My Italian Link - Issue #09 My Italian Link Issue #09 | Page 30

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T R AV E L G U I D E
E N C H A N TI N G ES CA PES
DID YOU KNOW?
Not all Roman emperors
were as bloodthirsty as
they are in the movies. Hadrian
is known as one of the five
good emperors – alongside
Nerva, Trajan, Antoninus Pius,
and Marcus Aurelius.
Take a break from the city and soak yourself in a re-
vitalising thermal bath in the middle of nowhere, ex-
plore some of the world’s most significant ancient
history, and walk the footsteps of an opulent empe-
ror – all without the crowds!
~
WANDER THROUGH HISTORY
Viterbo
An hour plus from Rome is the city of Viterbo, at the heart of an
ancient Etruscan region. Archaic ruins, villas, and signs of its
illustrious past abound. The city is known for its well-preserved
medieval monuments. Viterbo was once the seat of Italy’s
popes, to which the Palazzo dei Papi (Papal Palace) is a testa-
ment. It’s also a popular spa town! Around the Arcione River to
the west, you’ll find several private and wild thermal springs.
Further west in Viterbo Province is the UNESCO acclaimed
Etruscan Necropolis of Monterozzi in Tarquinia and the Necro-
polis of Banditaccia in Cerveteri. These tombs and paintings
provide scarce evidence of how the Etruscans lived (and died).
You really can’t leave Viterbo off your list!
VITERBO & TIVOLI OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
Stunning stalactites and grottoes
As you explore Villa Gregoriana park in Tivoli,
be sure to visit the Grottoes of Neptune
and the Sirens, and the natural Bridge
of the Wolf above. These caves have seen more
history than you could possibly memorise!
The park is also famous for it's epic waterfall,
which you'll discover along the main trail.
Villa d’Este
Tivoli
Tivoli lies just half an hour east of Rome. The city is known for its
man-made waterfall in the Aniene River and the Villa Gregoriana
park and reserve. Tivoli has always been a favourite spot for the
elite, hence its opulence. There are two UNESCO World Heritage
Sites in the area. Villa d’Este, in the town centre, is much beloved
for its triumph of a garden. There are over 500 fountains, as well
as grottoes, frescoes and pools throughout this Renaissance
masterpiece. Further out of town is Villa Adriana (Hadrian’s
Villa), once an emperor’s abode. At the time, its 120ha complex
set a whole new standard for Roman luxury. The numerous pavi-
lions, theatres, nymphae and baths give a tantalising taste of
Ancient Rome’s splendour.
Palazzo dei Papi
Villa Gregoriana
Villa Adriana
A wild and secret thermal bath
Wallow in the Bagnaccio thermal baths about
6km north of Viterbo, which remain untouched
since the Etruscan era. Few tourists know
how to find the baths, and they are surrounded
by nothing but the countryside!
See our Viterbo article at www.myitalianlink.com
for detailed directions!
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