Things to Do in Tuscia: Viterbo, Civita di Bagnoregio, Bomarzo and Lake Bolsena (2026)

The main things to do in Tuscia range from a village on a crumbling cliff to a garden of stone monsters. Tuscia is the old name for the land of the Etruscans. Today, it covers roughly the province of Viterbo, in northern Lazio, between Rome, Tuscany and Umbria. As a result, it is an easy escape from Rome with far fewer crowds.

Last updated: September 25, 2026

Things to do in Tuscia at a glance

Viterbo, the city of the popes

Start in Viterbo. In the 13th century, the popes lived here for years. Today, the Palazzo dei Papi still overlooks the valley with its Gothic loggia. In fact, a famous election took place here. It dragged on from 1268 to 1271, so local officials locked the cardinals in and cut their food. As a result, the church later wrote the strict rules of the modern conclave.

Next, walk through the San Pellegrino quarter, a remarkably intact medieval district. It is a maze of stone houses, outside staircases and small squares. Then, stop at the Fontana Grande, the largest of the city’s old fountains. For the history behind papal elections, see our guide to the conclave.

Civita di Bagnoregio and its access ticket

First, Civita di Bagnoregio stands on a pinnacle of soft tufa rock. Over the centuries, erosion has eaten away the valley around it, so the village keeps losing ground. Today, you reach it only on foot, over a long, steep pedestrian bridge.

However, you need a ticket to enter. According to the Municipality of Bagnoregio’s ticket site (checked September 2026), you buy it online or at the ticket offices. Also, the same page lists exemptions, including children under six and residents. Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon, because midday is the busiest time.

The Sacro Bosco of Bomarzo

In the 16th century, the nobleman Vicino Orsini created a strange garden below the village of Bomarzo. Instead of neat hedges, he filled a wooded valley with giant stone figures. For example, you will see an ogre with an open mouth, an elephant and a dragon. There is also a house that leans on purpose.

Today, it is a privately run park and one of the most memorable things to do in Tuscia with children. According to the Sacro Bosco’s official site (checked September 2026), the park opens every day except December 25. However, closing times change by season, and the last entry is one hour before closing.

Villas and gardens: Villa Lante and Caprarola

During the Renaissance, the Farnese and other papal families built grand country houses in Tuscia. Two stand out for visitors.

• Villa Lante, Bagnaia: just outside Viterbo, this Renaissance garden descends in terraces of fountains, stone tables and water channels. It is also a classic stop for garden lovers.
• Palazzo Farnese, Caprarola: a huge five-sided palace with frescoed rooms, a spiral staircase and formal gardens behind it.

For more great houses of the region, see our guide to castles in Lazio. Similarly, our round-up of historic Italian gardens covers other famous gardens.

Lake Bolsena and the Etruscan coast

Lake Bolsena fills an old volcanic crater. Along its shores, you will find small beaches, campsites and fish restaurants. In addition, the town of Bolsena has a castle and the church of Santa Cristina. Meanwhile, two islands, Bisentina and Martana, rise from the water.

Toward the sea, Tarquinia guards one of the great Etruscan sites. According to UNESCO (checked September 2026), its necropolis holds about 200 painted tombs, the earliest from the 7th century BC. Together with Cerveteri, it became a World Heritage Site in 2004.

Planning your trip: things to do in Tuscia by car

First, regional trains link Rome and Viterbo. However, the villages, gardens and lake are far apart, and buses are infrequent. So a car is the practical choice; read our guide to driving in Italy before you go. Also, Orvieto, just over the border in Umbria, is close to Civita. If you prefer not to drive, the Orvieto day trip from Rome is an option.

For more, see our Tuscia travel guide, the wider Lazio guide and our list of day trips from Rome. Finally, for other small towns like Civita, browse our hidden villages and towns.

For the full visit, our guide to Civita di Bagnoregio covers the ticket, the bridge and how to get there.

Without a car, the Viterbo day trip from Rome covers Civita di Bagnoregio, Calcata and medieval Viterbo in one private tour.

Staying overnight in Tuscia? Compare places to stay below, and see our guide to hidden villages in Italy to plan the rest of the trip.

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Things to do in Tuscia: frequently asked questions

Where is Tuscia?

Tuscia is the historic name for the Etruscan lands. Today, it usually means the province of Viterbo, in northern Lazio, between Rome, Tuscany and Umbria.

Do you need a ticket to enter Civita di Bagnoregio?

Yes. The municipality sells an access ticket online and at the ticket offices. Some visitors, including children under six and residents, are exempt.

Is the Park of the Monsters in Bomarzo open every day?

According to its official site, the Sacro Bosco opens every day except December 25. Closing times change by season.

How many days do you need in Tuscia?

Two or three days cover Viterbo, Civita, Bomarzo and Lake Bolsena. Add a day for Tarquinia and the coast.

Can you visit Tuscia without a car?

Partly. Trains reach Viterbo from Rome. However, the villages, gardens and lake are far apart, so a car makes the trip much easier.