Exploring the Castelli Romani, Rome's Countryside
The Castelli Romani or ‘Roman Castles,’ is the name used for the towns located southeast of Rome’s countryside, immersed in the natural park of the Lazio region. Generally less frequented by tourists, the area is perfect for those looking to escape from the city while exploring the traditions and culinary-gastronomic offerings of the area.
Lanuvio
Make time to visit some of the monuments, such as the 15th-century baronial mansion and the nearby fountain, built by Carlo Fontana del 1675; the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Maggiore of Medieval Foundation; the Loreto Bridge and the Church of Madonna Delle Grazie, dating back to the 16th century.
Lanuvio’s Festival of Music is an annual event where local bands perform all over the tiny roads of the city.
Genzano di Roma
Genzano di Roma is a town rich in historical and artistic heritage, including the 18th-century palazzo Sforza Cesarini, the Capuchin Church of the 17th century and the Church of the Holy Trinity. The three main streets, called il tridente di Bacco, depart from the main square leading to Lake Nemi and to the Church of Santa Maria Della Cima. During the Corpus Christi festivities, one street is fully covered by a floral carpet of about 2,000 square meters, whose artistic composition is part of an ancient tradition of floral display.
Genzano di Roma, Italy
Ariccia
Ariccia is considered an artistic treasure of this area and home to one of the finest architectural examples of the European Baroque, largely designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Carlo Fontana. The monumental ensemble of ‘Piazza di Corte.’ The complex includes the Chigi Palace – richly decorated with lounges, precious original furniture and walls covered with original leather ornaments – the extensive surrounding park, and the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, inspired by the Pantheon in Rome.
Two other religious complexes are surely worth a visit. The sanctuary of Santa Maria di Galloro and the Deconsecrated Church of San Nicola. The city is also famous for its monumental bridge, built under Pope Pius IX.
Foodies will love Ariccia for its fraschette, the typical local restaurants where you can taste the delicious porchetta, the Romanella wine and the homemade pasta.
Ariccia, Italy
Albano Laziale
Albano stands on the volcanic Alban hills, and it is located next to a lake, which it shares with the nearby Castel Gandolfo. The majestic baroque Cathedral of San Pancrazio, the circular-shaped romanesque church of Santa Maria Della Rotonda, the porta Pretoria, the ‘Cisternone’, an underground warehouse built by Septimius Severus and still used for the water supply of the city, the Roman amphitheater, and the tomb of the Orazi and Curiazi are just a few of the legendary historical offerings of the city.
Albano Laziale, Italy
Castel Gandolfo
Another stop on this tour is surely Castel Gandolfo, overlooking Lake Albano and holiday destination of popes, cardinals and prelates of the Roman Curia. Several significant monuments are located in the town, such as the Church of San Tommaso da Villanova, created by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the 16th-century porta Romana, the majestic villa Clodius and the ancient villas connected to the Papal Palace.
Castel Gandolfo, Italy
Marino
Nemi
Frascati
Bar