virtual reality itineraries.
The Cerveteri Etruscan Museum in Ruspoli Castle and Cerveteri’s historic center, holds finds from the nearby necropolis as well as ancient Etruscan instruments, equipment and jewelry.
 

Via Amerina is an ancient Roman road connecting Rome and Amelia that features Roman era bridges, two volcanos and a series of ravines. Alongside, courtyards containing tombs and imprints from the wagons that traveled this road 2500 years ago.
 

The Monterozzi Etruscan Necropolis in Tarquinia is 6 Km long hill that contains six thousand Etruscan tombs, of which 200 with paintings. For this it is considered the most important necropolis in the Mediterranean basin and has been referred to as the first chapter in the history of Italian paintings.
 

The Etruscan Archeological Museum in Tarquinia is on three levels: the ground floor contains sarcophagy and other Greek marble sculptures belonging to the most important Etruscan families in Tarquinia; the first floor holds ceramic displays, Etruscan bronze vases and coins, Roman gold coins, gold jewelry made with the granulation technique and gift offerings to receive favor from the divinities; the second floor presents spectacular views of Tarquinia and surrounding countryside.
 

The Vulci Archeological and Nature Park presents the excavations of the Etruscan-Roman town as well as the tombs of Etruscan nobles in an uncontaminated setting: a canyon formed by dark volcanic rock, sculpted by the waters of the Fiora River; a plateau populated by majestic maremmano cows and wild horses; and the river banks acting as refuge for boars and hares.

Volcanic Lazio

Rocca di Papa Seismic Lab is the first Italian center for seismic education. Multimedia, interactive and lab activities on eartquake forecasting and building assessments. The Rocca di Papa Geophysics Museums presents eartquake measuring instruments.
The Sea and Volcanoes in Rome under the monuments, a trail of seas and volcanoes characterizes the archeological and geophysical history of ancient Rome. The itinerary includes the Tarpea cliffs, the Imperial Forum, Capitol Hill and Trajan’s market.
 

Appian Way Lava an itinerary that traces a 12 Km lava flow along the road from the tomb of Cecilia Metella, through Massenzio’s Circus and ending at the baths of Villa Capo di Bove.
Volcanoes at Rome’s Gates a visit to Mount Tuscolo’s giant crater and two smaller ones that are now Lakes Albano and Nemi.
 

The Caldara Di Manziana is still active in the Bracciano and Martignano Park with pools of sulphuric water; their origin is the magma chamber of the ancient Sabatino volcano. The word "Caldara" is from a popular Italian expression referring to a large pot of boiling water.
 

Lazio’s Volcanic Beach the Tor Caldara Reserve near Anzio is a forest and the sea terminal of Lazio’s volcanic region; the area is characterized by resurgences that form pools of water gurgling yellow sulfur fumes and deposits that give the rocky coastline an unusual appearance.
 

Treja Valley and Mount Gelato the excursion begins 40 Km from Rome with a descent along the Treja River banks that lead to a series of waterfalls and basin. On top of falls, an 11^th century watermill that was active until the 1950s to grind cereals. The mills’ energy transmission system is still in place.

Winter Holiday Travel in Italy Portugal the Netherlands and Germany

Family Vacations Food and Wine Itineraries Medieval Villages Nature Parks

Italy

Abruzzo is located on the Adriatic Coast, east of Rome. It is home to national parks, hilltop medieval and Renaissance towns and numerous nature reserves. The Apennine mountain chain forms much of its interior while the coastal plain has sandy beaches and dunes.

Basilicata, also known as Lucania, is a southern Italian region bordering with Campania to the west, Apulia to the north and east, and Calabria to the south, with one coastline on the Tyrrhenian Sea between Campania and Calabria, and a longer one in the Gulf of Taranto on the Ionian Sea.

Campania the ancient Romans called this region of Italy Campania Felix. Baia, Puteoli, Pompeii, Stabia and Capri were their favorite destinations. Then and now, Happy Campania is famed for its ancient ruins, coastal resorts and world renowned culinary traditions. A cultural and national capital for much of its nearly three thousand year history, Naples is home to art museums, the San Carlo opera house and a spectacular bay framed by Mt. Vesuvius, affectionately and fearfully referred to by the local inhabitants as The Monster. 

Rome Lazio is mainly flat and hilly, with small mountainous areas in the eastern and southern districts. The coastline is mainly composed of sandy beaches. Behind the coastal strip, to the north, lies the coastal plain of Maremma Laziale. The center is occupied by the Roman countryside, a vast alluvial plain surrounding the city of Rome, and the south is characterized by flatlands. The Apennines of Latium are marked by the Tiber River valley and three mountains of volcanic origin whose craters are occupied by Lakes Bolsena, Vico and Bracciano. South of the Tiber, the Alban Hills, are of volcanic origin.   

