The Gole del Forello area, where water has dug the stone making several connected caves, is one of the most beautiful locations in central Italy, as they are inside the Tiber River Fluvial Park. Today it is possible to visit the whole natural environment thanks to safe guided tours. The landscape is characterized by high rocky stone walls, often having caves and tunnels, until the river stream, which crosses the narrow valley. The area was a natural border, place for ancient commercial exchanges, as the river divided for long time the Umbrian people (at its left side) and the Etruscans (at its right side). Thanks to the Tiber river, especially in this area, lots of cultural and economical exchanges took place in the past, as meny cultures and peoples used the river as a way to move. Also historical sources show the importance of the area. Along its banks, in this area, were built Roman terracotta furnaces and workshops (whose pieces can be seen at Loc. Scoppieto). The Roman artisans used the quality of the local clay and the useful river. Because of the river dam, the artificial Corbara Lake comes out. It measures 50 mts depth and it is considered one of the best lakes for fishing in Italy
ORVIETO – The city had its best period during the Middle Age, as one of the most powerful religious and military area. A demonstration of this fact is the Albornoz Fortress, built by Cardinal Albornoz during the time Orvieto had been a Pope’s city. Today it is a unique city and its tufa rock hosts many artistical and archaeologial treasures, as follows. Actually you can enjoy a visit to Orvieto to admire some italian mastercpieces like the Cathedral and the P.Patrick well.
Further information about Orvieto: http://www.orvietoviva.com/en/
TODI – A visit to the town of Jacopone da Todi is definitely worth it. Its medieval atmosphere and the kind of stone used are a good starting point to explore the whole Tiber valley. The local cuisine offers a large selection of typical products. Todi is a typical umbrian old town, if you go there do not forget to visit the wonderful Santuario della Consolazione and the pictoresque Popolo’s square.
PERUGIA – Perugia is the main city of Umbria and it is a very dynamic and rich area. Its downtown is famous for Corso Vannucci and it is rich of monuments and activities. The city is at its best during two traditional events: Eurochocolate, a chocolate festival and the Umbria Jazz Summer Festival, where great international musicians play gigs through the city, in its theatresm squares and in charming buildings. The main important monuments are Fontana Maggiore, the Cathedral (Duomo) and the Palazzo dei Priori. Not far from Perugia you can easily reach the territory of Trasimeno lake, the biggest lake in Umbria and one of the most important in the whole italian country.
BOMARZO – Its unique Rocky Monster’s Park is a great half a day stop.The name “Bomarzo” is supposed to come from the Roman period from Polymartium of uncertain meaning. It was a property of the Orsini family, whose castle is at the edge of the densely-built town, until Marzio sold it to the Lante family in 1645.Bomarzo’s main attraction is a garden usually referred to as the Bosco Sacro (Sacred grove) or, locally, Bosco dei Mostri (“Monsters’ Grove”), because of its many large stone sculptures which populate this particular landscape.A sphinx is located right at the entrance of the Park of the Monsters.
This garden was made by Pier Francesco Orsini, called Vicino (1528–1588), the patron of the arts, greatly devoted to his wife Giulia Farnese; when she died, he created the gardens for her. The park of Bomarzo was meant not to please, but to shock visitors. In itself there are lots of arcane symbolism.
BOLSENA – This town gives its name to the close lake and it is sited on one side of the Volsinii Hills.
Bolsena has Etruscan origins and it preserves every further historical age trace. Its castle dominates the surrounding boroughs from the top and it was recently restored; today it hosts an interesting Lake Territorial museum. Bolsena lake has been declared the cleanest lake in Europe.
TERNI AND MARMORE FALLS – The city of Terni, the second Umbrian city, has a very important historical background and gave birth to many important characters, especially from the Roman Tacito family. Terni has deeply lived all the Italian historical periods, from the Middle Ages to the Reinassance, until the contemporary era. In the last century Terni got a very important role as an iron farm area. Still today the iron poles are strongly present around the downtown, which still keeps the Italian style alive. Just after the city, are the Marmore water falls, a Roman work dated back third Century A.C. they are the highest European water falls, with the shocking water “jump” of 165 mts of the Velino river over the Nera river
