Lazio

Lazio lies between the Apennines and the Tyrrhenian Sea, with the Pontine marshes in the south and wooded hills in the north. Home to the historic city of Rome it also has numerous lakes and coastal resorts which provide the perfect antidote to the heat of the city and its crowds.

Rome, the capital city of Italy, is crammed full of history, boasting a dazzling array of architectural and artistic masterpieces of the ancient world. Within Rome lies the Vatican City, the world capital of Catholicism, ruled by the Pope, Europe’s only absolute monarch. It’s also the world’s smallest state, occupying 43 hectares within high walls watched over by guards. More historical sites can be found just outside Rome, including the ruins of Villa Adriana, just outside the hilltown of Tivoli. Once a favoured resort of the ancient Romans, the town is also home to the 16th-century Villa d’Este, renowned for its beautiful gardens. Nearby Ostia Antica boasts one of the finest Roman sites. For 600 years it was the busy, main port of Rome, and the site is well preserved. 

Viterbo, in the north, is a medieval town with grand palaces and churches enclosed by preserved medieval walls. For recreation, there are numerous lakes including Lakes Bolsena, Bracciano, Vico and Albano. These lakes were created by volcanic activity which also left Lazio with hot springs, most notably those around Tivoli and Fiuggi. Popular coastal resorts include Sperlonga, Anzio and Nettuno, with some of the best beaches lying between Gaeta and Sabaudia.

Lazio has five provinces: Frosinone, Latina, Rieti, Roma and Viterbo. 

Places of interest

Anguillara: Pretty medieval lake town on the shore of Lake Bracciano.

Bolsena: Lakeside beach resort on Lake Bolsena with medieval castle.

Caprarola: Medieval village 4 km. from Lake Vico, with grandiose Renaissance villa.

Fiuggi: Spa town.

Rome: Colosseum, Forum, Palatine Hill, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, the list is endless.

Sermoneta: Pretty hilltown overlooking the Pontine Plains, with medieval houses, palaces and churches.

Tarquinia: Archaeology museum, frescoed tombs of the necropolis.

Vatican City: St Peter’s church, Sistine Chapel with famous painted ceiling by Michelangelo, museums.

Cuisine of the region

Pasta is eaten with a variety of sauces including aglio e olio (garlic and oil), cacio e pepe (percorino cheese and black pepper) and alle vongole (with baby clams). The well known dish spaghetti alla carbonara was first devised in Rome. Fish and offal are popular. Mushrooms and, in particular, artichokes (carciofi) are used in a variety of dishes, and rosemary, sage and garlic are used frequently for seasoning. Local wines include Frascati and Torre Ercolana, one of the few red wines produced in Lazio. Fresh drinking water is freely available in the numerous fountains scattered around Rome.

Risotto alla Romana: Rice with sauce of liver, sweetbreads and Marsala.

Saltimbocca: Veal with ham and sage.

Torta di Ricotta: Cheesecake made with ricotta, Marsala and lemon.