Lazio Guide

Lazio is the region around Rome. With endless attractions, a unique cultural heritage and the incomparable charm of the Eternal City, this region can be visited at any time of the year. Lazio is a region waiting to be discovered: with a variety of extraordinary landscapes and environments, long beaches and vast pine groves, mountains and lakes, hills and plains. A region waiting to reveal its rich historical, artistic and cultural heritage in the most irresistible means possible.


Art and Culture
Rome, the capital of the Roman Empire, the center of Christianity and capital of Italy. No further presentation necessary. Leaving the capital, every area of Lazio has its own distinguishing feature. To the north the province of Viterbo, called Tuscia, preserves the richest cultural and archaeological heritage in Italy. The region is scattered with Etruscan necropolises, medieval villages, castles and splendid Renaissance villas. Viterbo is the best preserved medieval city in Lazio, while the surrounding area is composed of picturesque countryside and wilderness. The Etruscan cities of Tarquinia, Cerveteri and Tuscania and their incredible necropolises are not to be missed. Among the villas, we recommend you visit Palazzo Farnese in Caprarola and the “Park of Monsters” in Bomarzo.
East of Rome one finds unmissable Tivoli, the preferred thermal spring of the ancient Romans, where one finds the impressive ruins of Hadrian’s Villa and the Renaissance residence of Villa d’Este.
The south-east of the capital extends over the fascinating region of Ciociaria: its wild landscape hosts beautiful medieval cities of pre-Roman origin, such as Anagni, Alatri and Ferentino famous for imposing walls, or one can take the charming religious itinerary among the ancient abbeys of Subiaco, Casamari, Montecassino and Fossanova. Another interesting tour around the mountains of Lazio will lead you to Rieti, a city full of medieval testimonies enclosed by its perfectly preserved great, long walls.


Nature and relaxation
Nature around Lazio provides a wealth of variety that extends over volcanic lakes, green hills rolling to the beaches, sharp Appenine Mountains and natural parks full of unspoilt beauty.
The Castelli Romani are located a short distance from Rome. This area extends around the two volcanic lakes of Albano and Nemi, which is not only appreciated for its natural beauty, but also for its rich historical and cultural heritage.
Lazio's coastline is interesting and varied, composed of long beaches and beautiful reefs. Ostia is Rome's most popular beach and is always crowded. We recommend you take the coastal road that goes from Ostia to Anzio, passing by sand dunes and fishing huts. The most fascinating area of coastline is located to the south, the location of Circeo National Park, which is covered by the greenery of oak forests, coastal lakes and sand dunes. The park faces the marvelous archipelago of the Pontine Islands, including the famous holiday resorts of Ponza and Ventotene. Other interesting locations are Terracina, Sperlonga and Gaeta, picturesque sea-facing villages which have become attractive sea resorts.
The territory to the north of Rome is covered by woodland and includes three splendid volcanic lakes. Lake Bolsena and Lake Bracciano are bathing destinations with numerous water sports. Near Bolsena, the beautiful area of Civita di Bagnoreggio, known as “the dieing city”, is worth a visit. Lake Vico is located within a nature reserve: it is much appreciated for canoeing, hiking, cycling and horse riding tours and even bird watching.
The National Park of Gran Sasso and Laga Mountains are located near Rieti. This area offers tourists walks in the wilderness and beautiful, primeval nature, with views of rare beauty and vast panorama. This park includes the highest summit of the Apennine Mountains (2915 meters).
Thermal baths: the ancient Roman’s were very aware of the concept of well-being. Lazio's volcanic origin led to the formation of a wealth of thermal baths, with the most famous in Viterbo, Tivoli and Fiuggi, one of the most important hydrotherapeutic centers in Italy.


Food and wine
Cuisine in Rome and Lazio is among the most renowned in Italy and is mainly based on products from the land. There are three fundamental elements: olive oil, cheese and wine. Vegetables and pulses are used in abundance. Artichokes are typical of the region and are prepared alla Romana or fried alla Giudia.
Starters include the famous Bruschette, toasted bread slices seasoned with a variety of ingredients.
Tuscia and Ciociaria residents use lots of soup, in particular soup with lake fish, known as Sbroscia, and plenty of soups with seasonal vegetables, known as Acquacotta.
Pasta dishes include the famous Amatriciana, Carbonara and classic gnocchi. Egg pasta is represented with classic Fettuccine and Pappardelle mixed with a variety of sauces.
Lamb reigns among the meat dishes (Abbacchio if a milk lamb is used), as well as pork. Don't forget to try the Porchetta, a full roast, sliced pig. The entrails of the cow are used a lot, such as Coda alla Vaccinara (tail) and tripe. Also worth a mention, fish from Lake Bolsena, delicate perch fillets, whitefish and renowned eel!
Typical cheese include Pecorino, Caciotta and Ricotta, all made from sheep milk. The most important of which is Pecorino Romano.
Wine: Tuscia brings us red Aleatico and white Orvieto and Est! Est!! Est!!! Castelli Romani wines are indisputably the most popular in Rome. They are almost all white.  The main labels include Frascati, known as the “Wine of the Popes”, Marino and Colli Albani.