When they hear the word Castelli, many people automatically think of castles, since this is the literal translation of Castelli. However, the Castelli Romani are not castles, but rather refers to the villas and hill towns located in a forested, green countryside located a short distance from the major city of Rome, Italy.

  • What is Castelli Romani?
    • Located at the base of the Alban Hills, Castelli Romani is made up of 17 towns scattered throughout the countryside.
  • Why is Castelli Romani named as such?
    • The area was named Castelli Romani because there is at least one mansion or castle-like home located in each of the 17 towns.
  • Where is Castelli Romani located?
    • Castelli Romani is nestled between the lakes of Nemi and Albano and extends over a 50-square-mile area.
  • What towns make up Castelli Romani?
    • The cities of this area include: Albano Laziale, Ariccia, Castel Gandolfo, Colonna, Frascati, Genzano, Grottaferrata, Lanuvio, Lariano, Marino, Monte Compatri, Monte Porzio Catone, Nemi, Rocca di Papa, Rocca Priora, and Velletri.
  • What is special about Castel Gandolfo?
    • One of the most visited towns of the Castelli Romani, Castel Gandolfo was built on top of volcanic ash. It has served as the top vacation destination for the Pope, and the Palazzo Apostolico was the papal home away from home until 2016. The palace now serves as a public museum.
  • What is unique about Ariccia?
    • Ariccia has one of the most spectacular parks in the region, the Parco Regionale dei Castelli Romani. Before Rome rose to fame, Ariccia was a prominent city that was gaining power but was eventually overtaken by Rome.
  • What is a notable landmark in Ariccia?
    • The Church of Assunta was built in the early 17th century. The amazing frescos on the walls were painted by Ambrogio Borgognone, whose other works can be seen at the National Gallery in London and the San Simpliciano in Milan.
  • What is significant about Rocca Priora?
    • Rocca Priora houses one of the many castles in Castelli Romani. The Baronial Palace is slowly deteriorating, despite efforts by architects to restore it. It remains a symbolic monument to some of the town's greatest accomplishments.
  • What is the Fountain of the Scogli?
    • Located in Lanuvio, the Fountain of the Scogli was built by Carlo Fontana and has been admired by locals and tourists for over 400 years.
  • What cultural artifacts can be found in Genzano?
    • Genzano is filled with art and cultural artifacts. The Palazzo Sforza Cesarini is the main focal point of the village.
  • What historical site is located in Genzano?
    • The last Roman emperor was born in Genzano, and the walls of his former home can still be admired at the Villa of the Antonini.
  • What is the Infiorata festival?
    • Held in June in Genzano, the Infiorata is a traditional feast that celebrates the beauty of the flowers surrounding the village.
  • What is Nemi known for?
    • Nemi is closest to Lake Nemi, a volcanic crater lake. It is famous for its delicious strawberries, grown in the rich soil of the volcanic hills.
  • What is Castello Ruspoli?
    • Castello Ruspoli is a 16th-century castle in Nemi, built for the noble Ruspoli family. It has been well-preserved by the people of the town.
  • Can visitors swim in Lake Nemi?
    • Although the gorgeous blue water of Lake Nemi can be tempting, swimming is prohibited.
  • What type of wine is produced in Castelli Romani?
    • The villages surrounding Castelli Romani are famous for producing delicious wines. In particular, the village of Lanuvio makes the most succulent vintage, freshly picked from the Languini Hills.
  • What is unique about Lanuvio’s wine production?
    • In Lanuvio, what was once the town jail in the city center has now been converted into a local wine-making company.
  • What makes Frascati a destination for wine lovers?
    • The village of Frascati is another popular destination for wine lovers. The white wine made here has been cultivated in the same way since the 5th century B.C..
  • What role did wine play in ancient Rome?
    • In ancient Rome, residents always had a glass of Frascati's crisp white wine to drink with their meals.

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