A five days itinerary among the flavors of Ciociaria without giving up the charm of Art
Ciociaria: Flavors without giving up art tour Highlights:
Alvito is a charming small town nestled in the picturesque countryside between Rome and Naples. With its rich history, medieval architecture, and breathtaking landscapes, Alvito offers a tranquil escape from bustling city life. Explore the narrow cobblestone streets of the historical centre, marvel at the majestic Alvito Castle, and immerse yourself in the town’s warm community spirit. Surrounded by rolling hills and olive groves, Alvito is a heaven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Relax at the hotel spa.
This morning you will reach one of the small medieval village along the “Strada del Cesanese”. It is just right in the heart of the hills of Piglio that you will begin your knowledge of the renowned Lazio wine, with a ruby red colour, which boasts a centuries-old tradition: the Cesanese del Piglio DOCG. You will have the chance to stroll through vineyards and visit the cellar before tasting a glass of wine with typical local products.
In the afternoon you will reach Anagni. This fascinating city is also called the “city of the Popes” because 4 popes were born here: Innocent III, Alexander IV, Gregory IX and Boniface VIII. Anagni was also the papal residence and seat for a long time. Here you will meet your guide for a private tour of the historical center and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata. The real jewel of the Cathedral is the Crypt of San Magno with a pictorial cycle of exceptional beauty. Thanks to the richness of the frescoes, which depict scenes from the Old and New Testament, it is also called the “Sistine Chapel of the Middle Ages“. You will also visit the Pope’s Palace where the famous Anagni slap took place in 1303. Sciarra Colonna slapped the Pope and this moment also inspired Dante Alighieri in his masterpiece “Divine Comedy”.
Surrounded by the evocative and naturalistic landscape of Mount Ernici stands the huge Certosa di Trisulti. It is a monastic complex dating back to 1204 and is a paradise for herbalists because about 2,500 species of wild herbs can be found on these mountains. Since the Middle Ages, Carthusian monks prepared liqueurs and medicines such as Sambuca, a tradition so long and important that one of the best European monastic pharmacies is found here. It was totally frescoed between the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. In the eighteenth century the Carthusians decorated the Church, the Cloister with the cells, the Refectory, the Cemetery of the Monks with classicist decorations. Since 1947 the Carthusians were replaced by a new Order, that of the Cistercians of the Casamari Abbey who lived here until to 2017. Since 2018 the monastic complex has been privately managed by the Dignitatis Humanae Institute.
Leisure time to stroll through the alleys and squares of the pretty medieval village of Collepardo, which offers truly picturesque landscapes. Possibility to enjoy optional activities or relax at the hotel spa.
Today you will enjoy a tour of Vico nel Lazio, a masterpiece of medieval military architecture. The city wall of the village with its 25 crenellated towers and three access doors: Porta Orticelli , Porta Guarcino , decorated with some frescoes, and Porta a Monte . The uniquess of this door is a stone set, engraved with the inscription: “Nerva Imperante”. Walking through the narrow streets of the village you will meet interesting historical testimonies such as the collegiate church of San Michele Arcangelo; it is the main church of the town and is dedicated to the patron Saint Giorgio Martire. The Church of S. Maria is among the most ancient and suggestive of Vico: characteristic is the bell tower and inside the Romanesque altar you will admire the crypt of the Roman era, frescoes of the thirteenth century and the fresco of the Roman school depicting St. John the Baptist. From Vico you can enjoy a wide panorama towards the valley and the Ernici mountains.
Italy is the second producer of olive oil in the world and here in the south of Lazio, at the foot of the Ernici mountains, extra virgin olive oil has been produced for centuries. The cool and windy climate allows the cultivation of biological pesticide-free olive groves. In the beautiful medieval village of Vico nel Lazio, surrounded by ancient walls and woods, you will experience every stage of olive oil production during a visit of an oil mill, followed by a tasting.
Ciociaria: Guarcino – Salami factory visit and local products tasting
After the visit of Vico nel Lazio you will reach Guarcino where you will have the opportunity to visit a local renowned salami factory. Here you will see the manufacturing process and end the visit with a tasting of genuine local products: salami, ham, cheeses and amaretti.
Check out. Free morning
End of services
For this itinerary, we handpicked for your stay an Oasis of Peace immersed in the countryside of Alvito. Relais Colle Buono will welcome you with its romantic atmosphere, exceptional services and unforgettable experiences of wellness, taste and relaxation. You will have at your disposal fine furnished and tranquil rooms and suites, an excellent Gourmet Restaurant and a sophisticated wellness centre where to regenerate your soul.