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GAY FRIENDLY TUSCIA
Travel solutions with itineraries to discover all the wonders of this destination, places not to be missed, tips about where to sleep and what to eat, and above all many small special tips to enjoy your journey !
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
Visiting this destination at its best depends essentially on how long you have to fully enjoy it. Here is a solution based on the number of days available to you:
Day 1 - Tuscia Highlights - Google Maps
Alternatively, if you have more than one day available, we advise you to divide it into these three itineraries, which will allow you to fully enjoy it:
Day 1 - Alta Tuscia (Celleno, Civita di Bagnoregio & Bolsena) - Google Maps
Day 2 - Viterbo & Tuscia Centrale (Terme, Tuscania & Tarquinia) - Google Maps
Day 3 - Bassa Tuscia (Bracciano, Sutri, Lago di Vico & Caprarola) - Google Maps
(By opening the Maps with Google, you can easily follow our itinerary)
Click'n'Go - Click on the places to find them on the Map
WHAT TO SEE in TUSCIA?
10 THINGS TO SEE in TUSCIA
Civita di Bagnoregio
It was a lifetime that we dreamed of seeing it, and we finally succeeded. One of the most famous Italian villages, also called the "dying city". Located on the top of a rock spur, today it is constantly subjected to erosion and is in danger of disappearing. Just think that the village is inhabited only by a dozen inhabitants and lives only on tourism (in fact the entrance is subject to a fee). Every corner of this wonder offers beautiful views. You will also find a lot of places to eat and drink excellent local products. Do not miss the Bishop's Palace, the Church of San Donato and the mill dating back to the 16th century.
Viterbo
Also known as the "city of the Popes", as when Rome became too dangerous the Popes took refuge here. It looks like a pearl of Tuscia in which you will find the largest and best preserved medieval district in Europe. In fact, the San Pellegrino district is inevitable in Viterbo. You will almost feel like you are going back in time, with small stone streets, huge towers, fantastic courtyards and crazy loggias. But Viterbo is not only this, you can admire Palazzo dei Priori with its frescoed rooms, the famous Palazzo dei Papi with its incredible loggia, and the Cathedral of San Lorenzo.
Bomarzo & Parco dei Mostri
Not far from Viterbo you can visit the very particular park, near the village of Bomarzo, born from the idea of Prince Pierfrancesco Orsini around 1500. You will find yourself in front of a garden enriched by many sculptures of monsters, animals, heroes and inspired buildings to the classical world. Ready to take a dip in a fantastic and mythological world where time seems to have stopped? Then don't miss the fantastic village of Bomarzo.
Villa Lante a Bagnaia
If you are a nature lover you cannot miss one of the ten most beautiful Italian gardens in the world: Villa Lante. Its creator, Cardinal Giovan Francesco Gambara, had the so-called Barco and the hunting lodge designed in the sixteenth century, with elaborate water features, incredible frescoes and large green terraces. A truly unique place one step away from Viterbo.
Tarquinia
This Etruscan city is today a testimony of this ancient people and has become a tourist place of great importance. Legend has it that the city was founded by the hero of Etruscan mythology, Tarconte. You can visit the National Museum, the Church of Santa Maria di Castello and that of San Giacomo, as well as the elegant Palazzo Vitelleschi, now home to the National Etruscan Museum.
Tuscania
A splendid village in Tuscia where you can admire the Church of San Pietro, as well as the countless other fantastic churches, including that of Santa Marta. Then enjoy the view from the city over the Marta valley.
Celleno
Also called the "ghost town", it is located on a tuff spur not far from Civita di Bagnoregio. Once you arrive you will feel like you are in a movie, time seems to have stopped and the whole village is deserted and uninhabited. A suggestive and unique atmosphere.
Vitorchiano
Another very particular Viterbo village, with an overhanging position on a magmatic rock cliff. Exploring its cobbled streets and imposing walls you will breathe the magic of this place. Do not miss the Town Hall with the Clock Tower, the Church of Sant'Antonio Abate and the Auditorium in the structure of a former monastery.
Caprarola
For those with a sweet tooth this is the ideal place, as the woods around the town are full of high quality hazelnut groves. It is no coincidence that one of the most important festivals is the Hazelnut Festival at the end of August. The village also has a very particular urban structure, just think that all the secondary streets start from a central street, the Via Dritta. A visit to the Palazzo Farnese, with the monumental Scala Regia and the Italian gardens, is certainly worth a visit.
Sutri
The small village of Sutri, perched on a tuff spur, is a marvel for the eyes. Admire its towers and crenellated walls, all this surrounded by a wonderful wood. In 2019 Sutri was included among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy.
The MOST BEAUTIFUL LAKES of TUSCIA
Lake Bracciano
The most famous lake in the region, a short distance from Rome. Think that it is also among the ten largest lakes in Italy. You can have fun with activities such as fishing or wonderful walks. The most famous one leads to the Orsini Odescalchi Castle in the village of Bracciano.
Lake Bolsena
The largest volcanic lake not only in Italy, but even in all of Europe. In summer it is very popular due to the abundance of accommodation facilities (campsites and extraordinary hotels). The area really offers everything, from trails in the woods, to tastings of local products or tours of the local wineries.
