Rome appears to be on everybody’s bucket record today, and although right here at Travel Off Path we do have a choice for extra offbeat locations, pay attention, we get it.
Between the traditional attract of the Colosseum and the picture-perfect cobbled streets of Trastevere, the Eternal City is sort of a treasure trove of artifical wonders, however even in case you’re a Rome fanatic, you’ll be able to’t deny it may possibly get a bit hectic at instances.
Sorry, hectic is an understatement: Rome is without doubt one of the most overtouristed cities on the Old Continent, and the loopy costs do not assist its case.
But hey, there may be nonetheless hope for these amongst us who’re craving a few of that Italian dolce vita, with out the expensiveness of all of it, and guess what: you needn’t go farther than an hour away from Rome to seek out it!
Here are 4 smaller Italian cities but to be spoiled by the plenty, and a brief prepare journey away from Roma-Termini:
Civita Castellana
Distance From Rome: 39 miles
How To Get There: Train from Roma-Termini to Civita Castellana‑Magliano
Journey Time: 1h10–1h30
Fares: €5–€13
A small city nestled on a hill overlooking the Lazio countryside, solely 39 miles northeast of Rome, Civita Castellana appears prefer it’s conjured straight from a storybook cowl, the place a timeless outdated city paved with cobbles is surrounded by outdated partitions.
It’s Forte Sangallo, the citadel that dominates the townscape, is one in all Europe’s most spectacular Renaissance fortresses, and the close by Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore, Romanesque in character, options a wonderful compositesque ground and an historic crypt.
You can stroll throughout city, visiting each alley, hidden piazzetta, and family-owned trattoria, and relaxation assured you will not discover a single tour group in sight, nor lengthy strains, nor the standard Instagrammers that flock to the Trevi Fountain.
Other than the citadel and the cathedral, do not miss out on Ponte Clementino, a stone bridge spanning a deep ravine, and you probably have sufficient time, lease a motorcycle to discover Via Amerina, a Roman street left nearly precisely because it was 2,000 years in the past.
Zagarolo
Distance From Rome: 19 miles
How To Get There: Train from Roma-Termini to Zagarolo Station
Journey Time: 30min
Fares: €2.60–€3
Also inside simple attain of Rome-based vacationers, Zagarolo is one more offbeat hill settlement distinguished by a largely unspoiled centro storico that has barely seen any vital modifications because the Middle Ages and a plethora of Renaissance and Baroque monuments.
Wandering round its winding pathways, which nonetheless observe a medieval format, you will discover magnificent church buildings like Chiesa di San Pietro Apostolo, characterised by its hovering bell tower and coffered ceiling, ornate palaces, most notably Palazzo Rospigliosi, and laid-back wine bars.
Zagarolo is, in truth, one in all Italy’s most underrated locations for oenophiles. That’s only a fancy phrase for wine lover, and in case you’re one in all them, you need to know this city is a part of the Castelli Romani wine area, the house of Frascati and Cesane whites.
If you are visiting in September, which is simply ‘not far away, you’ll be able to’t miss out on the Sagra dell’Uva, or Grape Festival: image parades, overflowing wine, scrumptious meals, and stay music. Oh, and most significantly, only a few foreigners!
Castel Gandolfo
Distance From Rome: 15 miles
How To Get There: Train from Roma-Termini to Castel Gandolfo Station
Journey Time: 38–45min
Fares: €3–€5
Straddling the banks of Laco Albano, a wonderful clear-water lake within the heart of Italy, surrounded by lush mountains, Castel Gandolfo is Italy’s best-kept secret, and belief us after we say Romans themselves would like to maintain it that method:
Other than Ostia, it is the place they go on the weekend for some waterside leisure. The lakeshore has small pebbly seashores, eating places, and loads of boat and kayak leases that will let you get pleasure from nature.
The city itself, situated additional up on a hillside, with views of the lake, has Italy’s conventional slender streets, cafe-bordered piazzas, and gorgeous villas: in case you suppose the landscaped gardens in Como are attractive, wait till you see Giardini Barberini.
It’s no secret that the Vatican is often jam-packed with guests, however do you know that Castel Gandolfo has its personal Papal Palace? Palazzo Pontificio is the place the Popes have vacationed in summer season for hundreds of years, and its opulent rooms and frescoed chapels are open for visitation.
Tivoli
Distance From Rome: 19 miles
How To Get There: Train from Roma-Termini to Tivoli Station
Journey Time: 50–70min
Fares: €3–€5
Our fourth and last decide is Tivoli, a superbly possible day-trip in case you’re in Rome for longer than 3/4 days: a much-smaller city, bestriding the Lazian hills, it is well-known for its huge assortment of Ancient Roman landmarks, undeveloped, but bewitching Old Town, and ‘native’, lived-in really feel.
The essential focal point right here is Hadrian’s Villa, a monumental archaeological website encompassing the previous summer season retreat of a Roman Emperor. It contains the now-iconic Maritime Theater, a round venue ringed by a moated canal, in addition to monumental baths and temples.
In the center of Tivoli, Villa d’Este is a UNESCO-listed Renaissance complicated enjoying host to a landmark backyard with over 100 interconnected fountains and runnels, whereas the Historic Center, with its quaint townhouses, stone steps, and epic waterfalls.
Yep, you learn that proper: Tivoli is perched atop a hill, proper over a collection of cascades. Those waterfalls could be admired from a variety of spots round city, although the perfect viewpoint is, with out query, the Villa Gregoriana Park, proper beside the 328 ft excessive Cascata Grande.
The Travel Off Path Advantage: Your Travel Toolkit
Subscribe To Our Latest Posts
The Travel Off Path Advantage: Your Travel Toolkit
Subscribe To Our Latest Posts
The Travel Off Path Advantage: Your Travel Toolkit
Subscribe To Our Latest Posts