If you’ve got a half day to spare (or more!) while in Rome, visiting Lake Bracciano, less than an hour north of Rome, will let you discover an area of central Italy you’ve actually seen countless times… on your television screen or at the movies.
That’s right, the three small cities perched over the lake (Bracciano, Anguillara Sabazia and Trevignano Romano) feature beautifully preserved old towns that continue to be used extensively each time international production companies need to shoot TV series or movies set in the Middle Ages, in the Renaissance or even just in the 1800s. You might have seen Bracciano and its surroundings “posing” as Florence at the time of the Medicis, or as Rome when the Borgias ruled, or even as Cyprus when Othello raged on!
Also in Bracciano, look no further than the majestic Odescalchi castle, built in 1495 over a pre-existing military structure, possibly dating back to the Etruscans’ rule over the area. This is the main attraction in the area, with the sole exception of the lake itself. If you want to explore this monumental landmark by yourself, you can just buy a ticket at the entrance. However, as the castle can be rented out to host lavish weddings or parties, you could very well book an organized tour such as this one, that will get you inside the castle and offer you a wine tasting experience, too.
Modern history buffs will also have something to chew on, as the hamlet of Vigna di Valle, between Bracciano and Anguillara, is home to the Museo Storico dell’Aeronautica Militare – Italian Air Force Museum, the most important aviation museum of Italy.
When tourists from abroad refer to the “Lake District of Italy” they think of the area around Lake Garda, Lake Como and so on. But there is really one extra Lake District , which includes a number of water bodies in central Italy: Lake Trasimeno, Lake Bolsena, Lake Vico, Lake Martignano and, lastly, Lake Bracciano.
Unlike those in northern Italy, these are all of volcanic origin: for this very reason, the area around Bracciano is abundant with natural spas. What’s more, the lake is part of a regional park, with rare plants and wild animals roaming the woods surrounding the lake: a small paradise for lovers of the outdoors, who will be able to hike in the surroundings and engage in nordic walking and orienteering.
The lake itself is a coveted summer destination thanks to its black-sand beaches and lovely climate, slightly fresher than Rome. Sports-enthusiasts will have a great time – windsurfing, sailing and kayaking and thriathlon are just some of the activities visitors can engage in while visiting. For those who don’t like fresh, clean waters, cycling, running or even horseriding are a great alternative.
With landscapes rich in rolling hills and olive groves, similar to most of Tuscany, it’s no wonder than lots of expats have decided to relocate to this area, close to Rome but with none of the hectic atmosphere of the Urbs Aeterna.
Visitors will find that the whole area is an easy destination: Bracciano and Anguillara Sabazia are two of the main stops on the FL3 regional line, which calls at Roma San Pietro, the train-subway hub at Valle Aurelia, Roma Ostiense or Roma Trastevere (among many others). Depending on where you board your train, travel time can be under one hour. Upon reaching your destination, you will have to rely on local public transport or a local taxi to move about the area.
You could even rent a car, locally or in Rome. And of course feel free to get in touch to have a quote from our trusted Gianni Conti Car Service, who will be able to offer you a private transfer at a special rate if you’re staying in one of our apartments!
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