Lake Bracciano: Rome's 50km Day Escape

Introduction

If you need to get out of Rome for the day, then head to the spectacular Lake Bracciano, a volcanic lake surrounded by three charming towns: Bracciano, Trevignano Romano, and Anguillara Sabazia. This day trip will allow you to enjoy the beauty of nature and the richness of culture in one of Lazio's most scenic areas.

Lake Bracciano is Italy's eighth-largest lake and one of the cleanest in Europe. It is also a natural reserve that provides drinking water to Rome and hosts a variety of wildlife. The lake offers many opportunities for outdoor activities, such as swimming, sailing, kayaking, fishing, and hiking.

The three towns on the lake are all worth visiting for their historical and artistic heritage. Bracciano is famous for its imposing Orsini-Odescalchi Castle, one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in Italy. Trevignano Romano is a picturesque village with a lovely promenade along the lake and a lively market on Sundays. Anguillara Sabazia is a medieval town with narrow alleys and panoramic views over the water.

The distance from Rome to Lake Bracciano is about 35 kilometers and the travel time is about one hour, depending on the mode of transportation and traffic conditions.

Getting There

By Public Transport

The easiest way to reach Lake Bracciano by public transport is by train. You can take a regional train from Ostiense station (connected to Rome's metro at Piramide stop) to Bracciano station, which takes about an hour and costs 3.60 euros. Trains run every half hour, except on Sundays and holidays, when they are less frequent. From Bracciano station, you can walk to the town center in five minutes or take a bus to Trevignano Romano or Anguillara Sabazia.

Another option is to take a bus from Rome's Saxa Rubra station (reachable by metro at Flaminio stop) to Trevignano Romano or Anguillara Sabazia, which takes about an hour and a half and costs 2.60 euros. Buses run every hour or so, but they are less reliable than trains.

By Car

If you have your own car, you can drive to Lake Bracciano by taking the Via Cassia north from Rome and following the signs for Bracciano, Trevignano Romano, or Anguillara Sabazia. The drive takes about 55 minutes, but it can vary depending on traffic and road conditions.

Parking options are limited in the towns, especially during peak season and weekends. You may have to park outside the town center and walk to the lake or pay for a parking lot or garage.

Top Attractions at Lake Bracciano

Odescalchi Castle

This impressive castle is located in the town of Bracciano, overlooking the lake. It was built in the 15th century by the Orsini family and later passed to the Odescalchi family. It is one of the best preserved castles in Italy and has hosted several famous weddings, such as Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes. You can visit the castle and admire its richly decorated rooms, its collection of weapons and armor, and its beautiful gardens. Tip: Book your tickets online to avoid queues and get a guided tour.

National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia

If you are interested in the ancient history of this region, you should visit this museum in Rome, about 40 km from the lake. It houses a remarkable collection of artifacts from the Etruscan civilization, which flourished in central Italy before the Romans. You can see pottery, jewelry, sculptures, tombs, and the famous Sarcophagus of the Spouses. Tip: The museum is closed on Mondays and has free admission on the first Sunday of every month.

More Attractions

• Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo: This beautiful church in Rome is famous for its Renaissance art, including works by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Bernini.
• Air Force Museum: This museum in Vigna di Valle, near the lake, displays a collection of aircrafts and helicopters from different periods of Italian aviation history.
• Lake Martignano: This smaller lake near Bracciano is a natural reserve and a popular spot for swimming, hiking, and picnicking.

Activities and Experiences

Swimming, Boating, SUPping

Lake Bracciano is a clean and clear lake that offers many opportunities for water sports and relaxation. You can swim in its refreshing waters, rent a boat or a kayak to explore its shores, or try stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) for a fun and easy activity. There are several beaches and docks around the lake where you can access the water and find facilities such as showers, toilets, bars, and restaurants.

Exploring the Villages

Around the lake there are three charming villages that are worth visiting: Bracciano, Anguillara Sabazia, and Trevignano Romano. They all have picturesque medieval centers with narrow streets, stone houses, churches, and castles. You can stroll around their alleys, enjoy their views of the lake, and taste their local cuisine. Some of the specialties are fish from the lake, such as eel and perch, and cheese from the nearby countryside.

Lesser Known Stories and Interesting Facts about Lake Bracciano

Lake Bracciano has a long and fascinating history that goes back to prehistoric times. Here are some facts that you may not know about it:

• The lake was formed by a volcanic eruption about 600,000 years ago. It is one of the largest volcanic lakes in Italy and has a circular shape with a diameter of about 8 km.
• The lake is also known as Lake Sabatino, after the ancient Sabine people who inhabited this area before the Romans.
• The lake is an important source of drinking water for Rome. It is protected by strict environmental regulations that limit pollution and motorized boats.
• The lake has been used as a filming location for several movies and TV shows, such as The Passion of the Christ, The Talented Mr. Ripley, The Two Popes, and Medici: Masters of Florence.
• The lake is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds such as herons, cormorants, coots, and kingfishers; fish such as carp, pike, tench, and trout; and mammals such as otters, foxes, porcupines, and wild boars.