Castelli Romani
The Castelli Romani are a group of small hill towns southeast of Rome, set among the volcanic Alban Hills and historically favored as summer retreats by Roman nobility and the papacy alike. Castel Gandolfo, the best known, houses the pope's former summer residence, parts of which are now open to visitors as a museum.
The region is also a center of Roman wine production, particularly Frascati, and many towns have a strong tradition of casual wine-and-food taverns known as fraschette, serving simple local dishes alongside the area's white wines.
Given the number of individual towns spread across the area, most day trips focus on one or two, commonly Frascati and Castel Gandolfo, rather than attempting the whole region in a single visit.
Castelli Romani FAQs
About 30-45 minutes by regional train or car to the nearer towns like Frascati and Castel Gandolfo.
Frascati for wine and views, and Castel Gandolfo for the former papal summer residence, are the two most commonly visited.
Yes, parts of the Apostolic Palace at Castel Gandolfo are open to the public as a museum.
Frascati white wine and simple local dishes at a fraschetta, a casual regional tavern style.
One day is enough to see one or two towns properly; seeing the whole area would require multiple visits.
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