Lombardy and Lake Como

Lazio borders the Tyrrhenian Sea, is crossed by the Tiber River and is rich in thermal springs. The location on the water was important for the region even in ancient times! The Romans also knew how to use the water, so they built huge thermal baths, the ruins of which can still be admired. In addition to the thermal baths from ancient and modern times (for example in Fiuggi), the region also has beautiful villas to offer. Villa d’Este, with its magnificent gardens, fountains and grottos, is famous worldwide, as is Villa Adriana, the residence of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Both are located in Tivoli and are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Other UNESCO World Heritage sites from the region include the Etruscan fresco tombs of Cerveteri and Tarquinia. The capital of Lazio is Rome. And the center of Rome is a true open-air museum! Together with the Vatican and the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, the historic center is one of Italy’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Rome

To list all the highlights of the city is almost impossible. Nevertheless, we would like to mention a few examples: the Colosseum, where the gladiator games took place, the Roman Forum with its multitude of temples and basilicas, the famous Trevi Fountain, the phenomenal Pantheon, the beautiful Spanish Steps, the magnificent Castel Sant’Angelo, the many pilgrimage churches as well as the great St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. However, Rome is not only “old”, but also “green”. This can be seen particularly well in the popular city park “Villa Borghese”, which combines nature and culture. Here stands the Borghese Gallery, one of the most beautiful art collections in Rome. Parks and art galleries (with masterpieces by Raphael, Michelangelo or Bernini) are fortunately many in Rome.

Ostia

Only about 30 kilometers south of the Roman city center is the port city of Ostia, popular with vacationers for swimming in the summer. In ancient times, Ostia was the hub of the economy, as goods arrived here from faraway places, occasionally still being processed before being delivered to Rome, the center, via the Tieber River. The ruins of the former infrastructure can still be admired in the excavation site “Ostia Antica”.

Tivoli

While Ostia is frequented by vacationers in the summer because of the refreshing sea, the locals like to go to Tivoli, 30 km east of Rome, to cool off in the green atmosphere. In Tivoli there are villas from the 16th and 19th centuries, which are extremely impressive despite their age: We are talking about Villa d’Este and Villa Gregoriana. In Tivoli there is also Villa Adriana, but it is much more than a “villa”. It is a 100 hectare (!) complex built by the emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century.

Fuggi

The city is relatively small, with about 11,000 inhabitants, but it has a lot to offer. Especially when it comes to water. The water from Fiuggi, for example, has been known for its healing properties since the 14th century. The thermal water, from the Fonte Bonifacio VIII and the Fonte Anticolana, is still enjoyed by young and old in the 21st century. A visit or a bath in the thermal baths is beneficial for body and soul.

Tuscany

The fact that this region is old can be explained by the name alone. The term “Tuscia” comes from “Etruria”, which in turn means the “land of the Etruscans”. Worth seeing and popular is Lake Bolsena, on the border of Tuscany. The town of Tarquinia, in the province of Viterbo, is popular for its Etruscan archaeological sites (UNESCO World Heritage Site). In the probably 2,500-year-old village called Civita di Bagnoregio, there is an impressive atmosphere: medieval buildings and no cars. Medieval castles can also be found in Sutri, an extremely impressive place. The many archaeological sites, excavations, palaces and towers make you travel back in time!