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Nestled in the heart of the Tuscia Viterbo area, the Park of the Chia Waterfalls is a magical place that combines the beauty of an unspoilt landscape with the thousand-year history of an area rich in charm.
In the province of Viterbo, it is part of the municipality of Soriano nel Cimino and is characterised by the ruins of a rupestrian village, with spectacular waterfalls and a deep connection with Pier Paolo Pasolini.
It stands on a tuffaceous hill, offering visitors breathtaking views of the Tiber valley.
The origin of the name is uncertain: some legends trace it back to a Longobard noblewoman, while others link it to Etruscan roots.
The rupestrian village of Chia is a true archaeological jewel, with houses carved into the tuffaceous rock that resemble, on a smaller scale, the famous Sassi of Matera. This ancient settlement, dating back to medieval times, was inhabited until a few decades ago and today represents a unique testimony to the past.
The houses, with their austere façades and interiors carved out of the rock, offer an evocative atmosphere and a plunge into time.
Pasolini and the soul of Chia
Chia is inextricably linked to the figure of Pier Paolo Pasolini, who chose this village as his refuge and source of inspiration. While filming the first scenes of ‘Vangelo secondo Matteo’ in 1964, Pasolini was thunderstruck by the sight of an ancient, abandoned and lonely medieval tower.
That tower became his muse, a place to take refuge and create. In 1966, daydreaming, he wrote that he wanted to live in that tower, in a landscape that would have made even Ariosto envious.
The wish came true in 1970, when the tower finally became his. Pasolini carefully restored it, turning it into a luminous atelier, where he spent the last years of his life, working on his unfinished novel, ‘Petrolio’.
At the foot of the tower, he had a small house built, an intimate and cosy place to find inspiration.
In addition to the rupestrian village and the Pasolini tower, Chia offers numerous other attractions. The waterfalls of Fosso Castello, accessible via a nature trail, are a true paradise for hikers. The crystal-clear waters and lush vegetation create an enchanting atmosphere.
It is also possible to visit the Etruscan necropolises, evidence of a civilisation that left an indelible mark on the territory. For trekking and mountain biking enthusiasts, the surroundings of Chia offer numerous itineraries through woods and hills.
It is possible to organise excursions on horseback or by bicycle to discover the surrounding landscapes. In the area, the typical products and local cuisine are those of Tuscia: meat, especially wild boar, cheese and mushrooms are worth mentioning.
Specialities to go with the highly appreciated extra virgin olive oil and renowned DOC wines.
