Exploring the Castelli Romani

Ariccia is in a part of a community in the province of Rome called the Castelli Romani, which means “Castles of Rome.” The area of the Castelli Romani occupies an ancient, fertile volcanic area from where volcanic craters produced two lakes – Lake Nemi and Lake Albano (also called Lake Castel Gondolfo). Wealthy Romans would come to this area during the summer to get away from the heat of the city. The Popes still have their summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, on Lake Albano. On Thursday, we toured our neighboring Castelli Romani towns - Rocca di Papa, Frascati, Grottaferrata, Castel Gandolfo, and Nemi.


Villa Aldobrandini in Frascati


Mary Hester and me


Frascati is known for its wine and its three-breasted women cookies - two for milk, one for wine.


Monastery in Grottaferrata


Lake Albano in Castel Gondolfo




Cute little restaurant overlooking the lake


Street in Nemi


Nemi is known for its strawberries. In May and June they have their famous strawberry festivals.


A few girls with their strawberry tarts.


View of Castelli Romani towns on Mountain Montecavo

We had a great day getting to know more about our area. This week we are having our field trips Wednesday and Thursday to Rome where will have an Ancient Rome Scavenger Hunt as an assignment. I can't wait!