Never heard of Etruria? That’s exactly why the area is still inexpensive and inhabited by local and international expats who   genuinely welcome visitors.     Not everyone  knows  English, but that does not stop Finnish, Dutch, Norwegian, English and  other nationalities  from  buying  up old  farmhouses and restoring village homes and coming to stay -permanently.    Among the many treasures, historical connections, international influences and people you will discover here are the numerous castles and historic gardens, unusual museums and nature reserves that dot the VITERBO province.      Mysterious sites  tempt  the  Indiana Jones  in all of us: where else can you visit a newly discovered Etruscan sanctuary, a 14th century monastery where lavender is the main crop and take a dip in a thermal bath built by the Romans–all in the same morning.    The area was the watering place for Renaissance princes and cardinals who built their family castles (Caprarola, Vignanello) and gardens (Villa Lante) and wiled away the hot summer days  imbibing in the pleasures of the dolce far niente and the area’s fine white wines.    During the Grand Tour artists immortalized its landscapes and pilgrims still walk the Via Francigena on their way to Rome.  Nowadays, the international set who have rediscovered the charms of the simpler lifestyle include ambassadors and other professionals who happily trade a stressful lifestyle for the laid back atmosphere where people call you by your first name.

       

     What better antidote for globalization than family-run trattorie where home made, seasonal food is enjoyed   with local house wine from the vineyards on nearby   hills.  For more   about where to eat just visit my blog 50 years in Italy

   As a journalist, educator and guidebook writer living and working in Italy since 1965, I knew that the Viterbo  area just north of Rome had an abundance of interesting places which  beckoned temptingly to be explored and enjoyed so during my 15 years here I have gathered information and insight and discovered fascinating stories  that I  am happy  to share with my readers  on this website, on my blog (updated weekly) and in the many l books I have written about the area.  

    

History buffs may be interested in “The Irish and English in Italy’s Risorgimento” To download preview click on the link http://www.megaupload.com/?d=N87GHEJK and open the file.

To download a preview of “Etruria travel, history and itineraries in central Italy” click on this link.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=34VXHSA1 and open the file.