Activities in Lazio? Here’s five amazing things to do in Lazio
Situated in central Italy between the Apennine Mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea, Lazio is surrounded by scenery at its most beautiful. Mountains, volcanic lakes, olive groves, vineyards and fields and valleys as far as the eye can see make up this stunning part of Italy.
If you are visiting Lazio this summer and are putting a loose itinerary together, take a look at five things to do in Lazio to help ensure you discover Italy’s quieter region to the max.
Civita di Bagnoregio
What was once a tiny, isolated hamlet with less than 20 residents is now one of the region’s most popular tourist attractions. This once crumbling village was lovingly restored with the help of UNESCO. With quirky craft shops and tufa houses draped in fresh, fragrant flowers, Civita di Bagnoregio really is one of Lazio’s ‘must see’ hamlets.
Freshen up at II Bagnaccio hot spring
In the north of Lazio hot volcanic springs are plentiful, several of which have been channelled into thermal resorts. One of the best is II Bagnaccio, where hot water gathers in white clay pools. This relaxing spot boasts a sensational bucolic landscape which hasn’t changed much since Etruscan times.
Scavi Archeologici di Ostia Antica
This huge archaeological site can be found approximately 30 kilometres to the northeast of Rome. As the archaeological remains are spread out, you’ll need a good few hours to fully explore, discover and appreciate this fascinating ancient site.
Scavi Archeologici di Ostia Antica is particularly noted for its magnificent frescoes, impressive mosaics and excellent preservation of ancient buildings.
Lake Bolsena
Three volcanic lakes lie in close proximity to the north of Rome. The largest of the lakes is Bolsena, otherwise known as “the jewel in the heart of Italy.” Fish-teemed and crystal clear water lap the sandy shores of this atmospheric and peaceful lake.
The lake town of Bolsena is also worth a visit. Bolsena was once an Etruscan settlement, its biggest tourists attractions being its centro storico and Collegiata di Santa Cristina Church. Known as a medieval town of miracles, Bolsena is the home of famously beautiful gardens and an annual flower show which really pulls in the crowds.
The Colosseum
Of course you couldn’t really visit Lazio and not take a look at what is arguably Italy’s most famous sites.
This imposing gladiatorial arena and its 50,000 seats was inaugurated in AD 80. Bloodthirsty gladiatorial fights would take place here much to the delight of an eagerly watching and equally as bloodthirsty crowd.
2000 years later the Colosseum remains one of Italy’s top tourist attractions, with up to five million visitors a year coming to become acquainted with the sheer magnitude, history and might of Emperor Vespasian’s grounds.