Excursion to Roman Castles

The name Roman Castles refers to small, picturesque towns located on the slopes of the Albanian Mountains not far from Rome. This name dates back to the 14th century, when the inhabitants of Rome moved en masse to the castles of local feudal lords at a time when the papal throne was located in the city of Avignon. The territory of the Roman Castles has a volcanic origin, which contributes to the cultivation of various varieties of grapes, from which the famous local wine is produced.

What to expect during the tour

Famous Roman aristocratic families such as the Savelli, Annibaldi, Colonna, and Orsini began building their fortresses and castles on this land after the fall of the Roman Empire. You will have a wonderful opportunity to visit some of the renowned villas, palaces, and monasteries situated on the Alban Hills and to explore the shores of two lakes located in extinct volcanic craters. Lake Albano is the deepest volcanic lake in Italy, with a depth of 168 meters. On the lake’s shore, you can see the ruins of the villa of Emperor Domitian from the 1st century AD. Here, the famous Frascati wine is produced, which you will have the chance to taste.

What will be the itinerary of our tour

We will start our visit in the town of Frascati, known for its eponymous wine. This is where the white Frascati DOC wine is produced, a symbol of the city and surrounding areas. We will explore the 17th-century Cathedral and the Church of Jesus, which features a painted illusion of a dome that doesn’t actually exist. A similar work by Andrea Pozzo can be seen in Rome during my exclusive sightseeing tour.

Frascati is also renowned for its “Tuscolan Villas,” built in the early 16th century by Roman nobility. There are twelve of these villas, with the Aldobrandini and Tuscolana Villas being highlights of our tour.

Next, we will visit Castel Gandolfo, the summer residence of the popes, which offers breathtaking views of Lake Albano. Here, you will have the opportunity to taste famous local wines and sample various cheeses and cold cuts at a real wine cellar for a small additional fee.

In Grottaferrata, we will visit a unique 11th-century monastery-fortress, home to Byzantine monks following the rule of St. Basil.

The final stop on our tour will be the unforgettable town of Nemi on the shores of Lake Nemi, a volcanic lake where Emperor Caligula once built his “palace on the water.” Nemi is a strawberry paradise, where strawberries and wild strawberries are grown year-round, and a variety of sweets, desserts, and delicious liqueurs are made from them. In Nemi, you will also find the region’s most famous stalls with a wide range of sausages, hams, and the renowned “prosciutto.” Porchetta, the queen of meat products, with its enticing appearance and aroma, will be a treat you won’t want to miss.