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Remains of the Roman theatre of Tusculum among the grassLuiza Serpa Lopes · Public domain

What to do · Castelli Romani

Tusculum Archaeological Park

The ruins of the Latin city of Tusculum high in the hills above Frascati: Roman theatre, forum, the paved road and views as far as Rome; open on Sundays.

InformationFrom €3
From
€3
Duration
2 h 30
Season
Sundays in March, April, October and November; Saturdays and Sundays from May to September
Who it's for
Families, walkers, picnics

Tusculum was a Latin city, ally and rival of Rome, high in the Tusculan hills, at about 670 metres. It was destroyed in 1191 and never rebuilt, so today it is a park: the Roman theatre on the slope, the forum, stretches of road, remains of the medieval fortress and, all around, woodland and meadows with a view over the whole countryside as far as Rome.

When it opens

It is not open every day. In March and November, on Sundays from 9:30 to 13:30 (archaeological area only); in April and October, on Sundays from 9:30 to 18:30; from May to September, Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 to 19:30, with guided tours at 10:00 and 16:00. From December to February it only opens for groups by reservation. Confirm beforehand on 391 422 5048.

Tickets

€3 entry; €5 with a guided tour; €2 for ages 7 to 12; free up to age 6. There is a picnic area with tables and barbecues that is paid separately (€2.50 per person; €3.50 with a brazier).

Getting there

It is on provincial road 73B, in the municipality of Monte Porzio Catone, about 5 km from Frascati along a mountain road. You go up by car; from Frascati you can also walk up, with good footwear.

Tips

  • Bring food With the picnic tables and the views, it is the Sunday plan of Roman families.
  • Check the month before going up In winter it only opens to groups by reservation.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost?

€3, or €5 with a guided tour. Free up to age 6.

Is it open on weekdays?

No: only Sundays, and also Saturdays from May to September.

Can you go without a car?

By walking up from Frascati, about 5 km uphill.

As a familyWith teenagers

Opening hours and prices can change: check them before you go.

Round off the plan

Where to eat, where to stay and what else to do

To eat nearby

A table laid with glasses beside the dining-room windows© Ristorante Cacciani

Ristorante Cacciani

Restaurant · Frascati · €€€€

What to order: porchettina frascatana with misticanza, the house cannelloni or tonnarelli cacio e pepe, and a local Frascati

The restaurant's glazed veranda with laid tables© Lo Specchio di Diana

Lo Specchio di Diana

Restaurant · Nemi · €€€€

What to order: tagliatelle with porcini, pappardelle with hare or lamb allo scottadito, and Nemi strawberries in season

To stay nearby

The balcony of a room opening onto the view of the Roman countryside© Hotel CaccianiSmall hotel

Hotel Cacciani

22 rooms and 4 with a large balcony · View over Rome · Breakfast included · Free overnight parking

Why we like it: The Cacciani family's hotel in the centre of Frascati, above their 1922 restaurant: 22 panoramic rooms and 4 with a large balcony, breakfast included.

Yellow façade of the farmhouse with blue windows among trees© MerumaliaApartment

Merumalia Wine Resort

4 apartments · Among vineyards · View of Rome · Small pets

Dogs welcome

Why we like it: Four apartments in a former farmhouse among organic vineyards, below Frascati, all with views of the vines and Rome; small pets allowed.

The rooftop pool with sun loungers and Lake Albano in the background© Hotel Castel VecchioHotel

Hotel Castel Vecchio

50 rooms · Lake Albano view · Rooftop pool · Free parking

Why we like it: Art Nouveau palace in Castel Gandolfo above Lake Albano, with 50 rooms, most with a lake view, a rooftop pool, an indoor pool and parking.

Itineraries

Features in these plans