Oriolo Romano
A Lovely Spot
Bassano Romano is a lovely place located in the province of Viterbo in Lazio. The landscape is characterized by green and lush hills, adorned with the crowns of centuries-old beech, chestnut, and oak trees. Bassano Romano is halfway between the two splendid volcanic lakes, Bracciano and Vico. A perfect place for those seeking fresh and clean air, especially in the summer.
A Brief History of the Place
The origins of Bassano Romano date back to about a thousand years ago when the first urban settlements developed to exploit the natural resources of the area. In 1160, Enotrio Serco built a palace with frescoes by famous artists, which would become a princely palace. In 1482, Pope Sixtus IV assigned "Foedus Bassani" to the Roman patrician family of Anguillara. It was only in 1595 that the demographic, cultural, and artistic growth of Bassano accelerated when the Genoese family of Giustiniani was granted the surrounding territory. The fame of Bassano Romano grew and artists such as Francesco Albani, Domenico Zampieri, and Antonio Tempesta arrived in the area. In 1644, the fief of Bassano was raised to a principality and was visited by important figures such as the Pope and James III Stuart, pretender to the throne of England. In 1735, Bartolomeo Terchi, a famous master of artistic majolica, moved here with his family. Over the years, Bassano Romano has undergone several sieges and during the period of World War II, it was the scene of fierce fighting between the Nazis and the Allies.
Climate and Cultural Heritage
Bassano Romano enjoys a temperate climate, which makes it perfect to visit all year round. The town has a very rich cultural heritage, with numerous monuments that attract visitors from all over the world. One of these monuments is the hunting lodge "La Rocca". Built in 1605, the house bears witness to the elegance and architectural refinement of the era. The church of San Vincenzo and the Vaschie bridge are two other attractions in the area. This bridge was built by the Giustiniani family to connect the town with their agricultural lands.
A Perfect Place for Nature Lovers
For nature lovers, Bassano Romano is one of the most charming places to visit. The presence of the Faggete di Monte Raschio and Oriolo, within the Bracciano-Martignano Regional Nature Park, makes this place even more special. It is a site of community interest where you can see extraordinarily large centuries-old beech trees.
How to Get to Bassano Romano
Bassano Romano is easily accessible by car from Rome. Alternatively, you can take a train from Rome station and get off at Saxa Rubra or Capranica-Sutri, after which you can take a bus to Bassano Romano.
If you're looking for a tranquil place with a rich cultural and natural heritage, Bassano Romano is the perfect place. Visit this wonderful Italian municipality and discover its beauty.
