Territory and Experiences
Sutri and Tuscia: history, nature, and a strategic location
Located in the heart of the Viterbo-Tuscia region, Sutri is one of the most charming villages in Lazio, historically known as the “Gateway to Etruria” for its strategic position along the main communication routes between Northern Italy and Rome.
Founded by the Etruscans and marked by the passage of the Romans – as evidenced by the evocative amphitheatre carved into the tuff – in 728 AD it was “donated” by the Lombard king Liutprand to the church of Rome, and then over the centuries became a key crossroads along the Via Francigena, which connected Northern Europe to Rome, still traversed today by travellers and pilgrims.
Today it is a perfectly preserved village, immersed in an area rich in ancient history, nature, and culture.
The Carolus Park Hotel is nestled in this unique setting, an ideal starting point for discovering Tuscia thanks to its privileged location among villages, lakes, and experiential itineraries.
What to see in the Sutri area
Staying in Sutri means being at the heart of one of Lazio’s most fascinating regions: the Viterbo Tuscia, an area rich in historic villages, pristine nature, and unique testimonies spanning different eras.
Just minutes from the Carolus Park Hotel, you can explore iconic locations, perfect for excursions between culture and landscape.
Caprarola: The Charm of the Renaissance in Tuscia
A short distance from Sutri lies Caprarola, one of the most elegant villages in Tuscia, deeply linked to the powerful Farnese family.
The undisputed symbol is Palazzo Farnese, a masterpiece designed by Jacopo Barozzi da Vignola, with its extraordinary pentagonal structure.
The interiors, frescoed by artists such as the Zuccari brothers, recount the grandeur of the Renaissance court, while the exterior boasts Italian gardens, featuring monumental fountains, water features, mazes, and sculptures. The surrounding landscape, covered in hazelnut groves, adds a further element of identity to this part of Tuscia.
Viterbo and its thermal baths: history, wellness, and tradition
Known as the City of Popes, Viterbo is one of the most fascinating destinations in Tuscia and a must-see for those staying in Sutri. Its magnificent medieval historic center, among the best preserved in Italy, houses treasures such as the San Pellegrino neighborhood, the Palazzo dei Papi, and numerous squares and churches that tell the story of centuries of history.
In addition to its artistic and cultural heritage, Viterbo is renowned for its natural hot springs, prized since Etruscan and Roman times for the beneficial properties of their sulfurous waters. Among the most famous are the Terme dei Papi, one of the most renowned spa complexes in Lazio, and the evocative Piscina del Bullicame, fed by a natural spring that has attracted visitors seeking wellness and relaxation for centuries.
The combination of history, culture, and spas makes Viterbo an ideal destination for a day of discovery and wellness. Thanks to the strategic location of the Carolus Park Hotel, the city is easily accessible and offers one of the most authentic experiences during a stay in the heart of Tuscia.
Civita di Bagnoregio: The City Suspended in Time
Among the most iconic and photographed places in Italy, Civita di Bagnoregio is known as “the dying city”, a definition given by the writer Bonaventura Tecchi, who tells of the fragility of the territory on which it stands
On the border with Umbria, and built on a clayey tuff base prone to erosion, this small town, founded over 2,500 years ago by the Etruscans, is today accessible only via a 300-meter-long pedestrian bridge built in 1965. Indeed, over the centuries, the walls surrounding the town have collapsed several times, gradually reducing its surface area.
A unique experience, leading to a village suspended in the spectacular Valle dei Calanchi, where time seems to have stood still.
Despite its few residents, Civita is lively and bustling with small restaurants, artisan workshops, and charming establishments, making it an unmissable destination for those visiting Tuscia.
Bomarzo: The Mystery of the Monster Park
Bomarzo is one of the most fascinating and unusual destinations in the area, famous for its Sacred Wood, known as the Park of Monsters.
Commissioned by Pier Francesco Orsini and designed by Pirro Ligorio, this Renaissance garden was born with a deeper meaning than one might think. Although it might be thought of as a mere pastime for its creator, the park was conceived with the intention of surprising, confusing, and even frightening visitors, representing the soul’s journey through doubt, madness, and the monsters of the mind.
