Charming Bagnaia and the Villa Lante gardens

17. Mar, 2011 0 Comments

The gardens at Villa Lante in Bagnaia.

Located in the Viterbo Province in Northern Lazio, Bagnaia is a short distance away from the city of Viterbo itself. It is very accessible by car or bus.

The gardens at Villa Lante

Bagnaia is famed for its sixteenth-century Villa Lante. Quoted as a significant relic of aristocratic grandeur, the villa is in essence a garden, and a majestic one at that. Villa Lante is open to the public and provides a really good day out. It is particularly a wonderful experience for the garden enthusiast, who can combine this experience by visiting Villa Farnese at Caprarola as well as the famous ‘Monster Garden’ at Bomarzo.

Visiting Bagnaia’s town center

For a practical and scenic experience of Bagnaia, the main square of the town (Piazza XX Settembre) provides a comprehensive view. Here you will be able to find the tourist information booth that is complete with information in English. You will also be able to find several bars, the bus stop and a gelateria in the same area. In 1567, the town was re-laid, which saw the addition of three streets between the Villa and the city center in trident formation. This, according to the town’s folk, was inspired by the tridente at Piazza del Popolo in Rome.

Eating out in Bagnaia

There are several eat outs around the piazza as well as along the road to the Villa Lante. You can opt for the trattoria or pizzeria, which will offer you a leisurely lunch or go for the less costly pizza option. A small general store caters for your picnic needs in the spacious park by the entrance to the villa. The park gets wild once you pass the appealing fountain and hunting lodge. This area will prove to be a great place for the kids to play and the adults to simply wander at this awesome splendor. There are fallen tree corpses to explore as well as upbeat water features.

How to reach Bagnaia

Bagnaia is located about 20km from Orte, 80km from Rome and 4km from Viterbo. When driving from Rome, take the Via Cassia up to Viterbo and then follow the signs. Likewise, when using public transport, get to Viterbo from Rome and then board a local bus for the last bit of the journey. Checking the train schedule is worth a try but these are likely to be few and far stretched. If you drive along the Autostrada del Sole (A1), you should take the exit at Orte.

Bagnaia really is a small town. Viterbo, the provincial capital, is your best shot if you desire to stay in the area. Despite its small size, it provides all the warmth, hospitality and entertainment that you could desire.

Photo by Roby Ferrari via Flickr.