Among the many monuments of Rome, an important role is played by Castles. There are few of them, but they are great. Here follows a list of the most beautiful and amazing castles of the "Caput Mundi".
CASTEL SANT'ANGELO
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Facing Sant' Angelo Bridge is Castel Sant'Angelo an enormous circular structure begun by Hadrian as a Mausoleum for himself and his family. In the early middle-ages the tomb was sourrounded with ramparts and became the citadel of Rome. In its general plan, the castle follows the shape of Hadrian's mausoleum, the exact design of which is unknown. The curtain walls of the inner ward, between the medieval bastions, are original; so is the entrance (no longer in use), except that the Roman treshold was lower.The round tower is Hadrian's , without its marble facing and its statues. Above it are additions of the renaissance and later, such as the arcaded galleries.
The central tower was the base of a statue of Hadrian driving a chariot ,now replaced by a bronze angel. The pentagonal outer ward, added in the 16C, used to have five bastions, two of them were demolished during the construction of Piazza Pia and of the Lungo Tevere. The ditch between the two fortifications, planted with trees and covered with lawns, is a public park.
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Tour the medieval villages outside Rome on an afternoon excursion to the Castelli Romani region. You'll take a relaxing drive through the beautiful countryside surrounding the busy capital, see views of the Pope's summer residence of Castelgandolfo and enjoy a wine tasting at famous Frascati.
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CASTEL GANDOLFO
Nowadays it is still the summer residence of the Popes. It is placed on a volcanic crater, above an amazing lake. The town center worth a visit too.
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On the main square, Piazza della Libertà, there is the church of San Tommaso di Villanova, designed by Bernini, a couple of cafes, a few shops selling local produce and tourist fripperies in the piazza.
Castel Gandolfo is a sleepy little place and it's an ideal spot to spend a few relaxing hours. There are some good places to eat, and the area is renowned for its local produce, and several establishments offer you the chance to taste and buy wine, meat and other local specialities.
There is a tourist information kiosk close to the piazza on Via Massimo d'Azeglio.
The town has a peach festival, the Sagra delle Pesche, on the third Sunday in July. The patron saint is San Sebastiano, celebrated in September.
Take this special excursion to receive a Papal Blessing at Castelgandolfo in the summer months only. Availability is limited, so don't miss the opportunity to leave the busy Italian capital to spend time with the Pope at his summer residence at Castelgandolfo.
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FRASCATI
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Frascati is the most well-known of the Castelli Romani, and the most visited. Just a short journey from Rome, the town is famous for its white wine, and is a popular destination for Romans looking for fresh air, good food and drink and a pleasant day out.
The most imposing building in Frascati is the grand Villa Aldobrandini, with gardens that are open to the public.
Frascati it is a picturesque town, reknown for its bistroes and wyneries. Another famous place is Villa Torlonia, with its theatre "Delle Acque". The Chrurch of Gesus and St. Peter's Cathedral worth a visit.
Our Suggestion
Tour the medieval villages outside Rome on an afternoon excursion to the Castelli Romani region. You'll take a relaxing drive through the beautiful countryside surrounding the busy capital, see views of the Pope's summer residence of Castelgandolfo and enjoy a wine tasting at famous Frascati.
Click here for more information and Booking Details »
Tour the medieval villages outside Rome on an afternoon excursion to the Castelli Romani region. You'll take a relaxing drive through the beautiful countryside surrounding the busy capital, see views of the Pope's summer residence of Castelgandolfo and enjoy a wine tasting at famous Frascati.
Click here for more information and Booking Details »
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NEMI
Nemi is an ancient pretty medieval town, placed on the crater of a ancient estinguished volcano. This town is mostly reknown for the production of strawberry in May - June. You can't miss the characteristic centertown.
