Rome gets all the attention – but Lazio is so much more than just the Eternal City.
Step just an hour or two outside the capital and you’ll find ancient towns no one talks about, medieval cathedrals with crypts older than the Renaissance, eerie sculpture gardens, and villages carved into volcanic stone.
Most travelers rush past these places without knowing they exist.
We don’t.
This is exactly where our Lazio tour takes you—beyond Rome, into the heart of small-town Italy.
If you’re tired of crowds and craving authenticity, here’s why these lesser-known corners of Lazio should be on your radar. And why we made them the backbone of our itinerary.
Why Lazio? And why these towns?
Lazio’s smaller towns offer something Rome can’t: peace, connection, and cultural depth. Without the pressure of overtourism.
They’re still full of art, architecture, and incredible food, but without the long lines and inflated prices. You’ll meet locals, not just other travelers. And you’ll move at a slower, more human pace.
Did I tickle your curiosity? Let’s break down the highlights.
Anagni: the “City of Popes” with no crowds
Anagni was once an important town in the heart of Italy and the Papal Kingdom. In fact, four popes were born here, and its cathedral crypt is known as the “medieval Sistine Chapel”.
- Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria with vivid 13th-century frescoes
- Explore medieval streets once trodden by cardinals and kings
- Learn the story of the “Slap of Anagni”, virtual or real, still a pivotal moment in papal history
- Browse artisan shops and enjoy a traditional meal
Why we go: It’s rich in religious and political history – without the tour buses.
Bomarzo: surreal, eerie, and completely unexpected
Bomarzo is unlike anywhere else in Italy. This small town in northern Lazio is home to the Parco dei Mostri, a 16th-century sculpture park filled with monsters, giants, and mythological creatures carved into stone.
- Wander through moss-covered sculptures in a forested valley
- Discover bizarre inscriptions, optical illusions, and Renaissance oddities
- Test your balance in the leaning house
Why we go: It’s mysterious, artistic, and entirely crowd-free – perfect for travelers craving something weird and wonderful.
Vitorchiano: the town built into stone
This cliffside village looks like it grew out of the rock itself and the houses seem a single block with the spur of volcanic rock that supports them. This is also why Vitorchiano, a picture-perfect example of medieval Lazio, is also known as “the hanging town”.
- Walk its narrow lanes between lava stone houses
- Climb to panoramic viewpoints over gorges and forests
- See the world’s only Moai built outside of Easter Island
- Enjoy seasonal, km-zero meals at rustic trattorias
Why we go: It’s car-free, photogenic, and still deeply rooted in local tradition.
Viterbo: medieval power and thermal springs
Steeped in history, Viterbo was once the seat of popes and princes – and it shows. With intact medieval walls, Renaissance palaces, and ancient thermal baths, this town is ideal for travelers who want both history and relaxation.
- Visit the Palazzo dei Papi, where the first papal conclave took place
- Stroll through San Pellegrino, one of Italy’s best-preserved medieval quarters
- Soak in open-air hot springs used since Etruscan times
- Discover artisan shops and quiet piazzas away from crowds
Why we go: Viterbo offers history, wellness, and small-city charm—without the tourist crush.
What makes these places better for travelers?
These towns aren’t just “nice alternatives.” They offer better travel – especially for those of us seeking authenticity, sustainability, and connection.
You can slow down
There’s no checklist to race through. You’re free to wander, sit at cafés, and take in the atmosphere.
When visiting a monument, there is no rush: you can take your time to admire the architecture, ask questions to your tour guide, hear and be heard.
You’ll connect with locals
People here have time to talk. To tell you their story. To invite you into the rhythm of their everyday life.
The ceramist in Viterbo and the women behind the vineyard in Ciociaria will share with you everything about their projects and their culture with pride.
You’ll avoid overtourism
Instead of adding pressure to already over-visited areas, you’ll support places where your presence helps, not harms, where you will be welcomed and taken care of, rather than dragged by the crowds and invited to move fast.
Check out my Discover Lazio Tour here
Why our tour focuses on these places
This isn’t just a pretty itinerary. It’s a conscious choice.
Our Lazio tour:
- Travels off the typical tourist trail
- Supports small-town economies
- Highlights cultural heritage often left out of the spotlight
- Prioritizes experience over sightseeing marathons
By traveling through these lesser-known towns, we offer something more meaningful—for both you and the communities we visit.
Lazio is what you’ve been looking for
Rome will always be there. But if you’re looking for:
- Peace instead of pressure
- Local wine instead of overpriced spritzes
- Ancient towns, instead of always the same selfie spots
- And connection instead of chaos
Then this is the Italy you want.
Want to see the real Lazio?
Check out the full itinerary and join a tour that skips the crowds and dives deeper.
Because Italy deserves more than just Rome – and so do you.
