Behind the Walls of Palazzo Farnese: Discovering Caprarola’s Pride
Caprarola, situated in the shadow of Monte Fogliano, the titan of the Cimini, is a magnificent palace atop a citadel that serves as the foundation of an urban project flawlessly executed by the brilliant architect Jacopo Barozzi da Vignola. Its direction is dictated by the historic Via Dritta, which offers a panoramic spur of tufaceous rock. Nearly 6,000 inhabitants of Caprarola are cognizant of the significance of their land east of the lovely Lake Vico.
Palazzo Farnese: A Renaissance Masterpiece
The Farnese family, whose lineage contributed significantly to Caprarola’s prosperity, has a rich historical record of splendor and financial drive. This is evident in the nobility of Palazzo Farnese, a sixteenth-century castle palace designed by Antonio da Sangallo for Alessandro Farnese the Elder but completed by Barozzi for his grandson Alessandro Farnese the Younger.
Established on five equidistant squares, this grand architectural structure signified the conclusion of the previous quarter to make way for the subsequent one. From this location, a significant number of palaces, noble residences, and churches were collaboratively constructed, serving as a constant reminder of the magnificence of the pentagonal layout. A spiral staircase provides access to the Scala Regia, a magnificent structure so broad that it can be traversed on horseback, contrary to its spiral design (as legend has it, Cardinal Alessandro himself constructed it).
Inside Palazzo Farnese: A Tour of Grandeur
The most exquisite interior spaces, including the Hall of the Glories of Hercules, the Hall of the Council of Trent, and the Hall of Aurora, which is adorned with frescoes by Federico Zuccari, are accessible to the visitor via the Piano Nobile. The Italian gardens in the rear section, which culminate in the secret Casina del Piacere, the former summer residence of President Luigi Einaudi, are not to be missed.
Exploring Caprarola: Urban Complex and Architectural Wonders
Caprarola, in its entirety, is an urban complex characterized by remarkable particularities. Several analytical studies were undertaken in 1995 by the School of Architecture of Prince Charles of England, a distinguished visitor who visited the town briefly to oversee the work of the Academy’s students, with a focus on the harmonious balance of the complex.
Numerous additional architectural features are readily apparent to the observer, including the Palazzo delle Scuderie, which has become a polycultural edifice, the Church of San Michele Arcangelo (the Duomo), the Church of the Madonna della Visitazione, which was commissioned by Orlando Farnese, the Castello dei Prefetti of Vico, the Carmelite Convent, and the adjacent Church of Santa Teresa, adorned with exquisite paintings by Guido Reni, Orbetto, and Giovanni Lanfranco.
The town’s advantageous location is further supported by the close proximity to the aforementioned Lake Vico, which is home to rare species of flora and fauna and serves as the monarch of the lake’s volcanic specimens and nature reserve. The body of water is one of the vehicles that have contributed to the increasing fertility of the neighboring lands, which has served as the foundation for a thriving agricultural industry at the center of the economy in tandem with the never-ending tourism industry.
Local Delights and Annual Celebrations
Both Caprarola and the province of Viterbo possess territories that yield an abundance of chestnuts and, more importantly, hazelnuts, resulting in the highest hazelnut production in Italy. The aforementioned delectable dried fruit is a crucial component in the production of a confectionery classic: tozzetti. Tozzetti, to which the aforementioned confections are attached, consists of strufoli, pizzacce, amaretti, pampepati, virginelle, and hazelnut cream. It is an essential component, is particularly adorned during the annual Hazelnut Festival, which transpires over the final weekend of August.
Getting there
By car, from Viterbo, proceed along the SP 1 Strada Cimina in the direction of Ronciglione, which is marked with road signs designating Caprarola. The Fabrica di Roma railway station is in close proximity to the town, and Co.Tra.l bus lines provide service to the area. Rome Fiumicino airport is situated 59 kilometers away from the town.