This Italian hidden gem conceals the Sky City and Monster Park
Tired of the hustle and tourist crowds of Rome? Looking for a weekend destination that combines historical depth, fantastical landscapes, and pure tranquility?
Then turn your gaze northward—to the Viterbo area (Tuscia Viterbese). This land feels like Italy’s “hidden menu,” gathering the papal ancient city, a sky-floating town, a mysterious monster park, Renaissance water gardens, and cliff-top ancient villages where artists live in seclusion.
From Rome, it’s about a two-hour train ride. This carefully curated list of six must-visit spots will take you deep into the soul of Italy.
1. Viterbo: The City of Popes and the Miracle of Fire
Keywords: Medieval ancient city, living traditions, hot springs
This is truly the “City of Popes,” where traces of Etruscan civilization and medieval architecture coexist wonderfully, and underground hot springs offer the ultimate relaxation.
Strolling through the city feels like walking through history: from the noble palaces of the Civic Square, to the authentic medieval streets of the San Pellegrino district, to the Papal Palace and the Cathedral of San Lorenzo—every step tells a story.
But the most stunning aspect of Viterbo is an ancient tradition listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage—the Festival of Santa Rosa. Every year on the night of September 3rd, a giant lantern tower called the “Macchina di Santa Rosa,” standing 30 meters tall and weighing over 5 tons, is carried by more than a hundred strong men. Amid thousands of spectators, it struggles through the ancient city’s alleys for a kilometer. This is the ultimate expression of faith, strength, and community spirit, an unforgettable spectacle.
After a day of exploration, the best place to rest is to soak in the warm pools of the Papal Hot Springs and wash away your fatigue.
2. Civita di Bagnoregio: The Disappearing “Sky City”
Keywords: Earthly illusion, time stands still, natural wonder
This may be one of Italy’s most dramatic landscapes. Civita stands proudly atop a constantly eroding tuff hill, connected to the outside world by a long pedestrian bridge, like a mirage.
Passing through the city gate, time suddenly slows down. The central square extends into a maze of alleys, where every corner may reveal a stunning balcony overlooking the Calanchi valley. This patchwork of weathered ravines, shaped by wind and rain, is still slowly “flowing,” making the town’s scenery subtly change daily. It’s the ultimate destination for seeking tranquility and poetry.
3. Villa Lante: A Renaissance Garden Poem
Keywords: Italian garden, water art, elegant strolls
Located next to the medieval village of Bagnaia, Villa Lante is a perfect example of harmony between man and nature. It is a typical “Italian garden” with perfect geometric design: multi-level terraces, ancient fountains, carefully trimmed hedges, and 16th-century statues.
Here, the best thing to do is to “elegantly get lost.” Walk slowly up the water stairs, listen to the babbling water, and discover the clever details of each sculpture and fountain. A romantic springtime walk here is an incomparable pleasure.
4. Sacro Bosco of Bomarzo: Enter the Dreamland of Monsters
Keywords: Fantasy park, mysterious sculptures, surrealism
More widely known as the “Monster Park.” This 16th-century garden completely overturns tradition, filled with bizarre and grotesque giant stone sculptures, creating a surreal and mysterious atmosphere.
Here, you can encounter battling giants, tilted houses, terrifying mouths of hell, the three-headed Cerberus, and the sleeping Sphinx... It’s like an immersive dream journey with the mysterious aura of Dante’s Divine Comedy. Perfect for family outings, spending a day full of play and wonder.
5. Palazzo Farnese: The Pinnacle of Renaissance Luxury
Keywords: Spiral staircase, frescoed gallery, grand gardens
Located in Caprarola, this palace is a masterpiece of late Renaissance architecture. Its exterior is a pentagonal fortress-like structure, but the interior is even more astonishing.
The most dazzling feature is the “Royal Staircase”—a magnificent spiral staircase supported by 30 Doric columns, an architectural marvel. The palace’s five floors are covered with exquisite frescoes by various artists. Surrounded by vast green spaces, tree-lined avenues, ancient fountains, and spectacular water gardens, it’s a must-visit for art and nature lovers.
6. Calcata: The Cliff-Top Haven for Artists
Keywords: Creative community, handmade art, natural waterfalls
Calcata perches high on a huge volcanic rock in the Treja Valley. This medieval town seems frozen in time and has become a sanctuary for many artists and artisans.
They have escaped the noise of big cities to build a human-scale life here. The town’s unique charm lies in the ancient houses carved into tuff rock standing side by side with creative studios and art galleries, where you can take home one-of-a-kind artworks.
Nature lovers must not miss the nearby “Ice Cream Mountain Waterfall.” It is the green heart of the Treja River Natural Park, where you can fully relax to the sound of water flowing in natural pools.
📝 Traveler’s Notes
• Route planning: It’s recommended to stay in Viterbo as a base and explore the surrounding spots. Travel time between each attraction is about 20-40 minutes by car.
• Core experience: The beauty here lies in contrast and fusion—the weight of history and the fantasy of nature, the solemnity of religion and the unruliness of art, all coexist harmoniously.
• Best for: Travelers seeking deep cultural experiences, photography and art lovers, adventurers wanting to escape the usual routes, and couples longing for a quiet and romantic weekend.
The charm of the Viterbo area is that it never tries to please everyone. It simply exists quietly, preserving the most authentic and diverse face of Italy—from the pope’s scepter to the artist’s chisel, from underground hot springs to sky cities. When you step onto this land, you step into a tangible, layered Italian dream.