Among enigmatic sculptures such as the Ogre, the Leaning House, and the Colossus, the route becomes a truly symbolic journey through imagination, madness, and introspection.
Lake Vico: Wild Nature Among the Cimini Mountains
Nestled in the Monti Cimini Nature Reserve, Lake Vico represents the most pristine soul of Tuscia.
Surrounded by dense forests and expanses of hazelnut groves, it offers an intimate and wild landscape, perfect for those who love nature and tranquility. Mount Venere rises in the center of the lake, a visible testimony to its volcanic origins.
Nearby villages, such as Caprarola and Ronciglione, complete the experience with picturesque views and local traditions.
Lake Bracciano: sports and relaxation just a stone's throw from Rome.
Located between Rome and Viterbo, Lake Bracciano is known for the purity of its waters, protected by environmental restrictions that prohibit motorized navigation.
This feature makes it one of the ideal places for activities such as sailing, swimming and rowing.
Its shores are home to charming villages: Bracciano, dominated by the Orsini-Odescalchi Castle, one of the best preserved in Europe; Anguillara Sabazia, with its medieval center overlooking the water; and Trevignano Romano, perfect for relaxing lakeside strolls.
Lake Bolsena: the largest volcanic lake in Europe
Lake Bolsena is one of Lazio’s most important natural gems. Formed by ancient volcanic phenomena, it is now the largest volcanic lake in Europe.
Within its borders lie two islands rich in history and charm: Isola Bisentina, characterised by historical monuments and large green areas, and Isola Martana, linked to the figure of the Gothic queen Amalasunta.
Along its banks there are charming villages such as: Bolsena, dominated by the Rocca Monaldeschi, Capodimonte, overlooking a panoramic promontory and Marta, an ancient fishing village.
An ideal place for those seeking relaxation, scenic walks, and authentic atmospheres.
The Tuscia region, between lakes and nature
The Tuscia Viterbo area is characterized by an extremely varied and evocative landscape, where volcanic nature has created spectacular lakes, rolling hills, and pristine environments.
Staying at the Carolus Park Hotel means having privileged access to these landscapes, ideal for excursions, outdoor activities, and moments of relaxation among water and nature.
Experiences and activities in Tuscia
In addition to exploring the villages and landscapes, the Sutri and Viterbo Tuscia area offers numerous opportunities for active experiences, including sports, nature, and hobbies. A perfect blend of sports, nature, and culture, for an authentic experience of Tuscia.
Thanks to the strategic location of the Carolus Park Hotel, you can easily access some of the area’s most popular activities, ideal for both leisure and active stays or business trips.
Golf in Tuscia: High-level sports and nature
Tuscia is one of the most attractive areas of Lazio for golf enthusiasts, thanks to its courses immersed in greenery and perfectly integrated into the landscape.
Golf Nazionale (Sutri): Located just minutes from the hotel, it is one of Italy’s most important courses and the official headquarters of the Italian Golf Federation’s National School. It hosts international competitions and tournaments and is a hub for professionals and enthusiasts.
Terre dei Consoli Golf Club & Resort (Monterosi): A short distance along the Via Cassia, it offers an experience that combines sport, scenery, and relaxation, with a modern approach and high-level facilities.
Motorsports and international events at the Vallelunga Racetrack
A few kilometers from Sutri is the Vallelunga “Piero Taruffi” racetrack, one of Italy’s main motorsport centers.
Inaugurated in the 1950s, today it is a multifunctional center dedicated to car and motorcycle competitions, technical testing and automotive development, driving and road safety courses.
A perfect destination for motor enthusiasts, events, and highly technical activities.
An experience between nature and history along the Via Francigena
Sutri is one of the most fascinating stops on the Via Francigena, a historic European route connecting Northern Europe to Rome.
Every year, thousands of pilgrims, walkers, and cyclists travel this route to discover natural landscapes, historic villages, and local traditions.
The route passes right through the Carolus Park Hotel, offering guests the chance to enjoy an authentic experience combining slow tourism, culture, and wellness.
Perfect for trekking, cycling and travellers looking for immersive experiences.
