What to visit near Rome? Here are 6 ideas that we recommend

What to visit near Rome? There are many interesting places to visit within an hour of Rome. Here are some ideas:

• Necropolis of Tarquinia: one of the most important archaeological sites in the region, with a series of Etruscan tombs decorated with fascinating paintings.
• Castello di Bracciano: an imposing medieval castle located on the shore of the lake of the same name, with a rich and interesting history.
• Parco degli Acquedotti: a green area that surrounds the ancient Roman aqueducts, where it is possible to take long walks surrounded by nature.
• Grotte di Nerone: a series of ancient caves dug into the rock where, according to legend, Nero would have spent his free time.
• Ariccia a picturesque medieval village with a beautiful central square and a famous trattoria where you can taste local products.

Some more information on the places we recommend

Necropolis of Tarquinia

The Necropolis of Tarquinia is one of the most important archaeological sites in the region, located about 80 km north of Rome. The necropolis is made up of a series of Etruscan tombs carved into the rock, decorated with fascinating paintings depicting scenes of daily life, funerary rites and divinities. The tombs were excavated between the 7th and 2nd century BC. and represent one of the most important testimonies of the Etruscan civilization.

The necropolis of Tarquinia was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004 and is open to the public every day, except Mondays, with times and rates varying according to the season. It is also possible to book guided tours to learn more about the history and characteristics of the Etruscan tombs.

Bracciano Castle

Castello di Bracciano is an imposing medieval castle located on the shore of the lake of the same name, about 40 km north-west of Rome. The castle was built in the 15th century and is a perfect example of Renaissance military architecture.

The castle was the seat of the Orsini family for many centuries and inside you can admire some frescoed rooms with battle and hunting scenes, as well as a series of valuable works of art. Among the most important rooms of the castle are the Throne Room, the Weapons Room and the Geographical Maps Room.

The castle is surrounded by a large park, where it is possible to take long walks in the open air and admire the beauty of Lake Bracciano. The park is also the ideal place to organize picnics and outdoor parties.

Park of the Aqueducts

The Parco degli Acquedotti is a green area surrounding the ancient Roman aqueducts, located about 10 km southeast of Rome. Aqueducts are massive stone structures that were used to bring water from sources outside the city to Rome. They were built between the 2nd century BC. and the 3rd century AD. and they are still today one of the most important testimonies of the greatness and ingenuity of the Romans.

The Parco degli Acquedotti is an oasis of peace and tranquility, ideal for taking long walks in the open air and enjoying the beauty of nature

Caves of Nero

The Grotte di Nerone are a series of ancient caves carved into the rock near Rome, where, according to legend, Nero would have spent his free time. The caves were excavated at the end of the 1st century AD. and extend about 1 km underground.

The caves are made up of a series of intersecting halls and tunnels, some of which are decorated with frescoes and mosaics. Among the most interesting rooms of the caves are the Sala delle Fontane, which houses a series of artificial fountains, and the Sala delle Canzoni, where, according to legend, Nero composed his famous songs.

Ariccia

Ariccia is a picturesque medieval village located about 30 km southeast of Rome. The village is known for its beautiful central square, surrounded by historic buildings and numerous restaurants and trattorias where you can taste local products.

Among the main attractions of Ariccia are the Palazzo Chigi, which houses a collection of valuable works of art, and the Church of Santa Maria dell’Assunta, which is famous for its majestic arches and its 15th-century frescoes as well as its typical flagship product: Porchetta.