Ancient ruins, gorgeous forests, winding rivers, healing waters, and even a small lake. Let us relive mysterious legends of a bygone times in the territories of Montalto di Castro and Canino in the Tuscia Viterbese, the heart of the Etruscan civilization.
Parco naturalistico archeologico di Vulci
Not to be missed is a visit to the “Parco Naturalistico Archeologico di Vulci”, extending over 120 hectares along the banks of the Fiora River.
François Tomb, one of the most important examples of Etruscan paintings
The ancient town of Vulci was one of the biggest and most powerful city-states of Etruria. Its still visible imposing remnants include the tuff city walls, the five access gates, the Great Temple from the fourth century BC., the Domus with its amazing floor mosaics, and the Necropolises hosting the famous François Tomb and the Tomb of the Inscriptions.
The Castello della Badia in Vulci
About one kilometre away from the archaeological site, we come across the twelfth-century Castello della Badia. A former Benedictine abbey dedicated to San Mamiliano, the building now houses the Archaeological Museum of Vulci, which preserves several finds from the archaeological excavations in the necropolises and the urban area, as well as a collection of ceramics from the Etruscan and Roman eras.
The Castello della Badia protected by a moat
The fascinating Castello della Badia, encircled by four semi-elliptical towers protected by a moat, is accessible through the mysterious Devil’s Bridge.
The Devil’s Bridge and the extraordinary central arch
The ancient imposing Devil’s Bridge connects the Castle to the mainland, crossing the Flora River that flows below along a canyon. Of Etruscan origins, it was later completed and turned into a stone bridge by the Romans.
Due to its peculiar structure, with a high, almost unnatural central arch, it was considered in medieval times a devil’s work.
According to legend, Lucifer accepted the request to help building the magnificent bridge, in exchange for the soul of the first living being who would have crossed it. But those who had made the deal made an animal cross the bridge and the naive Devil was deceived, so much that, overwhelmed by his anger, he threw himself into the river. True or not true, “man is always as shrewd as the devil“, says the proverb.
Laghetto del Pellicone
After winding along the park, the Fiora River flows into the splendid Laghetto del Pellicone, a perfect set for movies such us “Three Men and a Leg” with the comedians Aldo, Giovanni e Giacomo, or “Nothing left to do but cry”, in which Massimo Troisi and Roberto Benigni met Leonardo da Vinci by the small lake.
The legendary scene from the film “Three men and a leg” filmed at Laghetto del Pellicone
Vulci and the territory between Canino and Montalto di Castro also offer the opportunity to relax and enjoy excellent food. Walkers, trekkers, and mountain bikers will benefit from grassy paths or ancient roads flanked by tuff ruins and many other hidden treasures. Those who prefer to explore small villages, can visit Canino and taste the DOP extra virgin olive oil of the same name. At sunset, there is nothing better than have a walk along the wild, sandy shores of the Tyrrhenian coast in Marina di Montalto di Castro.