If Rome, the “Eternal City”, is known all over the world, Lazio is a fascinating region rich in history located in the heart of Italy, a melting pot of culture, art and traditions. In the Lazio guide in pills, we will deepen some of the most fascinating features of this region, offering a complete picture of its cultural, landscape and culinary heritage.
Foto – pixabay.com
Located in the central part of Italy, Lazio is embraced by the regions of Tuscany, Umbria, Marche, Abruzzo, Molise and Campania and borders to the west with the Tyrrhenian Sea.
With Rome containing evidence of antiquity and a variety of destinations and hidden places scattered throughout the territory, this region is a must for lovers of history, culture and nature.
The history of Lazio
Lazio is a region steeped in history and ancient civilizations. Since ancient times, this land has seen a succession of populations that have contributed significantly to the formation of Italian culture.
The origins of Lazio lie in the remote past, with traces of settlements dating back to prehistoric times. However, it was the Etruscans who exercised a considerable influence on the region, founding numerous centers and leaving a legacy that still fascinates lovers of history.
In the mid-eighteenth century BC, Rome emerged as a rapidly growing force in Lazio and became a power, conquering all the territory and expanding to other parts of Italy thanks mainly to its formidable army.
Foto – pixabay.com
With the growth of Rome, Lazio became the heart of the Roman Empire. The region developed with magnificent buildings, roads and infrastructure, reflecting the power and opulence of the Empire. The Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Baths of Caracalla are just some of the still visible testimonies of the glorious past of Rome.
However, the Roman Empire suffered an inevitable decline and with it also Lazio. Over the centuries, the region was invaded by different populations and was forced to cultural and social change.
Later, he was involved in power struggles between noble families and Rome itself became the focus of the disputes between the Papacy and the Holy Roman Empire. This historical period saw the construction of castles, fortresses and cathedrals, which still dominate the landscape of the region.
With the Renaissance, he experienced a cultural and artistic renewal, with painters, sculptors and architects who created immortal works of art. The Basilica of San Pietro in the Vatican and the frescoes by Michelangelo Buonarroti in the Sistine Chapel are extraordinary examples of this period.
The annexation to the Kingdom of Italy, after the capture of Rome, brought the region back to the role of an important cultural, social, productive and agricultural center, contributing to the economy and national culture.
The region is a true cradle of Italian art and culture. Rome, with its iconic monuments such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and the Vatican, is one of the most visited cities in the world.
In addition to the wonders of Rome, Lazio offers a treasure trove of villas, palaces, churches and museums that testify to the refinement and creativity of past generations. The city of Tivoli, for example, is famous for its villas, such as Villa d’Este and Villa Adriana (both UNESCO heritage sites). Other cities such as Viterbo, Latina and Frosinone host precious historical and artistic treasures.
Art and culture are also present in the small villages (over three hundred and seventy municipalities distributed in five provinces), where centuries-old traditions and crafts continue to be handed down from generation to generation.
Foto – pixabay.com
Landscapes of Lazio
Lazio is a region of landscape contrasts. To the west, stretch the long and sunny coasts of the Tyrrhenian Sea, with characteristic beaches and crystal clear waters. Inwards, the ground rises to form green hills. Continuing on, you are surrounded by mountains, with the Simbruini Mountains and the Lepini Mountains that offer mountain views and the opportunity to immerse yourself in unspoilt nature.
Its lakes (including Lake Bolsena, Lake Vico, Lake Bracciano and Lake Albano) and the main rivers of Lazio (such as the Tiber, Nera and Liri) add an extra touch to the natural setting of the region.
Foto – pixabay.com
The Lazio kitchen
The Lazio cuisine is a delight for the palate and could not not find place in the Lazio guide in pills. Simple but robust flavors characterize many regional dishes.
Pasta alla carbonara, with bacon, eggs, pecorino cheese and black pepper, is one of the region’s iconic dishes, and one of the symbols of Italian cuisine in the world.
Other specialties to be tasted include tuna cheese and pepper, coda alla vaccinara, abbacchio a scottadito, saltimbocca alla romana and gnocchi alla romana. Artichokes alla giudia and chicory are not to be missed.
Gourmands can delight the palate with maritozzo with cream, San Giuseppe’s puff, ricotta and sour cherry tart, pangiallo and donuts with Castelli wine
As for wine, Lazio is famous for its Frascati, but other local wine denominations include Est! Est!! Est!! of Montefiascone and Cesanese del Piglio.
Foto – commons.wikimedia.org
Folk traditions and festivals
Lazio is rich in cultural traditions and celebrates numerous popular festivals throughout the year. For example, the Carnival of Ronciglione in February is one of the most colorful and spectacular events, with parades of floats and masks.
On 29 June, the patron saints of Rome, Saints Peter and Paul, are celebrated with illuminations, fireworks and celebrations in St Peter’s Square.
In fact, the list could be endless, as each city and village has its own unique traditions and contribute to making Lazio a fascinating region to visit at any time of the year.
How to reach Lazio
We are in Central Italy. To reach Lazio, there are several options available to visitors from Italy or abroad.
You can reach Lazio by plane through the largest and most important international airport in the region, namely the Leonardo da Vinci of Rome-Fiumicino. It is connected to many Italian cities and many international airports. Once you have landed in Fiumicino, you can reach the center of Rome by train or using the taxi and bus service available. The same applies to Ciampino Pastine airport and Rome Urbe airport.
Lazio is connected to the rest of Italy by a railway network. From Termini Station and Tiburtina Station there are high-speed trains and regional trains that connect Rome to numerous destinations throughout the region and beyond.
It can be reached by sea. Lazio boasts one of the largest ports for passenger transport in Italy: the port of Civitavecchia. This port has a particular importance, being the main point of national boarding to reach Sardinia (and not only). To reach the Pontine Islands from Lazio ports, you can board from Anzio, Formia, Terracina and San Felice Circeo.
If you prefer to explore the region on your own, the car could be a convenient option. The region is crossed by important motorways, such as the A1 (Autostrada del Sole) that connects Rome to the north of Italy, the A24 that connects Rome to L’Aquila and the A1 Milan-Naples,
It can also be reached by bus thanks to the dense network of buses that connect Rome and other cities in the region. The companies offer connecting services to the most popular tourist destinations, such as Tivoli, Ostia and Viterbo.
Once you arrive in Lazio, you can easily move around the region using regional trains, buses or renting a car, depending on your personal preferences and desired destinations. Take your time to experience this exceptional region in Roman style.
Copertina: tripinrome
