Tuscia enchants the visitor with small fascinating villages, built on panoramic heights, where time seems to have stopped in the medieval centuries. Graffignano, adding to all this the mystery surrounding its center – the Baglioni Castle – where ghosts are said to reside. Around the expanse of greenery, forests, and meadows of the Tiber Valley. Behind the castle an ancient village called “Di Dentro”. So let’s take a look inside!
Motorcycle itinerary in Graffignano
Map
Way
For those who want to hurry, Graffignano is easily reached from the A1 Autostrada del Sole exit at Attigliano and continuing on SP19. However, if you like a more panoramic route, then Tuscia offers very pleasant options: you can start from Tarquinius (following the state road SS1 Via Aurelia) and continue on the SS1 bis until Monte Romano. Take SS675 up Viterbo. Then take the SP5 provincial road that passes the towns of Celleno, Acquaforte, and Santangelo until you reach your destination after a short stretch of the SP132.
What to see in Graffignano: Attractions Not to be missed
Graffignano is a village with two thousand inhabitants at an altitude of 187 m. It is located in the heart of Tuscia, part of the province of Viterbo and adjacent to Umbria. It has Etruscan origins and the castle dates from the 13th century.
Baglioni Santacroce Castle in Graffignano…
It’s not in great shape, but it’s worth a visit. It is open on weekends, admission is free, and there are guided tours. Behind the imposing building stands a village created with a castle called “Di Dentro”. The Baglioni Santacroce Castle was the protagonist of a curious event that happened in 2021: after a reported possible presence of ghosts, a team of “ghost hunters” were called in from Rome, who heard the loud and clear voices of children during the inspection – initially thought to be children playing in the open courtyard, but then it was discovered that there were no more families with small children in the village. So the mystery remains suspended!
and the castle of the same name in Sipicciano
In the village Sipicciano (the largest in the municipality of Graffignano) there is another Baglioni Castle, also originating from the 13th century. The most visible architectural feature of Sipicciano Castle is its octagonal towers. The building was restored and used as an archaeological museum; entrance costs €8.
Calanques Valley
In the area, you can admire the vast Calanques Valley, also called “Forre della Teverina”. It is located in the municipalities of Bagnoregio, Castiglione in Teverina, Celleno, Civitella d’Agliano, Graffignano and Lubriano. The scenery presents geological stratification, limestone substrates, and sandy clays: it is a landscape that can be defined as “lunar”, which, in addition to its natural charm, is also home to ancient Etruscan necropolises.
Sculpture garden
It’s a special attraction Serparaor Sculpture Garden created by artist Paul Wiedmer. Open to the public and constantly changing, it creates a universe in which the Swiss artist’s passions coexist: botany and contemporary art. Every year the park offers new artistic interventions that respect and integrate with the territory in an ecosystem in which there is no hierarchy. To date, more than thirty international artists have contributed, totaling over eighty works. It is located on Strada Teverina at km 26 (Civitella d’Agliano) and there is no entrance fee.