Frascati: Wine Lover's Day Trip from Rome

Introduction

If you are looking for a relaxing day trip from Rome, Frascati might be the perfect destination for you. Frascati is one of the hilltop towns collectively known as the Castelli Romani, which have long served as a summer escape for noble Romans. Frascati is famous for its wine, its villas and its scenic views of the countryside and the Eternal City.

Frascati is located about 35 km southeast of Rome, and it takes only 30 to 40 minutes to get there by car or by train. It is an ideal place to enjoy some fresh air, some history and some local cuisine.

Getting There

By Public Transport

The easiest way to reach Frascati by public transport is by train. Trains depart hourly from Roma Termini, the main train station in Rome. A one-way ticket costs €2.10 per person. You can buy your tickets at Termini or at Frascati station. For specific train times, check the Trenitalia website.

The train station in Frascati is at the bottom of the hill, so you will have to climb some stairs to reach the town center. Alternatively, you can catch a local bus from the station to Piazza Guglielmo Marconi, just outside the historic center.

You can also take a Cotral bus from Roma Anagnina, the last stop of metro line A. This option might be more convenient if you are coming from the south of Rome. The journey time is about 20 minutes (depending on traffic) and tickets cost €1.10 one way. Buses depart every 30 minutes. For more information, click here.

By Car

If you prefer to drive to Frascati, you have several options. The fastest route is via E80 and E821, which takes about 30 minutes without traffic. However, this route has tolls, so you will have to pay a fee of about €2.50 each way.

A more scenic and cheaper route is via Via Tuscolana, which passes through some of the other Castelli Romani towns, such as Grottaferrata and Marino. This route takes about 35 minutes without traffic, but it can be congested during peak hours.

A third option is via Via Cristoforo Colombo and E80, which takes about 40 minutes without traffic. This route is longer but less busy than Via Tuscolana.

Once you arrive in Frascati, you can park your car in one of the several parking lots around the town. The most convenient ones are Piazza Roma, Piazza San Pietro and Piazza del Mercato. Parking fees vary from €0.50 to €1 per hour.

Top Attractions at Frascati

Catacombs of Saint Sebastian

If you are interested in the history and culture of early Christianity, you should not miss the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian. These underground burial chambers date back to the 2nd century AD and contain the tombs of many martyrs and saints, including Saint Sebastian himself. You can explore the tunnels and see the frescoes, inscriptions and relics that testify to the faith and life of the ancient Christians.

Some visitor tips for the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian are:

• The catacombs are open from Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 to 16:30. They are closed on Sundays and public holidays.
• The entrance fee is 8 euros for adults, 5 euros for students and free for children under 6 years old.
• You can book a guided tour in English, Italian, French, Spanish or German by calling 06 785 0350 or emailing info@catacombe.org.
• You can reach the catacombs by bus (line 118 or 218) or by car (parking is available).

Santa Francesca Romana

Another attraction worth visiting in Frascati is the church of Santa Francesca Romana, also known as Santa Maria della Misericordia. This baroque church was built in the 17th century and dedicated to Saint Frances of Rome, a noblewoman who devoted her life to helping the poor and sick. The church has a beautiful facade with statues of saints and angels, and a rich interior with paintings, sculptures and mosaics. The church also houses the relics of Saint Frances of Rome, which are displayed in a silver urn.

Some visitor tips for Santa Francesca Romana are:

• The church is open every day from 7:00 to 19:00.
• The entrance is free, but donations are welcome.
• You can attend mass on weekdays at 8:00 and on Sundays at 10:00 and 18:00.
• You can reach the church by bus (line COTRAL) or by car (parking is available).

More Attractions

There are many other sights to see in Frascati, such as:

• The Villa Aldobrandini, a magnificent Renaissance palace with gardens and fountains.
• The Cathedral of San Pietro Apostolo, a Romanesque church with a bell tower and a crypt.
• The Museo Tuscolano, a museum that displays archaeological finds, paintings and sculptures from the ancient city of Tusculum.
• The Frascati DOC wine region, where you can taste the famous white wine produced from local grapes.

Activities and Experiences

Wine Tasting Tour

One of the best ways to enjoy Frascati is to join a wine tasting tour that will take you to some of the oldest and most prestigious wineries in the area. You will learn about the history and tradition of Frascati wine making, visit the vineyards and cellars, and sample different varieties of wine paired with local cheese and bread. You will also have the opportunity to buy some bottles of wine as souvenirs or gifts.

Hiking Tour

If you love nature and adventure, you can also opt for a hiking tour that will take you to explore the scenic landscapes around Frascati. You will walk along ancient paths and trails that lead to panoramic views of Rome and the surrounding hills. You will also discover some hidden gems, such as ruins of Roman villas, medieval castles and monasteries. You will enjoy the fresh air, the greenery and the tranquility of this area.

Lesser Known Stories, Interesting Facts about Frascati

Frascati is not only a charming town with beautiful attractions and activities, but also a place full of history and culture. Here are some lesser known stories and interesting facts about Frascati that you might not know:

• Frascati was founded by the ancient Romans as a summer resort for the wealthy citizens. The name Frascati comes from the Latin word "frasche", meaning "branches", because the Romans used to build their villas with wooden beams and branches.
• Frascati was the birthplace of several famous people, such as the poet Torquato Tasso, the astronomer Giovanni Battista Riccioli, the painter Domenichino and the composer Luigi Boccherini.
• Frascati was the scene of a famous battle during World War II, when the Allied forces bombed the town and destroyed most of its historic buildings. The locals resisted the Nazi occupation and helped the Allied soldiers to liberate the town.
• Frascati is home to several scientific institutions, such as the National Institute of Nuclear Physics, the European Space Agency and the Italian Space Agency. Frascati is also known for hosting the Frascati Tokamak Upgrade, a nuclear fusion experiment that aims to produce clean and sustainable energy.