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Come to discover the verdant hilly area that surrounds Italy’s capital, Rome, interesting not only from the point of view of landscape, but also for the historical and artistic beauty of the villages in this area: we are talking of Castelli Romani, a group of small villages in the Alban Hills south of Rome. This area is rich in archaeological remains from different eras, manor houses, city walls, villas and delicious food. Let’s find out some places not to be missed, along with our tips for a stay on a farm in the countryside!
SIGHTSEEING:
1) Nemi
This small hill town is situated in a panoramic position on Lake Nemi, famous for the discovery in its waters of two Roman vessels dedicated to emperor Caligula, now preserved at the Museum of Roman Ships.
The town’s name derives from “Nemus”, the sacred wood of goddess Diana, which used to stretch around the lake; don’t miss the remains of the Temple of Diana Nemorensis, an ancient place of worship, and the medieval Palazzo Ruspoli, built by the Counts of Tusculum, with a beautiful terrace and frescoes.
2) Ariccia
Famous for its delicious “porchetta”, where pork meat is flavored with herbs and fennel and cooked slowly, this town has ancient origins, as evidenced by several findings. Don’t miss the Collegiate Church of the Virgin Mary,
designed by Bernini, while among the Roman remains there are the Appian Way that runs through the valley, where they discovered ancient tombs, remains of thermal buildings and the temple of Diana. Visit the Chigi Park, a destination for artists and writers, with a beautiful ancient woodland, fountains and fine avenues. The gorgeous Palazzo Ducale Savelli-Chigi, a baroque residence that retains its original paintings and sculptures, was the location of the famous film The Leopard by Luchino Visconti.
3) Castel Gandolfo
In this picturesque location, in large part included in a natural park, already beloved by the ancient Romans, is the Pope’s summer residence in the territory along Lake Albano. Here you’ll find some interesting archaeological remains 
such as the monumental Villa of Domitian, and the Collegiate Church of St. Thomas of Villanova designed by Bernini. The Popes’ Palace, built around 1628 on the structure of a pre-existing castle was commissioned by Pope Urban VIII to architect Carlo Maderno, while the Papal Villa, belonging to the Vatican State, includes some beautiful gardens, Villa Cybo and Villa Barberini.
WHERE TO STAY:
1) Farmhouse Il Casale delle Ginestre
The Farmhouse Il Casale delle Ginestre is located in the heart of Agro Romano and in a park of 75,000 square meters, which makes it a place of enchanted nature, just a few kilometers from the center of Rome. The property is bordered by a copse and a stream. Five bedrooms and three apartments are available for a pleasant and relaxing stay, made more pleasant by a large swimming pool. The outside areas are equipped with wood-burning ovens for beautiful buffet of pizza prepared to view and a barbecue to enjoy excellent grilled meat.
2) Farmhouse Zugarelli
The Farmhouse Zugarelli, on the shores of beautiful Lake Bracciano,
Farmhouse Zugarelli
is a family business where the produce is grown and served at the restaurant, a small community where you can savor the pleasure of going back to the origins of working with nature to improve the quality of life. A large swimming pool is available, as well as the Tennis Club Vigna di Valle, open every day. The farm grows vegetables and organic fruit, wheat is from the fields for flour, and eggs are fresh for delicious desserts, and to prepare the dishes of the restaurant.
3) Farmhouse Monte dell’Olmo
The Farmhouse Monte dell’Olmo, situated on the hills near Lake Bracciano, is a company that in its 40 hectares of land grows organic vegetables and fruit trees, and is dedicated to the raising of sheep, cattle and poultry: this allows the production of cheese,
Farmhouse Monte dell’Olmo
olive oil, vegetables, honey and other local products with raw materials of the highest quality. The restaurant offers an extensive menu, with the possibility to eat outside in the cool gazebo. It offers a panoramic swimming pool with views of the lake, and bike trails to discover the natural beauty of this unspoiled land.
4) Farmhouse Pomele
The Farmhouse Pomele is located at the edge of the Via Francigena on one of the pleasant hills overlooking Lake Bolsena,
Farmhouse Pomele
and it offers a unique view of the green Mediterranean Sea and the blue lake. The house, an old stone building has been recently restored respecting the original architecture while maintaining a large courtyard and is equipped with two swimming pools. The property covers about 80 hectares all around the hill on which stands the farmhouse, surrounded by woods, olive groves and vineyards.
5) Farmhouse Le Rose
The Farmhouse Le Rose is housed in an old farmhouse carefully restored and equipped with all the amenities to ensure guests a relaxing stay in a cozy and familiar environment. Surrounded by green hills and the charm of the places that were the pride of the Etruscan civilization, the Farmhouse is located just 3 kilometers from the sea and is an ideal starting point for excursions to discover the beauty of the area, such as the dazzling Tarot Garden and the Terme di Saturnia.
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