Marche is slowly being discovered as the new Italian frontier; an abridged expression of the varied charms of Italy with a variety of attractions offered seasonally and year- round, including: authentic foods, breathtaking landscapes, a lively cultural landscape, artistic and natural treasures. 

Puglia is located in southern Italy; it borders the Adriatic Sea in the east, the Ionian Sea to the southeast, and the Strait of Otranto and Gulf of Taranto in the south. Its southernmost portion, the Salento peninsula, forms a high heel on the boot of Italy. 

Portugal

Lisbon Porto and the Douro Valley Lisbon a City of Lights and Contrasts is both Atlantic and Mediterranean, illuminated by an extraordinary light that contrasts with landscaped hills tumbling towards the Tagus river. 

Rotterdam Netherlands

Maritime Museums Walking and Boat Tours Original and fascinating professional guided walking tours. The heart of the second-largest city in the Netherlands lies inside a triangle of main roads. This inner city can easily be explored on foot within this triangle. The relatively short distances make a walk along beautiful and interesting sights and exceptional museums, the perfect way to discover Rotterdam. 

Düsseldorf Germany

Walking Tours Castles Fashion Museums and Rhine River Cruises Düsseldorf is the cosmopolitan capital of North-Rhine-Westphalia, Germany`s state with the country`s largest population. The city has close to 600,000 inhabitants and is known for its old quarter – Altstadt – with nightlife and buildings which date back to the 16^th century. Here, you can taste the famous Altbier – a dark beer. 

Food and Culture in South Italy

North of Naples and South of Rome

In the area between Rome and Naples, in Lazio and Campania regions, there are several small towns and medieval borgo. In many ways, these communities in Caserta Province are a microcosm of all the things visitors to Italy look for: history, culture, traditions and a local community waiting to show you around. These towns stand out for palaces, museums, cathedrals and convents from the XI to the XV Centuries. 

A Roman Era Basilica and Archaeological Museum

Food and Wine Traditions the fertile territory north of Naples in Caserta Province has historically been a major contributor to food production in the region from the days of ancient Rome.

A Farmers Museum is situated in the 15^th Century palace of a medieval borgo; it features the special relationship between this land and its people with songs and dances by minstrels and cantors as well as tasting and making the local specialties.

Mozzarella, perhaps the most famous local food product, and a major export, it is made with artisan skills from buffalo milk into ovoline, ciliegine, trecce and ricotta, among others.

Olive Oil is another local tradition. The flavor, appearance and unique characteristics of this territory’s extra virgin olive oil, along with various natural factors, influence harvesting, cultivation and production in a strictly artisanal undertaking.

Falerno Wine the hills present near ideal conditions for wine making. The Falerno Vines originate in this area and are still cultivated by hand in the local vineyards, continuing a tradition dating back to the Romans time.

Country and City Itineraries in Rome and Lazio

Countryside Castles Medieval Borgoes Small Museums Local Folklore and Traditions

Castles Museums and Archeological Sites The area just south and east of Rome, known as the Castelli Romani e Prenestini, comprises a network of museums and archeological sites in several small historic towns. The twenty cultural venues are representative of the area’s rich historic, artistic and cultural heritage in: History and Archeology, Anthropology, Science and the Environment, Culture and Religion.

A unique opportunity for vacationing families and culture professionals alike to walk ancient trails, become acquainted with old traditions and visit small historic towns, churches and convents, medieval palaces, Roman aqueducts and imperial navy ships, a wine producing town and even a toy museum.

Country and City Itineraries Just a few kilometers from Rome you can go boating, windsurfing or canoeing on volcanic lakes, walk or bike in the colorful countryside, taste unique typical foods and experience the history, traditions and ancient culture among Etruscan ruins and in medieval castles.

Rome Today A trip inside the contemporary reality of the eternal city, visiting 20^th and 21^st century sites and museums. Your journey begins with the Rationalist style of the EUR and Foro Italico districts, through the working class areas from the Twenties and Thirties - Garbatella, Quarticciolo and Pigneto -, and the more recent architectural challenges, such as Renzo Piano’s Auditorium and Richard Meier’s “Dives in Misericordia” Church.

The Lakes Area As with most lakes in Lazio region Lake Vico is of volcanic origin; it is surrounded by cane fields and is horseshoe shaped. Mount Venere is 800 meters high, with several walking and biking trails. At the "well of the devil" - a semi-vertical grotto – there is a great view of the entire lake. Be on the lookout for foxes and wild boar! The coastline is great for bird watching, cycling and water sports - windsurfing, sailing and canoeing. Overlooking Lake Vico is Caprarola with a XVI Century Farnese Palace. The Sagra della Nocciola occurs here at the end of August; an opportunity to taste local chestnut sweets and ice cream.
 

