Exclusive Adventure: Calcata, Bomarzo, Terme dei Papi from Rome

The Sacro Bosco ("Sacred Grove"), colloquially called Park of the Monsters (Parco dei Mostri in Italian), also named Garden of Bomarzo, is a Mannerist monumental complex located in Bomarzo, in the province of Viterbo, in northern Lazio. The garden was created during the 16th century. The design is attributed to Pirro Ligorio, and the sculptures to Simone Moschino. Situated in a wooded valley bottom beneath the castle of Orsini, it is populated by grotesque sculptures and small buildings located among the natural vegetation. The park's name stems from the many larger-than-life sculptures, some sculpted in the bedrock, which populate this predominantly barren landscape. It was commissioned by Pier Francesco Orsini, called Vicino, a 16th-century condottiere and patron of the arts, incredibly devoted to his wife Giulia Farnese When Orsini's wife died, he created the gardens to cope with his grief.

A few kilometers from Viterbo, in the small delightful village of Tuscia, via Teverina in the heart of the historic center of Bomarzo, you will have the opportunity to taste gourmet foods with typical products of the area. A perfect combination of good wine and good food, with particular attention to Tuscia products. Modern atmosphere but with a look to the past, wooden tables, minimal furniture, ceiling with exposed pipes, soft lights, windows overlooking the Tiber valley and then a delightful garden that a breathtaking view, create a fascinating and intoxicating atmosphere together, where you can take a break from the hectic daily life and finally pamper yourself a little. In the team, Chef Francesco Valeri 30 years, has worked with great starred chefs including Paolo Olivieri, Vito Mollica, Lorenzo Iozzia also a Michelin star.

Terme Dei Papi establishment is ideal for relaxing in these natural warm waters. It is one of Italy's oldest and most prestigious spa facilities: its name alludes to the predilection reserved for these baths by numerous popes, starting with Gregory IX, which gave rise to the papal splendor of these baths in 1235. For this special attention reserved by the popes, the baths of Viterbo are commonly known as “Bagno del Papa” or “Terme Dei Papi.” We can not even mention these famous baths, Dante and Michelangelo, at the historical level. A monumental pool of generous proportions, covering an area of ​​two thousand square meters and filled with hyperthermal waters with extraordinary properties. The water emerges directly from the Bullicame spring at 58 ° C and steams in the pool, jetting towards the spectacular and picturesque stone spouts. Slipping into the water is a unique sensation in the summer and winter when the surrounding park is enshrouded in the steam of its thermal waters.