Castelli Romani
A short distance south of Rome, the Colli Albani (Alban hills) and their towns are known as Castelli Romani; they have always been considered as place for a relaxing and green holidays since the roman empire, still today local people spend their weekend in the area. The famous writer Goethe, during his journey in Italy expressed his pleasure enjoying the climate “always pure and clear and the mild climate. This place has as origin a big volcanic apparatus with a well designed cratered fencings opened on southwest where some minor craters of the Lake Albano, Ariccia can be observed.
The exploration of Castelli Romani can commence from Frascati, famous for its delicate white wine; its located by a very short distance from the capital, during the clear nights, the flickering lights of Rome can be seen; the town has a tradition of patrician villas surrounded and decorated by parks and superb fountains; the most famous is Villa Aldobrandini, overlooking the town from the top of the hill, has got a sumptuous entrance and a park with statues and panoramic terraces; it was residence of popes and noble local families. 5km far from Frascati, the tour heads up to the archeological site of Tusculum, ancient latin village, important resort station during the imperial age; built on the western side of crater of mount Albano, from the acropolis a fantastic view of Rome can be admired; some traces of a theater, forum and cistern can be still visited. After that, out trip meets Castelgandolfo, which is a green lake side retreat in a breathtaking location, where it is possible to enjoy the silence and the astonishing view of Lake Albano and explore the alleyways of the town: here the pope has got his own summer residence, surrounded by other important villas and some area of naturalistic preeminence.
The going and coming of the people, which characterized the Appia antica roman street, is replaced by the silent tracks which cross the nature and archeology laying in the Regional Park of Appia Antica: some interesting historical traces of the military roman camps can be noted in Albano Laziale, in the Lake of Nemi some intact remains of roman ships have been found, probably assigned for ceremonies; to be also mentioned is the village of Velletri, with its own design belonging to its medieval period.
