There is a place, 20 minutes from Villa Vacanze Valentina, where time has simply stopped: Celleno, the "borgo fantasma" (ghost village) of Tuscia, abandoned after centuries of earthquakes and landslides and now brought back to life as one of the most atmospheric places to visit in Lazio.
What to expect from your visit
The old village takes about an hour to explore on foot: the square with the Orsini castle, gutted houses framing the landscape, silent alleys where wild fig trees grow. Entry is free, or with a small contribution during events and exhibitions.
The story of its abandonment
Declared unsafe in the early 1900s and gradually abandoned in favour of the new town, Celleno has remained crystallised in time: that is why photographers adore it, especially at sunset, when the stone of the village glows pink.
Perfect for...
Photographers, the curious, couples after an atmosphere out of the ordinary. Pair it with a tasty stop: Celleno is also the village of cherries, celebrated every June with a historic festival.