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The Colosseum and the Pantheon to open at night in August
- August 3, 2026
- Colosseum area, Pantheon area, What's On in Rome
Recommended daytrip from Rome: Soriano nel Cimino
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by C. P.
- October 15, 2021
- Food & Drinks, Rome 101
- 2 Comments
Soriano nel Cimino is Lazio region’s undisputed chestnut capital, and October 17 is the town’s very own New Year’s Eve with Christmas and the Republic Day all rolled into one: it’s when everyone celebrates autumn’s best fruit with a grand festival, the Sagra della Castagna. But if you can’t go this weekend, that doesn’t mean you have to give up entirely a visit to these parts!
What you should know about Soriano nel Cimino
- It has a millennia-old history: it’s been continuously inhabited since the Etruscans ruled this area of Italy, and later it became a Roman stronghold. Like other towns we have covered as daytrip destinations, its position was considered strategic and many powerful families from Rome fought over Soriano, and eventually ruled over it: the Altemps, the Albanis, the Chigis, the Orsinis (their coat of arms is in the town’s insignia)…
- It’s not just chestnuts in Soriano! The town is well-known for its olive oil, red wine and grilled meats. And compared to Rome, it’s inexpensive too! Stop at a restaurant in the city center and see for yourself (we recommend the local gnocchi).
- While the town sits in the middle of a chestnut oasis, the mountain above it features a centuries-old beechwood forest which attracts outdoors enthusiasts from all over Italy, and has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- Because of its location, Soriano has very mild summers but very cold winters, so tourism is only recommended until the end of October. Bring a jumper!
- The Castello Orsini castle is now a public building and can be visited (with a mandatory booking). Read here for more information (in Italian, but easy enough to navigate!).
What else to see in the Soriano area
If you have the time and would like to keep wandering, nearby Bagnaia is the home to the stunning 16th century Palazzo Lante with its world-famous gardens. If you’re lovers of the odd, don’t miss the only “Italian” moai, made by Rapa Nui’s own stone carvers in Vitorchiano or, the grotesque gardens in Bomarzo’s Parco dei Mostri.
How to reach Soriano nel Cimino
Public transport works best from Viterbo and is provided exclusively by local bus (the blue Cotral ones): if you want to reach the town from Rome, it’s roughly two hours from the city to Viterbo, by train, and 45 minutes from the latter to Soriano proper (not considering waiting times), by coach.
Ideally, exploring the area is best with a rental car, but if you don’t have your International Driving Permit with you or feel unsure about driving in Italy, do get in touch with us and we can send you a quote for a driver to take you to Soriano and back to Rome in the same day.
HI there. I am flying into Rome August 26th. I have been several times before. I think this time I would like to get out of the city. I will be travelling alone so I am leary of the train or bus. I was looking at a resort in Soriano and wondered if you could advise me of a car service or transfer who may be able to pick me up at Fiumicino and take me there and then pick me up to return September 3rd. Also, I am hesitating because I am afraid there will be too little to do. I do want to just relax and explore a little. Would you recommend? My trip is 7 nights, returning to the airport on the eighth day. Thanks so much
Hello there 🙂 While we post content on daytrip destinations around Rome, the places we pick are only intended for that kind of activity, and we don’t think Soriano is big enough to guarantee enough things to do, particularly if you don’t have a vehicle available. Larger towns in that area or even south from it, from Viterbo to Bracciano to Anguillara, would be more suitable for what you’re describing. Being bigger also means having different public transport links and a taxi service, which gives you options. Also, regretfully we cannot advice on car transfer service – we’re not a travel agency so we only have the one company we rely on when our own clients need to move to and from Rome. Of course if you don’t have any other names and would like to ask for a quote, you’re welcome to drop us a line through the contact section found on the homepage.