Art and History

VITERBO

Known as the “City of the Popes” it was the Papal Seat to a series of popes during the turbulent period between 1257 and 1281. Famous for the longest conclave in the church’s history, citizens were forced to reduce the cardinal’s rations to bread and water and remove the roof of the palace, to hasten a decision. The historic center, full of noble palaces, fountains and monuments attest to the city’s illustrious past. Nestled against the Cimino mountains with their native beech forests, there are several important Renaissance gardens nearby and thermal baths in which to soak.

ORVIETO

A hilltop town a short drive from the casale, Orvieto is rich in history. Inhabited by the Etruscans for six centuries until the Romans took control in 265 BC, it was later invaded by the Goths in the 6th century AD and then by the Byzantines and finally the Lombards. It became a free commune in the Middle Ages and grew and flourished due to its strategic position between Rome and Florence. The town is home to a host of artisans, especially ceramic artists and there are some very good restaurants. There is a market most days in the Piazza del Comune and plenty of vineyards in the surrounding area where tastings can be organized. Don’t miss a visit to the imposing Cathedral from the 13th century, with an impressive mosaic façade and a Chapel inside dedicated to Saint Brizio frescoed by Fra Angelico and with the celebrated Last Judgement of Luca Signorelli, or a tour of the underground passages and cool off from the summer’s heat at the bottom of the 62 meter deep well of San Patrizio.