SHARRYLAND
Vulci Castle and Archaeological Museum
An ancient fortress, Etruscan and Roman remains, and the Tuscia Viterbese
Where is
What is it and where is the Castle of Vulci
In the province of Viterbo, toward the border between Lazio and Tuscany, there is a place that enchants: the Castle of Vulci, also known as Castello della Badia. Imagine: the countryside of Tuscia Viterbese, low but dense vegetation, hills and the Fiora River meandering through the valley. Among the rocks, contrasting with the gentle colors of nature, rises the massive dark bulk of the castle, with its five towers, one taller and the others incorporated into the defensive walls, surrounded by a moat that is still filled with water.Near the castle you can see the silhouette of a stone bridge crossing the Fiora. A magical view.
Why it's special: the Vulci archaeological museum.
The time has come to enter: we find ourselves in the courtyard of the castle, and here the adventure begins. All around us are statues or architectural elements that come from the surrounding area, the Vulci Nature and Archaeological Park, rich in Roman and Etruscan ruins. Many of the Etruscan , Roman and Greek artifacts found in excavation campaigns are collected in the very impressive rooms of the castle, where the Vulci Archaeological Museum is housed , creating a compelling narrative of centuries of history, from the Bronze Age to the 3rd-2nd century B.C.
Not to be missed: the Devil's Bridge
This humpback bridge, with its high, wide arch, has been crossing the Fiora River for centuries, even since before the castle was built. Don't cross it in a hurry, but take a moment to admire it: it was the Romans who built it, initially it was only meant to support the aqueduct for the ancient city of Vulci, but was later reinforced to allow it to hold the passage of people and vehicles. Like the castle, it is built of tuff and is dark in color, becoming a fascinating element in the photos taken here.
A bit of history
The two names of the castle recall two important phases in the history of the area: Vulci is the ancient Etruscan-Roman city that stood here, while "abbey" refers to the vanished abbey dedicated to St. Mamiliano, on whose ruins the castle was built. Today as in the past, this is a border area: between Lazio and Tuscany, between the Papal Kingdom and the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. The construction of a fortress here is not surprising, and neither are the constant disputes and changes of ownership. Today the castle is owned by the Italian state and has housed the archaeological museum since 1975.
Curiosity: the devil and the ghost
The Devil's Bridge takes its name from the one who, according to legend, was its creator. The devil himself allegedly built it in one night hoping to take the soul of the first person to use it. Unfortunately for him, the locals had the bridge inaugurated by an animal. But the devil is not the only one feared on these shores: there is apparently also a ghost, that of the fearsome brigand Luciano Fioravanti, killed in 1900. Thus it is that this corner of Tuscia Viterbese is confirmed to be a place of incredible beauty, ancient history and magic.
Enter the Map of Italy's Undiscovered Wonders and find treasures where you least expect it... Inspire, Recommend, Share...
Contact
Collections
Discover places and related research
The Map thanks:
Enter the Map of Italy's Undiscovered Wonders and find treasures where you least expect it... Inspire, Recommend, Share...
Where is
Contact
Collections
Discover places and related research
