Flower Festival in Viterbo - San Pellegrino in fiore

May 2, 2015


Green landscapes and enchanting Medieval villages characterize the Tuscia zone and its capital, Viterbo. It is an oasis of good food and relaxation, situated amidst the legacies of the Etruscans and the Via Francigena, where the rhythms of life from the mountains to the sea are dictated by nature and the age-old customs of peasant life.

Various local finds suggests the site has ancient, though probably humble, origins. This area was the centre of the Etruscan civilisation, whose remains are dotted around the countryside, and a later Roman town was situated nearby at Ferento (Roman Ferentum). It was in the Middle Ages, however, in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, that Viterbo attained real importance. While the city of Rome struggled through chaos and feuding, Viterbo became a favourite refuge for embattled popes. It may seem surprising now, but there was a time when Viterbo was larger and more successful than Rome, and much of its fine architecture, such as the Papal Palace, dates to this era. Later, the town faded in importance (its population today is approximately the same as it was then). Prior to the unification of Italy, Viterbo formed part of the Papal States. Now it sits quietly in an area usually overlooked by foreign tourists.

The most beautiful time of the year

April 17, 2015

The redbud trees and wisteria have been exceptionally pretty this spring.  I have loved walking down our street and looking at the flowers.  It's sad to see the petals falling to the ground and the trees losing their lustre.  Good bye, spring!

Spring in Rome

April 17, 2015

 The street in front of the villa is absolutely beautiful this time of year.  The redbud trees are in full bloom and wisteria droops from all the branches and fences.  Bella!

Via Cimone in spring

President planted daffodil bulbs in the flower pot where I plant basil.  Now that the flowers are in full bloom, we don't know if the basil tastes like daffodils or the daffodils smell like basil.

Springtime at the Villa

March 29, 2014

This is the sight that greets us everyday.   The redbud trees and wisteria are in full bloom.  I love springtime.

The villa

The villa

The villa

Now this is the cutest blossom of all!!!

There are lots of feral cats that hang out in the yard.