An Italian Travel Expert's Guide to Lazio, the Region Surrounding Rome

"The village of Caprarola, just an hour northwest of Rome, hides one of Italy's best-kept secrets. Palazzo Farnese is a 16th-century palace in the green hills of the Cimini Mountains that seems to rise from the volcanic rock itself. A marvel of its time, it was designed by master architect Vignola for Cardinal Alessandro Farnese and functioned as both a fortress and noble residence."

"The Gardens of Bomarzo, also an hour north of Rome, are another 16th-century landmark-though they have a decidedly more surreal energy than the palace. Here, there is the "Park of the Monsters," which is filled with sculptures of mythological creatures, giant animals, and buildings that toy with principles of classic design. Strange statues and cryptic riddles in Italian or Latin appear around every corner, making each visit feel like a discovery that the whole"

Lazio offers a wealth of experiences outside Rome, from Renaissance grandeur to surreal gardens and volcanic landscapes. Caprarola's Palazzo Farnese is a 16th-century palace built into the Cimini Mountains, designed by Vignola for Cardinal Alessandro Farnese, combining fortress and noble residence functions. Interiors feature vivid frescoes, Mannerist details, and the exclusive Scala Regia; terraced gardens provide fountains and sweeping countryside views. Caprarola pairs grand architecture with small-town charm, nearby Lake Vico, and historic trattoria dining. The Gardens of Bomarzo, the "Park of the Monsters," present 16th-century surreal sculptures, giant animals, and cryptic Latin or Italian riddles that make visits feel like ongoing discoveries.

Read at Travel + Leisure