Rome is surely a big city, rich in history and art masterpieces: there are lots of things to do and to see, but a day trip to Castelli Romani area will surely surprise you! Castelli Romani is a group of towns located near Rome, surrounded by a natural park that includes also some lakes of volcanic origins. Castelli Romani are renowned as a cultural and natural area, but above all they are considered as a food and wine heaven! Among the most famous towns of Castelli Romani there are Castel Gandolfo, Marino, Ariccia and Genzano.



When to visit Castelli Romani

April to October is surely the best season to spend a splendid day in Castelli Romani. Indeed, a sunny day is perfect if you want to enjoy a stroll along the lakeside of Castel Gandolfo! But if you want to take part to a Papal blessing, you have to visit Castel Gandolfo in July and August, where he receives every Wednesday at 10 a.m. Two great events are also held in two towns of Castelli Romani: the wine festival of Marino (during October) and the Flower Festival (or Infiorata) of Genzano (during June).

 

 

How to get there

Castel Gandolfo could be easily reached thanks to the train departing from Roma Termini, but if you would like to visit all the small towns that are part of the Castelli Romani, you need a car. In Rome you could easily rent a car for a day or, if to drive in Italy scares you, it is better to book a day tour with private driver!

What to do and what to see

Castel Gandolfo is rich in history and the town is known worldwide like the summer residence of Popes, that makes it one of the most renowned tourist attractions near Rome. For this reason, there are many churches to visit, such as Collegiata pontificia di San Tommaso da Villanova, projected by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1661 or the Church of Madonna sul Lago wanted personally by the Pope VI on the river banks. You could not miss also the church of San Sebastiano and the church of Santa Maria della Cona.
Castel Gandolfo houses also the Ville Pontificie (Pope Palaces), edified in 1628 thanks to Pope Urbano VIII. Nowadays, during the summer, here it is held the Pope blessing once a week.