30 June 2014

Little Town of Isola del Liri and Arpino, Lazio Italy

Cascata Grande, Isola del Liri

When we talk about a vacation to Italy, the usual cities that we would normally hear would be Rome, Florence, Venice, but there is more to Italy than just these big tourist packed cities that are as charming. Since 'Captain' is an Italian he knows the other side of Italy that many tend to overlook; the little sleepy towns. This year on our way to the Campania region, we decided to stop for a few days in the mountains of Lazio and visit a few small towns like Frosinone, Cassino, Collepardo, Fiuggi and my personal favorites, Isola del Liri and Arpino

When I asked Captain as he maneuvered effortlessly through the narrow winding road what was the attraction of this little town, he simply told me in one word "Waterfall". Little did I know the waterfall he meant was this 27 meters fall of Cascata Grande right in the middle of the town which earned itself the title of the tallest natural town waterfall in the world. The town is surrounded by waters from the Liri river that split into two and re-merged earning the town its name as 'isola' or island. The same river also formed not one but 2 waterfalls within the town limits. Imagine wandering around this charming town through it's cobble stone walks while listening to the rush of water.. blissful!



This gorgeous house was surrounded by water..


We couldn't help but snapped this.. 2 generations socializing

During the walk we found a nice pizzeria next to the second waterfall called Aqua Liri and decided that it would be a great place for dinner. We made our reservation and decided to kill some time before dinner by taking a short drive up the mountain to another small medieval town called Arpino. More narrow winding roads and this time climbing up. I must say I was so impressed with Captain's driving, I mean of course I've seen him driving throughout our decade plus of marriage but driving on a steep narrow mountain roads was no joke! I would have scraped the side of the car and ended up with only half of it! The roads got narrower as we climbed deeper into the town and at one time I was sure we were going to get stuck between the 2 walls! We then decided to park and walked the rest of the way. And boy, it was one of the best walks of my life, climbing steps and small alleys that went through this little hilly town with spectacular views of the valley below. 

Every little cottage or house we passed couldn't be any less than a few hundred years old and they were well preserved and maintained in all their splendor. The town was cozy and quiet and it was as if time just stood still. One of the twins commented that days seemed so long when we were in the mountain and I had to agree with them. Captain and I were talking about long term vacation to this part of Italy, you know renting a cottage for a couple of months and live among the locals. I think it would be fabulous!

I hope you enjoy some of my snapshots of these towns because how do one describes a spectacular sight that couldn't be described in words? I guess there is no way but through the lenses and experiencing it first hand. So, if  you ever are in this part of the world, don't forget to add the mountains of Lazio especially the little town of Isola del Liri and Arpino in your must see list. It will be worth the time spent.


This is one of the narrowest streets we drove by.. we had to walk back for a picture


These TOMS are made for walking.. perfect for cobble stone walks!






We bumped into this cozy B&B in the middle of the steps and alleyway maze


Stunning view of the valley below at sunset..

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25 comments:

  1. Hi Mrs C! Lovely pics! I love reading travel post. Love seeing your family as well!

    xo Jo

    http://www.whiterosesandcoffee.com

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  2. What a beautiful place! I love visiting out of the way places that only locals knows about. I have to agree about the Toms shoes as well; theyre my go-to travel shoes.

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    1. They are understated but perfect for the work :)

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  3. Wow wow wow. I have added this to my bucket list. This place looks gorgeous! Looks like you had a wonderful time with the family. What an experience.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  4. I just love your photos and what an amazing place! I guess once you get off the beaten track, you will discover these little hidden treasures!! We are thinking of exploring Italy next year so will need some good advice! I love the photo of you and Captain! Beautiful! xxx

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    1. Thanks, Pia! We'd be happy to help when the time comes :)

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  5. I looooove Italy..
    http://www.fashiondenis.com

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  6. This place looks stunning! Thank you for sharing your vacation pics.

    Alice
    www.happinessatmidlife.com

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  7. wonderful photographs....thank you for sharing this beautiful little town with us! I adore tiny towns, they're so special, don't you think so too?

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    1. Definitely! I am tired of over crowded cities.. so, this is a great change :)

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  8. Stunning, indeed! Absolutely love this post, thank you se very much for sharing some of your recent trip with us, it sure makes me want to go visit Italy again and now I have a few new places to see. You captured some beautiful pictures, and its always nice to see your family with you. Couldn't agree more with you on how fabulous a pair of Tom's can be for traveling, especially on those cobble streets. I normally pack a pair of Tom's and a pair of converse and I'm good for my entire trip.

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  9. Wow...I want to live there...you had me at waterfall! Such gorgeous shots. :)
    Debbie
    www.fashionfairydust.blogspot.com

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  10. Breathtaking! It's so true that the less touristy spots can be the most beautiful. I'm so jealous! I've traveled around France and Spain but never Italy and I so want to go!

    Alicia
    spashionista.com

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    1. It's a nice little country ;) and great food!

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  11. What a stunning paradise! This looks magical :)
    <3
    katsfashionfix.blogspot.com

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  12. Wonderful photos and description! Thank you for sharing this beautiful place with us.

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  13. What beautiful photographs! The town looks so charming. And it was nice to see your family. Your boys are so grown up!

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  14. You are back!!!! YAAAAAAY!!!

    Gorgeous photos. I love Italy, it has eternal charm and you can never tire of what it has to offer. I have been a few times yet never been to the major tourist cities....I have never felt that I needed to. I LOVE Italy and it's wonderful people. So happy you are back!!

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    1. Hey! Yes, I'm back to this over heated city, sadly :( But good to be back in the Blogosphere :) My husband, bless him, maybe he wanted me to see the country in all sides, so he started when we were courting showing me the big cities - Milan, Venice, Florence even Turin. Slowly he started taking me to little cities, mountains and villages.. I really enjoy the later!

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  15. Lovely photos, and it's clear that you enjoyed your time in Italy. I guess you really need to have a car to explore the best parts of the country?

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    1. I am sure one can use the public transport but I would say hire a car. It is easier to excess places you want to visit at your own time. Last vacation we were on the mountain 80% of the time and we travel a lot to many remote places, so a car was definitely a plus. When we were up on the mountain in Massa Lubrense in Sorrento, we saw buses but the idea that we have to abide to the timing is just a turn off. The down side about driving in Italy is parking.. horrible!

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  16. Sigh...Italy is tops on my bucket list of places I want to visit. You just sealed the deal for me. It looks just as amazing as I always dreamed. Wow! Lucky, lucky girl. ;)

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  17. So breathtaking for words....thanks for sharing snaps from your vacay!!!

    Rebecca
    www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

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  18. I have got my answer to an earlier question: your husband is Italian.
    Stunning pictures. It would indeed be so nice to stay there for a couple of months.
    The waterfall is breathtaking. The picture of two generations socializing terrific.
    I really enjoyed this post.
    Greetje

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