Roman Castles

Near Rome, about 20 km from the center, is Castel Gandolfo and the other hilltop villages of the Roman Castles (Castelli Romani in Italian) This region of the Alban Hills is formed by a regional park with two lakes surrounded by woods, Lake Albano and Lake Nemi.
The Romans often like to rest there on weekends, especially in summer to enjoy the freshness of the lakes and its altitude, its small towns, and for many of its local gastronomy. This is centered on the porchetta (piglet on the spit) which is the specialty, associated with cheese, charcuterie and small local wine. What very pleasant things!

Sights and villages in the Roman Castles

Several natural, architectural and historical sites to discover in the Castelli Romani:

• The village of Castel Gandolfo where is the remarkable summer residence of the Pope perched on Lake Albano, the Palace of the Popes.
• The small village of Nemi perched on a promontory above the lake of the same name, known for its small strawberries.
• The Lake of Nemi with its small beaches, its clear waters and the museum of the Roman boats that presents the remains and documents the two great Roman boats that were dedicated to shows, which were taken out of the lake by emptying it of its waters!
• Lake Albano with its beach and discovery trails.
• The center of Albano Laziale and the Roman remains scattered throughout the city, including one of the most important Roman cisterns in Italy, a theater, or tombs.
• The archaeological site of the ancient Tusculum, an ancient Latin city linked to the legends of the foundation of Rome.
• The village of Arricia with its fraschette, the friendly tables where you settle for dinner and enjoy the gastronomy of the region.
• Via Sacra, a paved Roman path that led to a sanctuary of Monte Caro, passing through the belvedere with a view of the two lakes.
• The village of Lanuvio with its ancient stones scattered in the historic center, and the Temple of Juno.
• Villa Aldobrandini in Frascati from the 16th century with its Italian gardens.
• The Abbacy of Saint Mary (Abbey of Saint-Nile) dating back to the eleventh century in Grottaferrata, one of the most beautiful religious buildings of the castelli, of Orthodox rite.

The restaurants of Genzano di Roma

Other interesting towns include Rocca Priora, Montecompatri, Rocca di Papa, and Genzano di Roma.

Map of Castelli Romani

Gallery