Home to one of Italy’s most famous gardens and charming squares filled with ancient architectural gems, this atmospheric town is a great daytrip destination from nearby Viterbo.
Bagnaia is a small town that boasts the typical charm of an Italian hill town. Discover a quaint medieval quarter, café-lined streets and stately squares. Visit one of the regions finest examples of an Italian Renaissance garden. Bagnaia sits 3 miles (4.5 kilometres) east of Viterbo, in an area surrounded by the orchard-clad valleys of the Cimini hills.
At the heart of the town is the lively Piazza XX Settembre, which marks the entrance to the historic centre. Admire the Fontana del Pisciarello (Pisciarello Fountain) and the Chiesa S. Giovanni Battista (Church of St. John the Baptist). Three streets lead south from the square in the shape of a trident, said to be inspired by the layout of Rome’s Piazza del Popolo. Amble along the streets to find cafés, guesthouses, pizzerias and trattorias.
Pass through the gate on the north side of Piazza XX Settembre into the enclosed medieval district. Stand in Piazza Castello, gaze up at Torre del Borgo (Borgo clock tower) and appreciate the 17th-century Fontana di Piazza Castello (Fountain of Castello Square). Follow the narrow lanes to notable landmarks, including the Chiesa di Santa Maria (Church of St. Mary) and Palazzo della Loggia (Bishop’s Palace).
A short walk south from Piazza XX Settembre is one of the town’s biggest attractions, Villa Lante. Established in the 16th century, this late-Renaissance palace is known for its magnificent mannerist garden. This style of garden emerged in the mid to late 16th century and was a transition between the High Renaissance and Baroque periods. In the Villa Lante garden, geometric lawns, lavish fountains and grand statues create an unrivalled harmonious beauty. Spot old frescoes in the loggia and villas.
Villa Lante is just one of several impressive villas and gardens located in the province of Viterbo. Parco dei Mostri in Bomarzo and Villa Farnese in Caprarola are both around a 30-minute drive away.
Reach Bagnaia by catching a public bus from Viterbo. Parking is available at the entrance to the town. You can also walk from Viterbo to Bagnaia it takes about an hour.
A great time to visit Bagnaia is Easter, when colourful costumed parades take over the streets. Come in August for Agosto Bagnaiolo, which honours the town’s patron saint, St. Rocco, with historical reenactments and a porchetta (roast pig) feast.
