Villa Vivanna

Located in a quaint village in an area filled with forests, lakes, ancient castles and medieval towns, Villa Vicanna is fantastically situated for a holiday exploring the green heart of Italy. Moreover, it is an ideal base to venture not just to Lazio but also to the exceptional regions of Tuscany and Umbria.

The cobbled streets and charismatic alleyways of the local village provide a great backdrop for a stroll at any time of the day, and you can pick up delicious pastries, coffee and fresh fruit as you make your way through the village in the morning. In the afternoon, feel at home in one of the ambient restaurants serving traditional cuisine and local wines, or spread out a blanket in the Giardini Pubblici to escape the heat in the shade of swaying trees. 

The main draw of the property is its close proximity to Lago di Bolsena, the largest volcanic lake in Europe with its own two little islands. Many sailing clubs reside here so be prepared to spot groups and individuals racing each other across the deep blue waters, as well as tourists on boats, jet skis and paddle boards near the shores. The lake is also a perfect spot to go swimming on a hot day, with a plethora of pebbly beaches such as the Spiaggia di Montesenano. Perhaps the nicest excursion, however, is by sailboat from Capodimonte to the two tiny islands; Isola Bisentina and l’Isola Martana.

If you have enough time to do a full circle around the lake, make sure to stop by in the lovely village of Capodimonte and admire its castle Rocca Farnese.

The village of Bolsena is also worth your while and you can visit the Rocca Monaldeschi della Cervara fortress offering cinematic views, see the majestic Collegiata di Santa Cristina cathedral or take a nap on the sandy Spiaggia Il Guadetto beach backed by a promenade and not too far from restaurants and cafés.

An often-overlooked gem with a charismatic medieval centre, Viterbo, in northern Lazio, can be easily reached by car in less than an hour. Founded by the Etruscans and later taken over by the Romans, it was bombed in WWII, but much of its historic core survived. Notable architecture includes Palazzo dei Papi – a palace with an elegant loggia that served as the seat of the popes in the 13th century – as well as the San Lorenzo Cathedral, with a Gothic bell tower, frescoes and a 15th-century baptismal font.

In the heart of Maremma, a coastal area of western central Italy, bordering the Tyrrhenian Sea, a grand wall protects the historic city of Grosseto, which has remained unchanged over time. The Cathedral of Saint Lawrence made from black and white marble in the Romanesque style attracts visitors, as well as the many museums such as the Archaeological Museum and Art of Maremma and the Museum of Natural History of the Maremma.

Read more about Lazio

Lazio, a captivating region in central Italy, is a treasure trove of historical, cultural, and natural wonders. Nestled in the heart of the Italian peninsula, this region is brimming with iconic landmarks and attractions that have captivated visitors for centuries.