Some itineraries for visitors
to Lazio
By Aniko Horvath
march 2009
Olive Oil in Sabina
Among castles and medieval villages the Sabine Hills, just an hour north-east
of Rome, include more than 18,000 hectares of rich agricultural land given
over to the cultivation of olives, a crop which produces one of the highest
quality olive oils made anywhere in Italy. At the Casale Bertini farm at
Canneto just outside Fara Sabina you can see Europe’s oldest olive
tree. Planted almost 2,000 years ago, its gnarled ancient trunk has a cirumference
of 7 meters and the tree rises some 14 meters.
Tel. 075. 34052
Wine in Frascati
The small town of Frascati, south-east of Rome in the Alban Hills, is renowned
for its white wine. It’s also enormously popular for its “fraschette”,
traditional taverns selling the local wine. The oldest of these still in
business is Osteria da Santino. Run by Felice Ramaccia, it has been selling
excellent local vintages since 1450. A word of warning – bring your
own food: the fraschette only sell wine!
Tel.: 06. 942 98 110
Lake Bracciano
One of the most beautiful lakes in central Italy, this is now a major centre
for sailing. The town of Bracciano on the southern shore of the lake includes
the magnificently preserved 15th century Castello Orsini-Odescalchi, one
of the most noteworthy examples of Renaissance military architecture in all
Italy. In 2006 the Castle provided the fairy-tale setting for the wedding
of Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise with Katie Holmes.
Tel. : 06. 998 02 379
The Thermal Baths of the Popes
Just outside Viterbo, along the ancient Roman road via Cassia, are the main
hot springs that made the town such a well-known spa resort. The hot sulphur
waters in the area were much appreciated by both the Etruscans and the Romans.The
most famous spa is the Bullicame, a pool mentioned by Dante Alighieri in
his Divine Comedy, which from the late 13th century onwards attracted regular
visits from Popes and cardinals, earning itself the name Terme dei Papi,
or The Popes’ Spa.
Tel.: 076. 3501
The Sacred Valley
Near Rieti hidden among magnificent mountains and majestic forests is Fonte
Colombo, one of four ancient hermitages in the valley. Here in the early
13th century Francis of Assisi came to fast, pray and converse with Brother
Wind. In 1223 he wrote the regulations for what would become the Franciscan
Order. Two years later during another visit to the hermitage Francis underwent
an excruciatingly painful eye operation. The name of Fonte Colombo comes
from the spring waters, where in 1217 Francis saw white doves drinking; and
so he called it “Fons Columbarum” – the dove fountain.
Tel.: 0746. 201 146
|
To
understand why we spoke to Claudio Mancini, head of tourism for the
Lazio regional government. 2008 was a difficult year for tourism
worldwide. The global decline also affected Rome – but the
Eternal City was hit much less harder than many other European capitals.
Are
you looking for quality accommodation at a reasonable price? Here are some tips
on how to rent in Italy’s most expensive city. 
17
years after the opening of Disneyland Paris the Italian capital is to seek a
larger slice of the European tourism market, with plans for three major theme
parks.
Almost
10% of the pupils enrolled in Rome’s elementary schools come from immigrant
families. In some schools, like those in the multi-ethnic Esquilino district,
the number is above 50%.