ROME / CIVITAVECCHIA, ITALY APRIL 14, 2008
Rome with a current population of about 4 million is the capital of Italy. Known as The Eternal City, The city of the seven hills, or Threshold of the Apostles, Rome is one of the few major European cities that escaped World War II relatively unscathed. Central Rome remains essentially Renaissance and Baroque in character.
The city and port of Civitavecchia is the powerful maritime engine of Rome’s Lazio region. Evidence of ancient settlement at the port reveals that people have lived at the strategic site longer than history has been able to record details about them.
We chose to tour the 14th century Castello Odescalchi in the town of Bracciano near the Lake Bracciano, which is the third largest lake in Italy. On this gorgeous spring day we arrived at the imposing castle located in the middle of the town. The edifice has been well cared for over the years and there is constant renovation being undertaken. It was the site of Tom Cruise’s recent wedding and is used as a wedding site for many locals. The rooms and especially the ceiling are fantastic with their original gold leaf on the decorations. There was one room completely devoted to the armor collection. We had lot of walking through out the castle, but it was well worth the visit.
The countryside surrounding the lake was fabulously beautiful in it’s emerald green of the spring season. We were in route to the site of a performance by a troupe of flag throwing. The performers were dressed in medieval costumes and were accompanied by drummers and trumpeters. They lined the entrance to an old farm “Antiche Scuderie Odescalchi” refurbished as a country site for elegant entertaining. We enjoyed champagne and appetizers on the surrounding lawn; we were then treated by the talented group to their art (Sienna Flag Throwing). After the performance we adjourned inside to a sumptuous lunch including carved Parma ham and series of pastas and salads with an outside grill of chops and sausages. Great relaxing afternoon in spring Italian countryside.
Rome with a current population of about 4 million is the capital of Italy. Known as The Eternal City, The city of the seven hills, or Threshold of the Apostles, Rome is one of the few major European cities that escaped World War II relatively unscathed. Central Rome remains essentially Renaissance and Baroque in character.
The city and port of Civitavecchia is the powerful maritime engine of Rome’s Lazio region. Evidence of ancient settlement at the port reveals that people have lived at the strategic site longer than history has been able to record details about them.
We chose to tour the 14th century Castello Odescalchi in the town of Bracciano near the Lake Bracciano, which is the third largest lake in Italy. On this gorgeous spring day we arrived at the imposing castle located in the middle of the town. The edifice has been well cared for over the years and there is constant renovation being undertaken. It was the site of Tom Cruise’s recent wedding and is used as a wedding site for many locals. The rooms and especially the ceiling are fantastic with their original gold leaf on the decorations. There was one room completely devoted to the armor collection. We had lot of walking through out the castle, but it was well worth the visit.
The countryside surrounding the lake was fabulously beautiful in it’s emerald green of the spring season. We were in route to the site of a performance by a troupe of flag throwing. The performers were dressed in medieval costumes and were accompanied by drummers and trumpeters. They lined the entrance to an old farm “Antiche Scuderie Odescalchi” refurbished as a country site for elegant entertaining. We enjoyed champagne and appetizers on the surrounding lawn; we were then treated by the talented group to their art (Sienna Flag Throwing). After the performance we adjourned inside to a sumptuous lunch including carved Parma ham and series of pastas and salads with an outside grill of chops and sausages. Great relaxing afternoon in spring Italian countryside.
