Castelli Romani: Rome's Wine Day Trip

Introduction

If you are looking for a relaxing and authentic escape from the hustle of Rome, you might want to consider a day trip to Castelli Romani, a group of picturesque towns and villages in the Alban Hills, south-east of the city. Castelli Romani is famous for its scenic lakes, ancient villas, medieval castles, and of course, its wine production. You will have the opportunity to taste some of the local wines, such as Frascati and Marino, and enjoy the delicious cuisine of the region.

A day trip to Castelli Romani is not only a gastronomic delight, but also a cultural and historical one. You will discover the rich heritage of this area, which has been a favorite retreat for popes, nobles, and artists for centuries. You will visit charming towns such as Frascati, Castel Gandolfo, and Nemi, and admire the stunning views of the volcanic lakes of Albano and Nemi.

A day trip to Castelli Romani is about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Rome, and it takes about an hour to get there by car or public transport. You can choose to explore the area on your own, or join a guided tour that will take you to the best spots and provide you with interesting information and insights.

Getting There

By Public Transport

If you prefer to travel by public transport, you can take a train from Rome's Termini station to Frascati, which is the main town of Castelli Romani. The journey takes about 30 minutes and costs 2.10 euros one way. From Frascati, you can take a bus or a taxi to other towns in the area, such as Castel Gandolfo or Nemi.

Alternatively, you can take a train from Rome's Ostiense station to Albano Laziale, which is another town in Castelli Romani. The journey takes about 40 minutes and costs 2.10 euros one way. From Albano Laziale, you can take a bus or a taxi to other towns in the area, such as Castel Gandolfo or Nemi.

By Car

If you have your own car or rent one, you can drive to Castelli Romani via the A1 motorway or the Via Appia Nuova. The drive takes about an hour, depending on traffic conditions. You can park your car in designated parking areas in each town, or use the free parking spaces along the roads.

Driving to Castelli Romani gives you more flexibility and freedom to explore the area at your own pace. You can also enjoy the scenic views along the way and stop at any place that catches your eye.

Top Attractions at Castelli Romani

Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo

The Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo are the summer residence of the Pope, located on the shores of Lake Albano. They consist of a palace, gardens, and a farm. The palace was built in the 17th century on the ruins of an ancient villa that belonged to Emperor Domitian. The gardens are a masterpiece of landscape architecture, with fountains, statues, and exotic plants. The farm produces organic products such as milk, cheese, honey, and eggs. Visitors can take guided tours of the palace and the gardens, or explore them on their own with an audio guide.

Minardi Frascati Winery

Minardi Frascati Winery is a family-run business that has been producing wine for over ten generations. The winery is located in Frascati, one of the most famous wine towns in the Castelli Romani area. Frascati wine is a white wine with a fruity and floral aroma, made from local grapes such as Malvasia and Trebbiano. Visitors can take a tour of the winery and the vineyards, learn about the history and the production process of Frascati wine, and taste different varieties paired with cheese and bread.

More Attractions

• Abbazia Greca di San Nilo: A Greek Orthodox monastery founded in 1004 by Saint Nilus of Rossano. The monastery has a rich collection of icons, manuscripts, and relics. The church is decorated with frescoes and mosaics.
• Palazzo Chigi Ariccia: A baroque palace designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini for the Chigi family in the 17th century. The palace has a magnificent gallery with paintings by famous artists such as Carracci, Reni, and Poussin. The palace also hosts a museum of Roman costumes and a park with ancient trees and fountains.
• Lago di Nemi: A volcanic lake surrounded by woods and hills. The lake was sacred to the goddess Diana in ancient times, and was the site of a temple and a sanctuary. The lake is also famous for its strawberries, which are celebrated in a festival every June.

Activities and Experiences

Castel Gandolfo Lake Kayak and Swim Tour

A fun and adventurous way to explore Lake Albano is by kayak. This tour offers a guided kayak ride along the lake's shore, where you can admire the natural beauty and the historical landmarks such as the Pontifical Villas and the Papal Palace. You can also enjoy a refreshing swim in the clear water of the lake.

Pasta Making with Wine Tasting and Dinner in Frascati

A delicious and authentic experience that combines food and wine in Frascati. You can learn how to make fresh pasta from scratch with a local chef, using organic ingredients from a nearby farm. You can then taste your pasta along with other typical dishes such as porchetta (roasted pork) and tiramisu (coffee-flavored dessert). You can also sample different kinds of Frascati wine and learn about their characteristics from a sommelier.

Lesser Known Stories, Interesting Facts about Castelli Romani

The Castelli Romani area has a long and rich history that dates back to ancient times. Here are some interesting facts that you may not know about this region:

• The name Castelli Romani means "Roman Castles", but it does not refer to actual castles. It comes from the Latin word castrum, which means "fortified place". The name was given to the towns that were fortified by the popes in the Middle Ages to protect Rome from invaders.
• The Castelli Romani area is famous for its volcanic lakes: Lake Albano and Lake Nemi. These lakes were formed by the collapse of two craters of an ancient volcano that erupted about 600,000 years ago. The volcano is still active today, but its activity is very low.
• The Castelli Romani area is home to some rare and endangered species of animals and plants. For example, the lake of Nemi hosts the Nemi water lily, a white flower that blooms only at night. The lake of Albano is the habitat of the Albano trout, a fish that can only be found in this lake.