All roads lead to Rome, but certainly not to the rest of Lazio, which is a shame because the central Italian region teems with lesser-known treasures. Everywhere you turn, you'll find an unmissable masterpiece, from the Etruscan necropolis of Tarquinia to Palazzo Farnese in Caprarola, one of the finest examples of Italian mannerism.

The mansion features a helical staircase designed by architect Giacomo Barozzi da Vignola Vignola, frescos by Vincenzo Tempesta, and wide, low steps outside the noble apartments so that horses could ride right up to them.