I Cavalieri

Close to a charming village in an area filled with forests, lakes, ancient castles and medieval towns to visit, I Cavalieri is ideally situated for a trip exploring the green heart of Italy.

The home is set on a hillside which looks down over the verdant valleys below. This area has been settled since pre-historic times and as you look out over the picturesque landscape you will feel that little has changed here in centuries as the panoramic views are unspoilt. The locals here still rely heavily on agriculture and many work on traditional farms and vineyards which surround the villa. This means that there is plenty of delicious local produce to enjoy in Lazio, including hazelnuts, wine and olive oil. If you would like to sample these products you can purchase tasty hazelnut cookies known as Tozzetti at the nearby markets and visit family-owned vineyards for guided tours. The world-class wine and oils are also celebrated at festivals held in August and November. As well as being used for growing a bounty of crops, the land around the villa is also dotted with walking and hiking trails or you could opt to traverse the hills on horseback with a nearby equine centre.

When you need to pick up some groceries or want to go out for lunch then the nearest amenities can be found around 1km away in a small village. A wider range of shops, restaurants and attractions can be discovered in Vignanello which is 2km away from the house. This pretty town is dominated by its castle which was first used as a monastery in the 9th century before being extended and owned by some of Italy’s most powerful families including the Farnese and Sforza families. Today the castle is open to visitors on weekends and it is worth booking in advance as people love to explore this gorgeous building. The gardens of the castle are an attraction in their own right and were added in 1611; they are considered some of the finest Renaissance gardens in all of Italy.

Vignanello is one of countless towns and villages that you can visit with ease in this area. Orte is another place you could visit for the day and is located 13km away by car. Orte is a hill town which gained importance in the Roman era as it was home to the only bridge to Rome across the River Tiber. Today the bridge is in ruins but the imposing cliffs, riverside grasslands and the medieval centre all make this a lovely place to wander around for the afternoon. In town you can see churches and palaces from the middle ages, the Roman aqueduct, pillars and carvings, plus Renaissance gateways, everywhere you look there is something interesting to catch your eye. Orte also has a great selection of shops and restaurants.

Viterbo is 22km away from the villa and is a beautiful, historic city. This city was once home to the papacy who resided in the incredible gothic Palazzo dei Papi in the 12th and 13th centuries. The pope’s palace and the cathedral should definitely make your itinerary if you choose to visit the town. On top of enchanting palaces and a fantastic array of shops and eateries, Viterbo is also known as a spa town; you can soak in the natural hot springs outdoors amidst the rolling fields or at one of the luxurious spas which also offer treatments.

When holidaying in Lazio it is always worth making a day trip to the capital city of Rome which is 70km away by car. If you would prefer a day at the beach then you could visit Lake Bracciano which is 41km away or head to the coast which is around 80km.