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Though penalized by the extraordinary centralizing influence exerted by
Rome on vast numbers of visitors, the whole of Latium has considerable
tourist potential, for it offers a range of alternative itineraries with a
wide choice of historical and artistic sights and scenery. One interesting
itinerary might begin in the north of the region, in search of the
mysterious and fascinating Etruscans, fierce rivals of the Romans, whose
spiritual depth is here revealed in their fine and evocative necropoli.
Mention is here made of the most important: first of all, the Vulci ruins,
on the Tuscan boundary, the centre which has furnished the best examples
of Etruscan bronzes; farther south lies Tarquinia, near which lies one of
the most important necropoli yet discovered, particularly famous for its
paintings which provide a tangible and fascinating picture of Etruscan
life and customs. Proceeding south again, lies Cerveteri, with
architecturally important necropoli: the tombs reproduce the interior of
an Etruscan home and its evolution can be traced from the simplest of
forms (7th century BC.) to the most complete (4th-2nd centuy BC.). Another
itinerary in the heart of Etruria lies inland, combining the beautiful
landscapes of the great Latium lakes with the environmental interest of
ancient, picturesque villages submerged in a gentle silent countryside.
In the immediate vicinity of the capital, some
pleasant localities constitute an ideal addition to a visit to Rome: to
the east is Tivoli, near the Aniene Falls and the stately ruins of Adrian's
Villa (2nd century BC.); a little farther south lies Palestrina, with the
remains of Fortuna Primigenia (2nd-1st century BC.), a large pagan
sanctuary; turning west one reaches the Castelli Romani area (Colli
Albani), a favourite residence of Popes and aristocrats.
Places near the Apennines have fewer visitors
but are no less beautiful: Subiaco, for example, with the nearby
Benedictine convent of S. Scolastica (11th-16th century), and the
monastery of S. Benedetto (12th century), built on the grotto where the
Saint lived. Entering Ciociaria, one can visit Fiuggi, a famous spa; then
Anagni, where Pope Boniface VIII was taken prisoner, Ferentino, Alatri and
Veroli, not far from Casamari Abbey.
Farther south lies Priverno, with Fossanova
Abbey (13th century) and its beautiful cloisters. From this point, the
visitor proceeds to the Circeo National Park, on the Tyrrhenian Sea. Along
the coast, lies Terracina, with an interesting medieval Duomo and ruins of
the temple of Giove Anxur (1st century BC.). Beyond this, still on the sea,
lies the Grotta di Tiberio where it is thought the Emperor enjoyed his
leisure; next comes Gaeta with its Baroque Church of SS. Annunziata (with
a rich Renaissance chapel).
Deviating inland, one reaches Montecassino Abbey, with tra gic memories
of World War II; it was almost totally destroyed in 1944 and then
faithfully rebuilt to the original plan. Traditional tourism is linked
with the many Tyrrhenian seaside resorts, the favourite destination of
Romans for summer holidays or weekends.
From
the north, these resorts are: Santa Marinella, Ladispoli, Fregene, Lido di
Ostia, Tor Vaianica, Lavinio, Anzio, Nettuno, Lido di Latina, San Felice
Circeo, Terracina, Sperlonga and Formia.
Of
no less importance are the rocky islands in the Pontino archipelago (the
Ponzian islands), looking onto the Gulf of Gaeta; only Ponza and Ventotene,
linked by ferry to Anzio, Terracina and Formia are inhabited. Latium also
has a very famous ski resort-Terminillo (2,216 m.), the so-called
`mountain of the Romans' in the province of Rieti. |
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