Neighborhood highlights
WALKING AROUND LAGO DI NEMI
Situated between the two villages of Genzano and Nemi, the small volcanic lake has its own mythological, historical and archaeological treasures. But it’s for the panoramas, the peace of the surrounding woods and a swim in its clear waters that people mainly decide to come here.
The paths circulating the lake make for an easy stroll, while passing farms, taking in views of the lake and the lush green surrounding woods. Drink in fresh, potable sparkling mineral water at the fountain along the route.
For more of a challenge, one can walk between the town of Nemi and Genzano by ascending and descending nature paths through woods and roads to reach the towns from the lake, taking in spectacular views of the lake from the towns above, and the two towns perched on top the crater from lake level.
In warmer weather the lake is perfect for swimming; the water is clear, fresh and clean, as it is believed a natural spring provides a constant flow of fresh water. There are two beaches; one grassy found behind the restaurant La Fiocina and one rocky beach on the other side of the lake where the asphalt road ends. The grassy beach found behind La Fiocina is larger, flatter and easier to access than the other found at the other side of the lake. There are plenty of trees that provide shade and a few picnic tables. La Fiocina also provides sandwiches and drinks to take away.
WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN NEMI
Nemi boasts the Orange Flag title, awarded by the Italian Touring Club to municipalities with less than 15 thousand inhabitants that are distinguished by their hospitality and tourist offer. Once you reach the centre of Nemi, you can have a first contact with the village by walking through the small streets that characterize the historical centre of the small town of Lazio, overlooking the lake of the same name about 500 metres high. One of the main attractions is Palazzo Ruspoli, which dates back to the Middle Ages. In the small square of the village, there is the most important religious building, the Church of Santa Maria del Pozzo, built in the sixteenth century, too. If you love religious monuments, at the entrance of Nemi you can find the beautiful Sanctuary of the Santissimo Crocifisso.
During a stay at the village of Colli Albani, a visit to the lake is not to be missed, around which the famous red strawberries of Nemi are grown. Near the banks of the lake, you can admire the ruins of the Temple of Diana Aricina, one of the best evidence linking the current territory to ancient Rome. Not far from the temple, you will find the Museum of Roman Ships, embellished by the presence of two boats that, according to historical sources, were built at the behest of Emperor Caligula. If you are visiting Rome during spring/early summer, don't miss the Strawberry Festival, the most important event of the year, on the first Sunday of June. Admission is free and the festival is usually held in the historical centre of the village, with thousands of visitors from the nearby regions. During the Strawberry Festival, the protagonists of the show are women wearing the traditional clothes of the harvesters for the occasion. In 2022, the important festival celebrated its centenary, since the first edition took place in 1922.
WHAT TO SEE NEAR NEMI
Of couse there are other sites and places to explore near the village of strawberries. Among these, a prominent role is played by Castel Gandolfo, the summer residence of the popes. Inside Castel Gandolfo, you can visit the Pontifical Villas, including the magnificent Villa Barberini and its garden. In addition to the Pontifical Villas, the beautiful town of Castel Gandolfo is worth a visit too. One of the most important monuments in the centre of Castel Gandolfo is the Pontifical Collegiate of St. Thomas of Villanova, by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, whose famous works created for the capital during the seventeenth century are in all the main tourist guides of the city of Rome. Another delightful village to visit in the Castelli Romani are is Grottaferrata. Often included in the list of the most beautiful villages in Lazio, Grottaferrata has several attractions to offer its visitors. Among them, the Abbey of Santa Maria, the main religious building. Also, Grottaferrata has its noble villas, the most famous are: Villa Cavalletti, Villa Dusmet and Villa Arrigoni-Muti.
