What to do · Castelli Romani
Nemi and the viewpoint over its lake
Information
- Duration
- 2 h
- Season
- All year
- Who it's for
- A quiet stroll, families, photography
- With a dog
- Leashed in the village streets
Nemi is one of the smallest villages of the Castelli: a few streets on the rim of the crater, sheer above a round lake surrounded by woodland. The Romans called it the mirror of Diana, because the goddess's sanctuary stood on its shore.
The walk
Enter by the square and follow Corso Vittorio Emanuele to the viewpoint, next to the Ruspoli palace and its tower: from there you see the whole lake. All around the village they sell the wild strawberries of Nemi, in jars, in tarts or with cream. You can walk round it in an hour; if you have time, have lunch at one of the terraces over the lake.
The ships museum, closed
On the shore is the Museo delle Navi Romane, built in the 1930s for two enormous ships of the emperor Caligula raised from the lake, which burned in 1944; it holds pieces and reconstructions. It is closed for works until 31 March 2027, according to the Ministry of Culture. When it reopens, the ticket price is published as €3.
Getting there
By car, about 40 minutes from Rome along the Via Appia Nuova and Genzano; you park at the entrance to the village. Without a car, the most practical way is the train to Albano and a bus or taxi, or to combine it by car with Ariccia and Castel Gandolfo.
Tips
- Go at lunchtime The viewpoint and the terraces are the point; the afternoon light on the lake is the best.
- Do not go for the museum It is closed until the end of March 2027.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Roman ships museum open?
No. Closed for works until 31 March 2027.
How much time is needed?
One or two hours; with lunch, half a day.
Can you go down to the lake?
Yes, by road; the museum is on the shore.
As a familyWith a dog
