Farnese
Farnese is an enchanting town in the Alta Tuscia, found in the heart of the province of Viterbo, only of few kilometres from the splendid region of Tuscany.
The territory which surrounds this amazing town presents visitors with a real natural paradise, extraordinarily rich in landscapes and panoramas of great suggestion and fascination.
The town is located between sweet hills and little rivers of profound beauty, as well as a cultivated countryside filled with vineyards and olive trees, embellished with the splendid view of the Riserva del Lamone (Reserve of Lamone), a fascinating protected park which is home to a great number of animals and vegetation native to the Tuscia.
The city itself deserves to be visited and appreciated in all the uniqueness and richness of its architecture and works of art. Walking down the streets of its historic centre is an opportunity to appreciate the true beauty and splendor of the town, which speaks of its incredibly interesting and ancient past through all of its structures, monuments and wonderful works of art.
Not to miss:
La Parrocchiale di San Salvatore (The Parish of St. Salvatore): a fascinating sacred construction located in the heart of the historic centre of Farnese, with very old origins, it is custodian to some wonderful works of art, including the two striking frescoes depicting “San Michele Arcangelo” (St. Michele Archangel) and “Messa Solenne di Paolo III” (Solemn Mass of Paul III).
Church of the Madonna delle Grazie: an enchanting religious construction realized sometime between the 15th century and the 16th century and custodian to ancient frescoes depicting the “Madonna in Trono con il Bambino” (Madonna on the Throne with the Baby).
Church of St. Maria delle Nevi: a sacred building, it was the first parish institution in the area in the territory and dates back to the 10th century. Inside is decorated with religious painting and frescoes of extreme beauty and fascination.
Church of St. Anna: with famous origins, it is also known by the name St. Maria della Caravella and was built during the Middle Ages as an ex dedication in honour of Mary. The building is still today a place of great fascination and charm, which houses wonderful statues celebrating the various saints.
Palazzo Farnese: a stupendous building with Renaissance origins located between the streets of the wonderful historical centre of this town.
Palazzo Comunale: a beautiful construction built during the 18th century and the location of an interesting museum.
Il Viadotto Ducale (The Ducal Viaduct): a monument recently renovated and built as a link to the Giardino della Selva (Selva Garden) for the Duke of Farnese.
Rocca Farnese (Farnese Fortress): a defensive structure erected in the highest part of the town during the 13th century.
Archaeological Museum: an interesting exhibition of ruins, objects and archaic instruments that have been found in nearby locations. The display retells the history and the evolution of the territory of Farnese, beginning from the ancient Bronze Age.
History:
The countryside and the territory which surrounds the wonderful town of Farnese was already inhabited as far back as the Bronze Age, as demonstrated by the ruins found in the zone.
During the next centuries, Farnese was an important possession for the Etruscans and the Roman Empire and fell under the control of the Aldobrandeschi family during the 12th century.
The town was then ruled by the house of Farnese, the Papal States and the Kingdom of Italy, before falling into the sights of the Brigandage, who were interested in Farnese up until the 19th century and were led by the famous brigand Domenico Tiburzi.