Bolsena On the border of Lazio and Umbria, and between Viterbo and Orvieto, Bolsena is the largest volcanic lake in Europe. Excellent for water sports, it has English style gardens and wild nature. You can also spend time on one of the local fishing boats or cruise aboard a traditional Bolsena Lake boat, day or night. Among the trails that you can follow, the most intriguing is Sentiero dei Briganti used by smugglers and outlaws. Food lovers will enjoy a vast assortment of restaurants along the coast specializing in local fish rigorously accompanied by Bolsena olive oil and wines.
 

Bracciano This lake is located further south, between Rome and Viterbo provinces and close to the Lazio beaches. The three major communities around the lake are Bracciano, Anguillara Sabazia and Trevignano Romano. Overlooking the lake is the Orsini Odescalchi castle, famous for VIP weddings; this 15^th century structure is also a museum. Also nearby: the Air Force Museum with 60 planes and other equipment.

History Culture and Archeology Lazio Region gets its name from the Latini, a people who arrived in the area in the second millennium b.C. This Indo European population established itself on the Palatine hill and eventually expanded itself to the other six hills of Rome. The region was home to the Etruscans, north of the Tiber River, the Latins in the center, the Falisci in an area in between Etruscans and Latins, and the Capenati, an italic people heavily influenced in language and customs by the Sabines, the Latins and Etruscans.

Archeology Lazio is among the richest archeological regions in the world, with major Etruscan cities such as: Cerveteri, Tarquinia, Vulci, Veio and Volsini that peaked between the VII and V Centuries b.C. Our trip begins in Vulci, an ancient Etruscan city suddenly overwhelmed by the advancing tide of Rome; walking through the princely tombs of its Necropolis you will witness the glorious and lavish past of the Etruscan aristocracy. A majestic silhouette stands out in the background: the medieval castle of the Abbey, which towers over the Fiora river valley. Next, the Niki de Saint Phalle’s Tarot Garden, a unique theme park.
The first monasteries in Central Italy appeared around the year 529 and the founding of Monte Cassino Abbey. Lazio has several hilltop medieval borgoes, often containing museums and private collections.

Appia Antica A unique tour of the Appian Route, the “Regina Viarum”, walked by millions of people over the past two millennia. The “Via Appia” linked Rome with Southern Italy; along the way, you will discover monuments, clues about who built and owned them, and the Catacombs. Then, a rustic and appetizing lunch “al fresco” under a pergola.

Folklore and Traditions On August 5 it snows in the eternal city. Rose petals fall on the congregation in the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica. This event is a re-enactment of the snowfall that took place on the Esquilino hill on this day in the year 352, when the Virgin Mary indicated to Pope Liberio the location where the church should be built.

Before dawn, every January 13, a large oak log is lit in Capena. As the flames embers all the citizens light up a cigarette; this very ancient tradition ends with a benediction of the animals and a parade of the local area horses dressed in vivacious colors. 
Viterbo celebrates Santa Rosa on September 4 with a procession led by a very large statue of the saint placed on an elaborate cart; the first one dates back to 1663. Also in Viterbo Province:

Marta In May, a procession of the Chiesa della Santissima del Monte: a wooden stand (the fountain) is carried by four holding an image of the Madonna adorned with fruits and flowers followed by the clergy and citizenry parading in groups representative of their trades.

A unique celebration takes place on August 15 - Ferragosto – in Oriolo Romano there is a long procession accompanying the statue of the Virgin Mary of the Star along the streets of this XVI Century medieval borgo, built as "ideal town" by the Church – an early example of a planned community! In the main piazza, a "rodeo" by maremmani butteri, the southern Tuscany cowboys.  On Fat Tuesday members of the Purgatory Fraternity, wearing black hoods, parade through Gradoli’s streets led by banner and drums, knocking on doors to collect food for the “Dinner in Purgatory” eaten on Ash Wednesday.

Tuesday is market day in Latina with new and used clothes bancarelle, home furnishing, fruits and vegetables. Best day to visit is the first Tuesday of the month when all the new and fresh stuff arrives! 

Frosinone A feast known as “Radeca” may have pre-Christian origins. Frosinone is a very old town and this event may have its roots in pagan fertility and procreation rituals. The long radeca leaf represents the agave, the ancient symbol of fertility. The event takes place on July 26 to celebrate an insurrection against the Roman Republic and the French army that protected it.

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