Lake Vico
Set in a natural oasis, it is famous for the wealth of local flora and fauna. Do not miss the Natural Reserve of Lake Vico to immerse yourself in paths in the green (it is even possible to do it on horseback).
Lake Mezzano
This small lake, still little known to mass tourism, allows you to fully relax and enjoy an almost untouched nature. You can also take the opportunity to take a tour around the lake.
Salt Pans Nature Reserve
Fancy pink flamingos and a postcard landscape? Then this reserve is the one for you. Not far from Tarquinia you will find this wonderful protected area with a very rich local fauna.
The BEST THERMAL BATHS of TUSCIA
Just think that Viterbo boasts one of the richest hydrothermal basins in Italy, whose waters are rich in sulfur salts and calcium bicarbonate.
Terme del Bagnaccio
Not very far from the city of Viterbo, you can relax in these fantastic spas. The spas have both a paid part and a totally free swimming pool with free admission.
Terme di Stigliano
Notes for the jets of steam that come from the hot springs of the natural caves. Ideal for those suffering from respiratory diseases, osteoarthritis or skin diseases.
Terme delle Masse di San Sisto
In the locality of Paliano there are the Terme delle Masse di San Sisto, consisting of two thermal baths of different temperatures (the larger one with hot water, the other smaller with cold water).
Terme del Bullicame
These famous baths, also mentioned by Dante in the Inferno of the Divine Comedy, are free to access. In the area around the spa you can also find a beautiful Natural Park.
Terme delle Piscine Carletti
Very similar in conformation to the nearby Terme del Bullicame, these are also free.
WHERE TO STAY in TUSCIA?
BEST LGBT FRIENDLY HOTELS & APARTMENTS in TUSCIA
Viterbo - Villa Farinella B&B
Viterbo - B&B dei Papi Boutique Hotel
Viterbo - B&B La Suite del Borgo
Between Viterbo and Montefiascone - Il Casale nella Tuscia Biofarm
Bagnoregio - Agriturismo Il Meleto
Castiglione in Teverina - Casale dei Gelsi
Tuscania - Agriturimo Re Tarquinio
Farnese - Il Podere di Marfisa
Ronciglione - Relais Sans Souci and Spa ****
Castel Giorgio - Borgo La Chiaracia Resort & SPA *****
WHERE TO EAT in TUSCIA?
BEST TYPICAL RESTAURANTS of TUSCIA Quality / Price
All tried and tested by us!
Viterbo - €€ - Taverna Etrusca
Viterbo - €€ - Il Grottino
Viterbo - € - Antica Taverna
Civita di Bagnoregio - € - L'Arco del Gusto
Bolsena - €€ - Ristorante La Francigena
Capodimonte - €€ - Agriturismo Bisenzio
Tuscania - €€ - Re Tarquinio
Tarquinia - €€ - La Capanna del Buttero
Sutri - €€ - Osteria dell'Oca
Sutri - €€ - La Locanda di Saturno
Bracciano - €€ - Osteria del Borgo
Graffignano - €€ - Il Torrino del Povile
Cellere - €€ - L'Officina del Macellaio
Aquapendente - €€ - S'Osteria38
WHAT TO EAT and DRINK in TUSCIA?
BEST TYPICAL DISHES and WINES of TUSCIA
Acquacotta
Traditional dish of the gastronomy of Tuscia, with stale bread, field chicory, mint and extra virgin olive oil.
Fieno di Canepina
similar to tagliatelle, but finer, served with meat sauce (perhaps wild boar) and a sprinkling of local pecorino.
Gnocchi made with Ferro di Soriano nel Cimino
The name of this dish comes from the use of a knitting needle during preparation.
Lombrichelli alla Vitorchianese
Often with wild fennel, it is a type of pasta that looks like bucatini, but without a hole.
Sbroscia
Fish soup widespread in the area of Lake Bolsena, with potatoes, onion, garlic, tomato sauce and mint.
Coregone
Fish from Lake Bolsena.
Bertolacce
Similar to crêpes, they are served rolled and sprinkled with pecorino cheese.
Ceciaroli
Recognizable by their ravioli shape, they are sweets filled with chickpea cream.
Tozzetti
The most classic and famous dessert, that is dry biscuits with hazelnuts from Monti Cimini, served at Christmas and during the patronal feasts.
TRAVEL TIPS about TUSCIA by World Mappers
A real gem of the area is the fantastic village of Sant'Angelo, the land of fairy tales. You will be catapulted into storybooks that make young and old dream. After a vast fire that hit the countryside of the town in 2017, the intention was to transform Sant’Angelo into a land of fairy tales. Through a real artistic journey, you will be overwhelmed by murals and street art works dedicated to Alice in Wonderland, the Little Prince, the Little Match Girl, Hansel and Gretel and even Don Quixote.
In addition to the villages mentioned so far, there are many other very special ones, which are worth a visit. We recommend that you take a trip to Calcata, in the heart of the Agro Falisco, in one of the most beautiful landscapes in Lazio. It is known for being the magical village where hippies and witches live. According to a widespread belief, in fact, it is believed that this is the place where once mysterious magic and propitiatory rites were carried out. It would seem that esoteric and initiatory rites still take place today in some houses in Calcata and in underground caves.
