A walk in Roman castles..not only Rome is worth a visit…

Rome, the eternal city. Tourists in Rome do not even imagine how much this city has to offer not just about culture and history, but expecially about high gastronomy. The author of this article is actually from Rome, and loves his city in all his facets.

Still, there are so many alternatives to Rome, so close to the italian capital.

We want today to talk you about the so-called Roman Castles (Castelli Romani in Italian) which are a group of comuns in the Metropolitan City of Rome. They are located a short distance south-east of the city of Rome, at the feet of the Alban Hills, in the territory corresponding to the Old Latium.

Summer residence of the Pope in Castel Gandolfo

The area of the castles occupies a fertile volcanic area which has allowed since ancient times a flourishing agriculture. The former crater is occupied by two lakes, the Lake of Nemi and that of Albano. These two lakes are one of the best attraction this area. The area infact has so much to offer in terms of natural attractions, like these lakes, parks, small old villages, and villas. Yes, villas: the old princes of Rome used to have a villa nearby Rome, in this area, where to rest at weekends and in the summer, because of the quieteness and the definetely fresher area Roman Castles have to offer if compared to Rome. So, starting from the ancient Roman era, it was an area frequented by the noblemen of Rome for its fresher climate during summer as we said: the tradition was followed by the Popes which still have their summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, on the Lake Albano. Families which ruled in the castles include Orsini, Colonna, Chigi, Aldobrandini, Savelli, Annibaldi and Ruspoli.

There are plenty of small town, about 15, in this area. The closest one to Rome is “Frascati”, which is very famous because of the white wine they make in this city. Other main cities are “Grottaferrata”, “Marino”, “Ariccia”.

Infiorata fest in Genzano

After a long walk among this beauties, what is better than slowing down and enjoying the magic atmosphere of these cities at night? Do like real romans, and enjoy an italian aperitiv (mostly appetizers and wine), in a restaurant at the very center of one of these small villages, or with the view of one of the beautiful lakes.

Talking about foods, this area is well known also because of wines and food: since 1996, the Roman Castles area has been home to a large Denominazione di origine controllata (DOC) zone that makes a wide variety of wine including rosés, slightly sparkling frizzantes and both dry and sweet wines. The most known is definetely the “Frascati Superiore DOCG”, a table white wine. About food, for example Ariccia is celebrated for its “porchetta” (roasted pork meat) and for “coppiette” (an air-dried, jerky-type of salami stick). Local sweets include maritozzi, a kind of sweet bun.

So, Roman Castles is so fascinating area, and it’s so close to Rome, and has so many to offer, that definetely is worth a visit!

Porchetta of Ariccia