Renaissance in Tuscia

Renaissance in Tuscia

by Connor Scott Noble

Tuscia is an area known for its mild climate, beautiful vistas and Etruscan histories, but
much like the rest of Italy proper, the eternal remnants of renaissance era art remain for those
willing to look for it. One such demonstration of the masterful craftwork of the renaissance
resides in Bagniaia, within the Villa Lante of Cardinal Gambola. This villa boasts magnificant
gardens, frescoes and waterworks designed to delight, and surprise. The gates of the Villa are
adjacent to a wonderfully sizable park, perfect for springtime picnics of olives, cheese and a
glass of one of Tuscia’s world famous wines (Est! Est!! Est!!! is not to be missed). But through
the iron gates lies a world of renaissance surprise, as the gardens spring to life before you. A
colossal bronze fountain dominates the center of the gardens, with cement boats set upon the
surface in each of the cardinal directions. Around the fountain lies a maze-like organization of
hedges, maintained in dizzyingly precise patterns. Just a few steps away are two stunningly
maintained Cassani, or small houses, and within each you can find the fresco works of the
brothers Zuccheri; artistic masters who dominated the late renaissance. Behind the houses is
set the four levels of the garden, with each level representing one of the four elements. The
engineering and hydrodynamics in play with the fountains bridging each step in the ascending
garden is astounding, and will leave you in awe at the ingenuity and brilliance of renaissanceera
technology and craftsmanship. The ascent concludes at a quiet and shady manmade grotto,
hidden behind overgrown reeds and concealing a final still pool of spring water. The entire
experience is a necessity for any fan of renaissance art who may be passing through Bagniaia
on their tour of Tuscia.