- Nestled away in the Lazio Region of Italy, there is a small town called Santa Marinella.
- This picturesque town is located northwest of Italy’s capital, Rome.
- Santa Marinella is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of Rome's city center as, less than 60 miles from Rome, it captures the authentic Italian lifestyle.
- What is the history of Santa Marinella?
- Santa Marinella encapsulates the essence of beach life.
- Ancient Romans used to travel to Santa Marinella’s beach and used this town as a bathing resort.
- Santa Marinella is located along the southern hills of the Tolfa Mountains.
- What was Santa Marinella called in ancient times?
- Ancient Santa Maria was given the name Punicum during the beginning of A.D., thought to derive from an ancient pomegranate tree.
- Who owned Santa Marinella’s coastline in the Middle Ages?
- In the Middle Ages, the coast of Santa Marinella did not belong to the people of the town but to the Lords Vico, Anguillara, and Orsini.
- Who were the Basilian monks, and what did they do?
- During the year 1,000, it is believed that Basilian monks traveled to Santa Marinella and built this village, including a monastery and church.
- What happened to the original church in Santa Marinella?
- This original church can no longer be found in Santa Marinella, but some believe it is located in the Odescalchi Castle.
- When did Santa Marinella become independent?
- On October 4th, 1949, Santa Marinella and Santa Severa officially detached themselves from Civitavecchia, allowing the towns to become independent.
- Which celebrities visited Santa Marinella?
- During the 1950s and 1960s, many celebrities and VIPs vacationed in Santa Marinella, including actress Ingrid Bergman, who owned a villa there.
- Why is Santa Marinella called "The Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea"?
- The perfect climate throughout the year and its location contributed to this town being known as la Perla del Tirreno or “The Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea.”
- What is the connection between King Vittorio Emanuele II and Santa Marinella?
- The last king of Italy, King Vittorio Emanuele II, requested the town build a villa to help cure his sick daughter.
- After his daughter was cured, the king donated his villa to the city and turned it into the Ospedale Bambino Gesù (The Hospital of Baby Jesus).
- Who are the patron saints of Santa Marinella?
- Saint Marina and Saint Leonardo are the patron saints of this coastal town.
- What are the main attractions in Santa Marinella?
- Castello Odescalchi was purchased by Prince Baldassare Odescalchi in 1887 and is still owned by his family.
- Before the castle belonged to the Odescalchi family, it played a huge part in the town’s security.
- What is special about Castello Odescalchi?
- This stunning castle is surrounded by palm trees, wild olive shrubs, sea pines, and other native plants.
- What is Castello di Santa Severa?
- Castello di Santa Severa is a gorgeous medieval castle set between two stunning beaches.
- Inside this castle are two churches that have served as places of worship over the years, and many popes and cardinals have visited here.
- There are five museums located inside, as well as a bookstore and a play area.
- What makes Santa Marinella Beach special?
- A coastal town should always be accompanied by a stunning beach, and Santa Marinella is no exception.
- The Santa Marinella beach is located within minutes of the train station and there are both private and public parts of this beach.
- Cozy beach chairs and umbrella rentals are available only on the private side.
- The gorgeous greenish-blue water of the Tyrrhenian Sea is a stunning sight to behold.
- How can visitors get to Santa Marinella?
- Around 30 trains run between two train stations in Rome with routes that stop at Santa Marinella.
- Typically, a train ride to or from the Roma Termini train station to Santa Marinella takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes.
- Driving is not recommended because the journey can take longer than 2 hours and parking is limited in the town.
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