Holiday apartment in Bomarzo: History and Nature

Bomarzo combines a well-preserved medieval historic center with a landscape where volcanic geology and archaeological traces meet. The town lies on a rocky promontory formed by lava flows from the volcanic complex of the Monti Cimini. The promontory is therefore part of both the town’s history and the geology of the Monti Cimini.

History: Santa Maria Assunta, Palazzo Orsini and the circular route

The town is home to the church of Santa Maria Assunta, which preserves the mortal remains of Saint Anselm. Palazzo Orsini, a Renaissance building, is also located in the historic center. At Santa Maria Assunta and Palazzo Orsini, sacred tradition and Renaissance architecture come together in the historic center. Bomarzo’s historical and archaeological circular route includes the Montecasoli necropolis, the Etruscan-Roman settlement of Pianmiano and the Early Christian cemetery of S. Cecilia. The three sites are clearly distinct: Montecasoli is a necropolis, Pianmiano an Etruscan-Roman settlement and S. Cecilia an Early Christian cemetery.

Monte Casoli: Forest, Pastureland, Farmland and Valleys

The landscape includes the Monte Casoli nature reserve. It encompasses wooded areas, former pastureland, agricultural land and valleys of varying depth; remains of Etruscan, Roman and medieval settlements can also be found there. Former pastureland and agricultural land complement the forest with additional forms of land use. For those interested in nature and culture, landforms and settlement remains can be found within the same local landscape.

Parco dei Mostri: Peperino, Monsters and Mythological Animals

Parco dei Mostri is a stone park created in the 16th century, whose design is associated with peperino, the stone characteristic of Bomarzo. Its motifs include optical illusions, giant monsters and mythological animals. The peperino characteristic of Bomarzo connects the park with the local use of stone. The Etruscan Pyramid is an additional feature: a stone approximately 16 meters high with steps carved into it leading to an altar. The stone park and the pyramid represent two different forms in stone: a landscaped site with motifs and a stone with steps and an altar.

The Teverina Wine Route and April Festivals in Bomarzo

Bomarzo is also located along the Teverina Wine Route. On April 24 and 25, Bomarzo hosts the Palio di Sant’Anselmo, held between the town’s five contrade, or neighborhoods. The Sagra del Biscotto is also celebrated in April.

Getting there: A1, Orte–Viterbo and railway stations

Bomarzo can be reached from the north via the Attigliano exit on the A1, heading toward Viterbo, and from the south via the Orte–Viterbo expressway, Bomarzo exit. The railway stations associated with Bomarzo include Orte and Attigliano. Attigliano is both the northern road connection and one of the railway stations; Orte is part of the southern road connection and is likewise one of the railway stations associated with Bomarzo.

Discover more places

Gradoli, Latera, Carbognano, Canepina, Marina Velca, Montefiascone, Sipicciano, Bagnoregio

For the main travel overview: Viterbo.