Vulci’s Swimming Hole

Hidden in the dusty rolling hills of Lazio, quite near the southern border of Tuscany, is a stunning swimming hole; a hidden part of the archeological park of Vulci.  The Fiora River falls into the basin from small waterfalls and on the day my family visited, attracted a large group of hippies with guitars. Brave (or stupid) young men climbed high on the rocks and jumped to the deep waters below. I found a large smooth rock to sit on as I drew the scene before me, with my feet in the water.

Vulci was a large and wealthy Estruscan city. But, it’s long gone now. It reached its peak of influence between the 4th and 6th century BC. The Romans took over the area in the 1st century BC and Vulci slowly faded away. There is no modern Vulci. What remains are archeological sites, a nearby castle, a terrific tall Roman bridge, empty hills and this hidden gem. I’m so thankful that my friend and colleague, Judy Brown (a painter of wonderful Italian landscapes) tipped me off to this sublime spot.