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Villa Savorelli in Sutri: the secret garden and sacred wood in the heart of Tuscia
At the summit of Sutri's tufa hill, Villa Savorelli Sutri is an unmistakable landmark. Today it serves as the headquarters of the Regional Park of the Ancient City of Sutri, but its soul is that of an 18th-century noble residence. Its real treasure is the fine panorama enjoyed from there, stretching across the Roman amphitheatre and the Via Cassia. This is a unique place, with a magnificent Italian-style garden.
The Savorelli coat of arms drawn in greenery
The garden is a masterpiece of topiary art. The centuries-old box hedges are pruned with incredible precision to form the heraldic coat of arms of the Savorelli family. It is a detail that many visitors miss, and is best appreciated from the upper floors of the villa. And it is here too that the small Church of the Madonna del Monte (Our Lady of the Mount) can be found, redesigned in the 18th century at the behest of the owners of the time.
The sacred wood and the church that looks out over the city
Beyond the garden stretches the "Bosco Sacro", a dense wood of centuries-old holm oaks. The name echoes ancient pagan legends. But the true surprise is the church façade. Those who commissioned it wanted two bell towers and a strong vertical thrust — in a style reminiscent of Borromini — so as to make it visible from every corner of the town below. The bell is still in working order today.
For a visit, it is advisable to check opening times and entry details on the official website of the Regional Park of the Ancient City of Sutri or the Municipal Council.
