An unforgettable Vittorio Gassman greets a mysterious knight in one of the most hilarious cult films of the 1960s, L’Armata Brancaleone, by Monicelli. Then he begins his journey through the medieval Maremma region on his worn-out horse.
L’Armata Brancaleone
A journey we would like to take you on to explore the Viterbo province and discover some of the places seen in this film, which tells the story of a crazy adventure. There will also be a few surprising detours. It will be a slow-paced but nonetheless exciting journey.
Our starting point is Tuscania, located on the Via Aurelia 120 km from Rome, and our final destination the Etruscan Riviera.
TUSCANIA – VT chiesa di S. Pietro
While strolling through Tuscania’s old quarters hemmed by defensive walls, you will be charmed by the squares adorned with statues, the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore and the Church of San Pietro. The former was used as a set for some scenes of Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet and the latter houses a an impressively decorated crypt where a few scenes of Monicelli’s film were shot.
Romeo e Giulietta di
You can easily go from beautiful to unforgettable in Tuscania. In June and July the colours and scent of lavender are everywhere. The best views over the blossoming fields can be enjoyed from the Abbey of San Giusto.
Situated between the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Amiata Mountain and Lake Bolsena, nearby Canino is a town well-worth visiting. One of its main sites is the Palazzo Bonaparte and its lovely fountain designed by Il Vignola. On the culinary side, Canino is famous for its extra-virgin DOP olive oil, made from the Canina cultivar, and the local green asparagus, used to make delectable frittatas and soups.
CANINO e MONTALTO DI CASTRO – VT parco di Vulci, alba
For those who love hiking and mountain biking, only 20 km from Canino are Montalto di Castro and Vulci, set amid canyons and once an Etruscan settlement. Vulci is home to the Castello della Badia, a very-well-preserved medieval castle believed to have been the seat of the Knights Templar. It now houses the Etruscan National Museum. Other interesting sites are the Ponte dell’Arcobaleno (Rainbow Bridge) spanning the River Fiora and dating from the Roman era, and the necropolis.
The small Pellicone Lake is where you want to go in summer for a refreshing swim, as comedians Aldo, Giovanni and Giacomo can be seen doing in their film “Tre Uomini e una Gamba”. It is the ideal place from which to admire the cascade of the Archaeological Nature Park of Vulci.
“Tre uomini e una gamba” al Lago Pellicone
Sunsets here are spectacular and make the perfect background for stunning pictures.
While this WWF oasis will remind you of the film “In the Name of the Rose”, you will realize that you are very close to the coast and therefore on the Etruscan Riviera.
Il Nome della Rosa
Pine woods and sand beaches make up the Riviera’s 85-kilometre-long coast, a popular destination for surfers.
So, be ready to experience a fantastic weekend and do not forget to pack your camera and swimming suit!