Excursion from Rome to Orvieto, the “ghost town” of Bagnoreggio and the “Park of Monsters”

A visit to the city of Orvieto, the dying town of Civita di Bagnoregio, and the mysterious “Monster Park” will be an extraordinary journey into a unique world of Gothic cathedrals and medieval borgos (villages). We will also enjoy picturesque views not only of the Lazio region but also of neighboring Umbria, renowned worldwide for its valleys and ancient green forests.

What to expect during the tour

The town of Bagnoregio (Latin Balneum Regis – “royal baths”) owes its name to the presence of thermal healing waters. According to legend, the Lombard king Desiderius (8th century AD) recovered here thanks to the healing power of the water. Long before the Roman conquest, the Etruscans had lived in these lands for centuries. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Bagnoregio and Orvieto experienced the rule of the Goths, Byzantines, and Lombards, which influenced all aspects of life in these cities. Orvieto, located in the Umbria region, was inhabited by the Etruscans as early as the 8th century BC, and it housed the famous sanctuary, where people from all over Etruria would gather during religious festivals. In the Middle Ages, Orvieto was frequently a residence for the Popes of Rome. The ‘Monster Park’ was founded in the 16th century by Prince Orsini and gifted to his wife, Giulia Farnese. Salvador Dalí often drew inspiration for his famous works from the park’s extraordinary buildings and fantastical creatures.

What will be the itinerary of our tour

A trip to Orvieto will be the highlight of our program. The city is perched on top of a tuff cliff, offering breathtaking views. One of the city’s notable monuments is the Duomo, a cathedral built in the Gothic style, where we will see famous frescoes by Fra Angelico and Luca Signorelli, who also gained fame for their works in the Vatican. The city preserves the spirit of the Middle Ages. At any moment, you can step into a local tavern to taste incredibly delicious local dishes and sample the famous white wines. After visiting the Palace of Pope Boniface VIII, the historic city center, St. Patrick’s Well, and the Etruscan necropolis, we will head to Civita di Bagnoregio, recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Due to the fact that only 11 residents live here today and because of its isolated location, Civita di Bagnoregio is known as the “ghost town” or the “dying town.”

The final stage of the tour, on the way back to Rome, will be the phantasmagoric ‘Park of Monsters’ in Bomarzo, covering an area of 3 hectares. Inside the park, you’ll be amazed by the enormous basalt mythological animals, various legendary and fairytale characters, and the fascinating ‘Leaning House.’