What to do · Castelli Romani
Frascati: the square, Villa Aldobrandini and a glass of wine
Information
- Duration
- 2 h 30
- Season
- All year
- Who it's for
- First trip without a car, couples
- With a dog
- Leashed in the streets and the public park
Frascati is the gateway to the Castelli Romani and the easiest to reach: the regional train leaves from Termini and arrives in about half an hour. From the station you walk up, about ten minutes uphill, to Piazza Marconi, the great square of the town.
What to see
Villa Aldobrandini dominates the square from the top of its flight of steps: the residence of Cardinal Pietro Aldobrandini, nephew of Pope Clement VIII, designed by Giacomo della Porta and completed by Carlo Maderno in the early 17th century, with fountains by Domenico Fontana. Goethe and the Grand Tour travellers called it the queen of villas. It is private property and used for events: the façade and the view can be seen from the square, but the garden and the Theatre of the Waters can only be visited on occasional openings or by arranged tours. Ask beforehand before counting on it.
The cathedral of San Pietro, Piazza San Pietro and the streets of the centre, with their cantinas and fraschette, complete the walk.
The wine
Frascati gives its name to the white wine of the Castelli. In the town there are wine bars and cantinas to taste it by the glass, and on the outskirts wineries that can be visited by reservation, such as Merumalia.
Where to eat
Cacciani, in the centre since 1922, has a terrace with a view over Rome and is open on Sunday at lunchtime.
Tips
- Go by train Half an hour from Termini, with no parking and no drinking and driving.
- Look at Rome from the square On clear days you can see the whole city below, with the dome of St Peter's.
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit Villa Aldobrandini?
It is private; the garden only opens on occasion or on an arranged visit. From the square you can see the façade.
How long does it take from Rome?
About 30 minutes by train from Termini.
What do you eat in Frascati?
Roman and Castelli cooking: porchetta, pasta and the local white wine.
With a dog
