Ethan & Karly's Wedding Weekend!
Ciao a tutti!
On our last morning in Orvieto, we enjoyed some breakfast at the Agriturismo. It was the best one yet -we had quiche, chocolate chip pastry, and some juice. We enjoyed the pleasant views for a while, then headed back to the room to pack up. We checked out and said "Arrivederci" before heading towards Manziana for my cousin's wedding weekend!
On the way down, we stopped in a town called Montefiascone which sits way up top of a hill. We parked at the visitor lot at the base of the town, then caught the elevator up to the center.
We got to see the dome and its two bell towers up close - at 27 meters (approximately 89 feet) across, it is one of the biggest domes in Italy!
The Rocca dei Papi, begun by Pope Innocent III (1198-1216), became a papal residence under Urban V (1362-1370) and stayed one until Paul III (1534-1549). We visited the small park up top and took in the views over Lake Bolsena and the Tuscia countryside.
We then headed to Manziana, stopping at a mall in Viterbo along the way to pick up a few snacks, drinks, and a new pair of pants for Ray. We checked into the apartment and got ready for the welcome dinner! All of the events were held at Villa Clodia Relais. It was a nice spot and it was fun to reconnect with people I hadn't seen in a long time!
The next morning, we walked over to the Villa where my aunt Tina led her first (teaching) yoga class for those guests who were interested. She had a great turnout and did a fabulous job leading! After a week and a half of travel by this point, it came at the perfect time and was exactly what I needed!
Next, we headed to the Orsini-Odescalchi Castle which was right on Lake Bracciano, about a 15 minute drive from where we were staying. This castle was a hidden gem! It was once a medieval fortress that evolved into a noble residence over several centuries. Napoleone Orsini began the present structure in 1470, and his son Gentil Virginio completed it. It became a noble residence under Paolo Giordano Orsini after his marriage to Isabella de' Medici. In the 1690s the Orsini sold it at auction to the Odescalchi family, who came from Como and were related to Pope Innocent XI. At one point during its history, Pope Alexander VI Borgia tried to take the castle back, but the papal troops could not overcome its fortifications and eventually left! Prince Livio IV Odescalchi opened the castle to the public in 1952. When we visited, they were also setting up for a wedding!
We ate lunch at Idroscalo Bracciano right on the lake. It was a fun way to spend the afternoon!
Around 3, we headed back to get ready for the rehearsal dinner. The Villa did a barbeque night so we had a variety of grilled veggies and pork. We also sat by my parents and some of the bride's family friends, which was a fun way to get to know a few more of the guests. We managed to snap one photo with my family, including my cousin Ethan and Karly, the bride! :)
Before traveling, my mom had the great thought to book us a hair appointment in town since we weren't sure what the facilities looked like. After we grabbed some breakfast in town, we headed over and met my Aunt and Grandma at the salon (Fairy Hair Giusy). My stylist, Giusy, owns the salon and did a fantastic job with the style - it stayed in place all evening!
Ray, my dad, and Nick (my brother) went to the Riserva Naturale Regionale Monterano (some ruins nearby) to pass the day. On the way back, the boys had a bit of an adventure picking up some sandwiches for lunch at Tom and Jerry's and stopping by the grocery store. Despite the language barriers, they were able to get the job done and the focaccia sandwiches were really tasty! At this point, it was time to get ready for the wedding!
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