Frascati and “Castelli Romani””

The expression “Castelli Romani” translates literally “Roman Castles”, name derived from the villages arisen around the Popes’ villas and the rich palaces of the noble families who chose these sites for their summer residences, but in fact the name refers to a collection of wine-producing hill-towns in the south-east of Rome. These small towns and villages – Castel Gandolfo, Frascati, Grottaferrata, Rocca di Papa, Marino, Albano, Ariccia, Nemi among the others - scattered over the wooded slopes of the Alban Hills (Colli Albani), a landscape created by long-ago volcanic activity.

The circular craters of Lake Nemi and Lake Albano, testament to the area's geological past, are among the most attractive natural features of Lazio.

Villa Aldobrandini

Frascati

Albano Lake

Home to successful civilisations before the Romans began throwing their weight about, the Alban Hills became a rural retreat for the city's wealthy residents. Nowadays the tiny towns are still dominated by the great villas and palaces built by the area's richest and most powerful families. Some were destroyed in the Second World War, when the area was heavily bombed. Others have been converted into hotels or municipal offices, or taken over by wealthy companies and religious organisations.

The “Castelli Romani” are today a popular destination for Romans looking for fresh air, good food and drink and a pleasant day out.

Frascati, located 20 kilometres (12  miles) south-east of Rome, is a charming town on the Alban Hills, close to the ancient city of Tusculum, whose archeological remains can be

easily reached by a panoramic route. Frascati’s development as a town was influenced by the interest taken by various Popes and by the Roman Curia, as well as by the noble families. H e r e

important buildings, churches

and villas were built. The villas are one of Frascati’s most distinctive elements, but also the wonderful fountains deserve a mention.

Villa Aldobrandini is a magnificent palace designed by

Giacomo della Porta that dominates the valley towards Rome with its enchanting gardens, sculptures and water fountains. Nearby, Villa Torlonia with its beautiful gardens surrounding the water theatre, Teatro delle Acque, offers impressive sights to the visitors. Villa Mondragone, Villa Grazioli, Villa Parisi and Villa Falconieri are other breathtaking villas dominating the town. Also important religious and historic buildings enrich Frascati: The Cathedral, designed by Gerolamo Fontana, the Church of the Gesù, designed by Giovanni De Rosis, and the Church of Santa Maria in Vivario with the Medieval bell-tower; the Bishop’s Palace with its chapel illustrating the Theological Virtues and the Old Rocca, witness of a glorious past.

The Cathedral

Piazza S. Pietro, Frascati

Villa Falconieri,

Frascati,

Famous paintings

“Teatro delle

Acque”, Frascati

But Frascati is also closely associated with Science, being the location of several Scientific Laboratories (ENEA Research Centre, ESA- European Space Agency, CNR- National Research Council and INFN- National Institute of Nuclear Physics) and a famous European City of Science where the Science Week is held every year in September.

History, culture, art, science and, of course, Mediterranean products: Frascati is home of a special wine production to taste in its famous “fraschette” (picturesque cellars) and of high quality extravirgin olive oil.

Osteria dell’Olmo,

Frascati

ENEA RESEARCH CENTRE