Historical Sights of Lazio
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 23 January 2024
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This collection of historical sights of Lazio showcases some of the most interesting buildings that can be found outside of the region's capital city of Rome, and perhaps suitable for a day-trip.
Montecassino Abbey has one of the most harrowing tales to tell of any place in Italy. The Abbey itself dates back to the 6th century but we only need to go back as far as 1944 to the time when it made news headlines across the world. During World War Two, the 520 metre high hill that it sits atop was a strategic stronghold for the retreating German army and the scene of one of the bloodiest battles in the entire conflict. |
So bitter was the struggle, that the town of Cassino at the foot of the mountain was practically erased from the map; the Abbey itself just about survived despite severe damage from Allied bombing raids and was properly rebuilt after the war. It's one of the most beautiful places in Lazio while the Polish cemetery on the opposing hill is a poignant reminder to its recent trauma.
Villa Farnese in the town of Caprarola is another of Lazio's hidden gems: the stately home is full of artwork and lavishly decorated apartments. It's made recent appearances on international TV shows about the Borgias and the Medici, and has a beautiful Renaissance garden surrounding it. Most surprising of all is that you can visit the palace and almost be the only person in it unless you time your visit with the arrival of a school group. The hill town of Caprarola in the Tuscia area close to the city of Viterbo merits a visit in its own right.
Fossanova Abbey lies a short distance inland of the popular seaside town of Terracina on the Tyrrhenian Coast. Almost hidden in the quiet countryside, the Abbey dates back to the 12th century and represents one of the earliest examples of Gothic architecture. The Abbey lies at the heart of a small borgo or (similar to a hamlet) which is also included in the list of Orange Flag Towns of Italy.
Villa Farnese in the town of Caprarola is another of Lazio's hidden gems: the stately home is full of artwork and lavishly decorated apartments. It's made recent appearances on international TV shows about the Borgias and the Medici, and has a beautiful Renaissance garden surrounding it. Most surprising of all is that you can visit the palace and almost be the only person in it unless you time your visit with the arrival of a school group. The hill town of Caprarola in the Tuscia area close to the city of Viterbo merits a visit in its own right.
Fossanova Abbey lies a short distance inland of the popular seaside town of Terracina on the Tyrrhenian Coast. Almost hidden in the quiet countryside, the Abbey dates back to the 12th century and represents one of the earliest examples of Gothic architecture. The Abbey lies at the heart of a small borgo or (similar to a hamlet) which is also included in the list of Orange Flag Towns of Italy.
Related Links
Montecassino Abbey
Montecassino Abbey, Lazio
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Villa Farnese (Caprarola)
Villa Farnese, Caprarola
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Fossanova Abbey
Fossanova Abbey, Lazio
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