Just outside Rome, Palazzo Chigi in Ariccia is one of those rare places that feels wonderfully untouched by time. This 17th-century Baroque palace—designed by Bernini—remains remarkably preserved, with original furnishings, artworks, and décor that offer an authentic glimpse into aristocratic life. Walking through its rooms feels less like visiting a museum and more like being welcomed into a noble family’s home, frozen in the moment they stepped out. Tickets to visit Palazzo Chigi are typically about €10 for general admission, with reduced rates available for students and seniors. Guided visit options, which offer deeper insight into its Baroque interiors, are also available. The Palace has reduced hours in the winter so be sure to check the schedule before heading there.
Palazzo Chigi Ariccia
About the Region:
Lazio is often seen only as the region that holds Rome, but it offers so much more beyond the Eternal City. Of course, Rome itself is reason enough to visit. Walking its streets is like wandering through a living museum, where ancient ruins, Renaissance palaces, Baroque fountains, and bustling piazzas blend seamlessly with modern life. The Colosseum, Vatican City, and Trevi Fountain are icons everyone should see at least once.
But beyond Rome, Lazio’s countryside is filled with surprises. Just an hour away lies Tivoli, home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Villa d’Este with its stunning Renaissance gardens and fountains, and Hadrian’s Villa, the sprawling ancient retreat of Emperor Hadrian. Both are breathtakingly beautiful and often overlooked by travelers.
Further north, you’ll find the medieval hill town of Viterbo, known for its well-preserved historic center and ancient thermal baths. Nearby, Civita di Bagnoregio sits atop a crumbling cliff, accessible only by footbridge, earning it the name “the dying town” – a hauntingly beautiful place frozen in time.
Lazio also boasts volcanic lakes like Lake Bolsena and Lake Bracciano, perfect for a relaxing day of swimming, boating, or dining lakeside at family-run trattorias. The region’s food reflects rustic Roman flavors: hearty pastas like cacio e pepe and amatriciana, and porchetta roasted to perfection.
Visiting Lazio means experiencing the grandeur of Rome and discovering a countryside rich with history, quiet beauty, and authentic Italian life that few tourists ever see.