 Introduction
History and Culture
At the same time that the latest Indo-European tribes were moving into Greece, closely related tribes invaded many other regions, including what would someday be Italy. Among these were the peoples we now call the Latins, who settled in (what we now call) Latium. Initially, they were seen as weak newcomers, a sort of instant underclass, by most of the people of the native city-states.
This subjected them to quite a bit of local imperialism and eventually they united against the Etruscans and Samnites, fighting a series of wars which ended in 338 BCE with their main city, Rome, dominating the region. After the Social War in 90 BCE, Rome granted citizenship to all the people of the region.
Latium has great importance for history, art, architecture, archaeology, religion, and culture in general. The immense patrimony of the city of Rome forms only a part of the treasures spread over the hundreds of towns, villages, abbeys, churches, monuments, and other sites of the region.
Places in the Region of Lazio
Leaving the capital, every area of Lazio has its own distinguishing feature. To the north the province of Viterbo, called Tuscia, preserves the richest cultural and archaeological heritage in Italy. The region is scattered with Etruscan necropolises, medieval villages, castles and splendid Renaissance villas. Viterbo is the best preserved medieval city in Lazio, while the surrounding area is composed of picturesque countryside and wilderness. The Etruscan cities of Tarquinia, Cerveteri and Tuscania and their incredible necropolises are not to be missed. Among the villas, we recommend you visit Palazzo Farnese in Caprarola and the “Park of Monsters“ in Bomarzo.
East of Rome one finds unmissable Tivoli, the preferred thermal spring of the ancient Romans, where one finds the impressive ruins of Hadrian's Villa and the Renaissance residence of Villa d'Este.
The south-east of the capital extends over the fascinating region of Ciociaria: its wild landscape hosts beautiful medieval cities of pre-Roman origin, such as Anagni, Alatri and Ferentino famous for imposing walls, or one can take the charming religious itinerary among the ancient abbeys of Subiaco, Casamari, Montecassino and Fossanova. Another interesting tour around the mountains of Lazio will lead you to Rieti, a city full of medieval testimonies enclosed by its perfectly preserved great, long walls.
The Castelli Romani are located a short distance from Rome. This area extends around the two volcanic lakes of Albano and Nemi, which is not only appreciated for its natural beauty, but also for its rich historical and cultural heritage.
Lazio's coastline is interesting and varied, composed of long beaches and beautiful reefs. Ostia is Rome's most popular. The most fascinating area of coastline is located to the south, the location of Circeo National Park, which is covered by the greenery of oak forests, coastal lakes and sand dunes. The park faces the marvelous archipelago of the Pontine Islands, including the famous holiday resorts of Ponza and Ventotene. Other interesting locations are Terracina, Sperlonga and Gaeta, picturesque sea-facing villages which have become attractive sea resorts.
The territory to the north of Rome is covered by woodland and includes three splendid volcanic lakes. Lake Bolsena and Lake Bracciano are bathing destinations with numerous water sports. Near Bolsena, the beautiful area of Civita di Bagnoreggio, known as “the dieing city”, is worth a visit. Lake Vico is located within a nature reserve: it is much appreciated for canoeing, hiking, cycling and horse riding tours and even bird watching.
The National Park of Gran Sasso and Laga Mountains are located near Rieti. This area offers tourists walks in the wilderness and beautiful, primeval nature, with views of rare beauty and vast panorama. This park includes the highest summit of the Apennine Mountains (2915 meters).
Thermal baths: the ancient Roman's were very aware of the concept of well-being. Lazio's volcanic origin led to the formation of a wealth of thermal baths, with the most famous in Viterbo, Tivoli and Fiuggi, one of the most important hydrotherapeutic centers in Italy.
Drinks and Cuisine
Starters include the famous Bruschette, toasted bread slices seasoned with a variety of ingredients.
Tuscia and Ciociaria residents use lots of soup, in particular soup with lake fish, known as Sbroscia, and plenty of soups with seasonal vegetables, known as Acquacotta.
Pasta dishes include the famous Amatriciana, Carbonara and classic gnocchi. Egg pasta is represented with classic Fettuccine and Pappardelle mixed with a variety of sauces.
Lamb reigns among the meat dishes (Abbacchio if a milk lamb is used), as well as pork. Don't forget to try the Porchetta, a full roast, sliced pig. The entrails of the cow are used a lot, such as Coda alla Vaccinara (tail) and tripe. Also worth a mention, fish from Lake Bolsena, delicate perch fillets, whitefish and renowned eel.
Typical cheese include Pecorino, Caciotta and Ricotta, all made from sheep milk. The most important of which is Pecorino Romano.
Wine: Tuscia brings us red Aleatico and white Orvieto. Castelli Romani wines are indisputably the most popular in Rome. They are almost all white. The main labels include Frascati, known as the “Wine of the Popes“, Marino and Colli Albani.
Events
This has been an annual appointment since 1986 for modern art and theatre, music and dance, with artists from all over Europe appearing.
Festival Romics - October - Rome
The Comics and Cartoon Festival: exhibitions, cartoon film showings and meeting with the most famous designers and publishing companies.
Roma Jazz Festival - October - Rome
This annual festival totally dedicated to jazz music was organized for the first time in 1876. Italian and international artists all appear in concert.
Sana a Roma - April - Rome
This Mediterranean Trade Fair for Natural Products has been organized for a few years now at the Rome Trade Fair District. Exhibitions of bio-products, conferences and tasting.
Estate Romana - from June to September - Rome
This includes all kinds of events, from music to theater, literary meetings and cinema. Events that take place in the most characteristic places in Rome that attract the participation of thousands of artists from all over the world.
Donna Sotto le Stelle - July - Rome
The annual Roman appointment with high fashion. Creations by the most famous fashion designers are modeled on a catwalk in a truly magnificent setting: on the Spanish Steps in Piazza di Spagna.
Links
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Via Vittorio Veneto 119a-121
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