Italy off the beaten path: Tuscania, wonderful village in Lazio

Tuscania

Tuscania is one of the most evocative medieval villages of Tuscia, along its cobbled streets you can still breathe a timeless atmosphere of rare charm.

Standing on seven tufaceous rock promontories at 180 meters above sea level, from its strategic location between the Marta River and the Capecchio Stream, Tuscania dominates the great communication route connecting the Tyrrhenian Sea to Lake Bolsena.

This charming village is distinguished by the ancient traces of the Etruscan civilization and the medieval architecture that make it the ideal movie set; many acclaimed historical films such as The Incredible Army of Brancaleone, Pasolini's Uccellacci and Uccellini or Zeffirelli's Romeo and Juliet, have been partially filmed here.  

Tuscania

Tuscania

In town, the predominant colour is the brownish of the tuff, dotted with flowers and bright doors. Walking through the medieval alleys of the historic center, the path will take you through some beautiful ancient churches and elegant fountains from different historical periods. Among these, the oldest in the city, bearing traces of the Etruscan-Roman period, is the fountain of the Sette Cannelle,

The main street that runs through the village is Via Libertà which leads to the Torre di Lavello public park, adjacent to the ancient city walls that encloses a sundial and a small amphitheater. This is the perfect spot to enjoy the suggestive view of the valley and the Colle di San Pietro.

 

Tuscania

In addition to the perfectly preserved ancient village, Tuscania is especially famous for the two basilicas of San Pietro and Santa Maria Maggiore, authentic masterpieces of Romanesque architecture.

St Peter Church, Tuscania

The ancient church of San Pietro stands on an Etruscan settlement, surrounded by two medieval towers and the episcopal palace. The facade is beautifully decorated by an elegant rose window, depicting the symbols of the four evangelists, and by the central portal, which retains mosaic decorations.

Inside, the church still holds many ornaments; among other things the mosaic floor covering almost the entire central nave and presbytery, and the impressive crypt made up of four orders of central columns and a cross-shaped Gothic ceiling, are of considerable artistic importance.

St Peter Church, Tuscania

St Peter Church, Tuscania

St Peter Church, Tuscania

The church of Santa Maria Maggiore is  another beautiful testimony of Romanesque art in Tuscania. It is placed at the foot of the hill of San Pietro in a strategic position, being located in an obligatory passage for travelers. The facade has three beautiful decorated portals of which the central one is completely built in white marble. The church consists of three naves divided by six bays, has pillars with frescoes, Romanesque capitals and walls with blind arches. 

Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, Tuscania

Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, Tuscania

Around Tuscania there are several Etruscan necropolises scattered almost everywhere in the municipal area and many farms that produce essential oils of lavender and helichrysum, collected directly in the beautiful fields located along the Marta valley.

Tuscania

TIPS AND INFO:

1. Tuscania is an hour and half drive from Rome, and less than 30 minutes from Viterbo. 

2. The closest train station is in Vetralla.

3. If you are looking for a place to stay in the region, check out this website where you'll find a wide choice of lovely self-catering solutions. 

4. There are plenty of good restaurants in Tuscania, where you can taste the local cuisine. If you are looking for a bucolic experience, check out the Agriturismo Casa Caponetti.

5. There are a couple of circular walk starting in town. You'll find more info here. 

6. The tourist office is located in the main car park of the city; there you'll find maps and key information for your visit.