Have you ever dreamed of walking in an ancient Etruscan village where time seems to have stopped? In Vulci, between the Maremma of Lazio and the Tuscia of Viterbo, history intertwines with the wild nature and authentic flavours of a land that smells of olive trees and legend. Here, between the Abbey Castle and the Devil's Bridge, the soul of the past awakens at every step, to then find peace and pleasure among the Canino olive trees and the hospitality of the Cerrosughero Oil Mill by Laura De Parri.
Between Etruscans and Legends: The Secret Soul of Vulci
Walking among the ruins of Vulci It's like opening a history book written in earth and tuff. Founded by the Etruscans, this ancient city stands on a plateau overlooking the Fiora River and preserves in its remains the essence of a refined and mysterious people. The painted tombs, the bronze and ceramic artifacts, the temples and paving stones tell of trade, rituals, and sumptuous banquets. Every stone in Vulci speaks of power, art, and spirituality.
Here, nature embraces memory. Trails wind through Mediterranean scrub, tuff caves, and views that fade toward the Tyrrhenian Sea. It's an almost silent place, where the rustling of leaves and birdsong seem to accompany the voices of a still-living past. Visiting it means being enveloped by an ancient energy, one of calm and wonder.
It's no coincidence that it's said that in Vulci you can sense the "soul of Tuscia." And it's precisely this feeling—of authenticity and mystery—that makes a visit not only a cultural but also a sensory experience. After a day immersed in ruins and tales, what could be better than rediscovering the same intensity in the aromas and flavors of Canino's rural tradition?
Abbadia Castle and the flight over the Devil's Bridge
A few steps from the archaeological park stands the Abbey Castle, a medieval fortress overlooking the Devil's Bridge. Its dark stone structure, austere yet captivating, now houses an archaeological museum displaying treasures discovered during the excavations at Vulci. From Etruscan ceramics to grave goods from princely tombs, each room offers a journey back in time, amidst soft lighting and the scent of damp tuff that speaks of centuries of life.
Cross the Devil's Bridge It's an emotion that lingers in your memory. It's said to have been built with the help of the devil, hence its name: a majestic stone arch suspended over the Fiora, where the wind carries away your thoughts and offers breathtaking views. From above, the river flows glistening between basalt gorges and wild scrub: a natural spectacle that blends mystery, legend, and pure beauty.
Photography enthusiasts will find one of the most evocative views in all of Tuscia here. And for those who want to fully experience the magic of the place, the visit can transform into a slow journey: a morning of history, an outdoor lunch, and then a hike through hills scented with olive oil and warm bread.
Ancient flavors and aromas of Tuscia in the lands of Canino
After so much history, the time has come to return to the present, but without abandoning authenticity. Just a few kilometers from Vulci, the hills of Canine welcome visitors with a landscape of silver olive trees, dry stone walls and small farmhouses. Here one of the Italy's finest extra virgin olive oils, the fruit of a tradition that has its roots in the Etruscan era.
Every drop of oil encapsulates centuries of knowledge, lovingly passed down through generations. It's an intense, green, and vibrant flavor, expressing the earth, the sun, and the patience of artisanal work. The people of Canino view oil as a cultural, not just gastronomic, heritage. It's a daily ritual, a signature dish that pairs with bread, soups, and vegetables with the same dignity as a vintage wine.
Precisely for this reason, after having breathed the history of Vulci, the experience cannot be said to be complete without a tasting inside Laura De Parri's Cerrosughero oil mill, where Canino's green gold comes to life amidst floral aromas and nuances of artichoke and almond. A place where taste meets culture.
From the charm of Vulci to the genuine oil of the Cerrosughero olive oil mill
Imagine ending the day with a glass of wine and a warm bruschetta, freshly drizzled with new olive oil, while the scent of freshly cut grass and the birdsong envelop you at sunset. This is the atmosphere that welcomes you at Cerrosughero Oil Mill, a little jewel of oil tourism in the Tuscia Viterbese area, where Laura De Parri's welcome transforms the visit into a complete sensory experience.
After exploring Vulci and walking on the Devil's Bridge, the Classic Cerrosughero Tour (15€ – 90 min, Mon/Sat morning) is the perfect match: a guided tour of the oil mill, the technical tasting of three oils, one bruschetta with new oil and a glass of wine. A short but intense experience, ideal for those seeking a cultural and authentic aperitif after a day immersed in legend and nature.
For those who want to experience the countryside in an even more authentic way, in spring (April and May) there is the’Olive Grove Experience with PicnicA stroll among the trees, a visit to the olive oil mill, and lunch under the open sky, amidst the scents of herbs and the peaceful silence. Either way, it will be like savoring Tuscia in all its essence.
Vulci is much more than an archaeological site: it's a journey through eras, flavors, and sensations. From Etruscan legends to the genuine gifts of the Canino land, every step reveals an authentic Italy, made of expert hands and tranquil horizons. For those who want to transform a simple trip into an unforgettable memory, the Cerrosughero Oil Mill by Laura De Parri It's the perfect stop: a place where history meets olive oil, and hospitality becomes art. Book your experience and let the scent of authentic Tuscia guide you.