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Lazio regionThe Lazio is the region of which Rome is the capital. It has nearly 5,700,000 inhabitants in 2023. The enclave of the Vatican city, as a state in its own right, lies within the commune of Rome.
Nowadays, 5 provinces divide Lazio. Each has its own personality and more or less distinct heritage, both from a civilizational and geographical point of view.  The surroundings of Rome offer many opportunities to escape the bustle of the Italian capital. This section presents a selection of must-see places, including Ostia, the Etruscan remains, as well as the lakes and beaches located along the coast. A few kilometers from Rome, Ostia Antica is one of the finest Roman sites in the region. Beyond its significant archaeological interest, it also offers a pleasant and peaceful setting. Ostia was the port serving ancient Rome. Under the empire, it was expanded with the Ports of Claudius and Trajan, which can also be visited, along with the neighboring necropolises of the Sacred Island. Due to its size and good conservation, the Hadrian’s Villa is one of the most important in the region, a fine example of Roman architecture, built from the year 126 AD. The Villa d'Este , built in the 16th century, is a haven of freshness with the many fountains in its garden.  In Cerveteri, the Etruscan necropolises extend over hundreds of hectares. They are true cities with streets and districts. North of Rome, there are also many other sites of the civilization that preceded the Romans: Tarquinia, Vulci, Norchia, ... It is easy to reach the sea from Rome, especially by regional train in about forty minutes. By road, the most picturesque coasts are located to the south, between Sperlonga and Gaeta, although they are farther away. Closer, the Lido di Ostia offers vast sandy beaches, modest but with a certain charm.  About twenty kilometers southeast of Rome lie Castel Gandolfo and the other hilltop villages of the Castelli Romani. This area corresponds to the Alban Hills, included within a regional park dotted with forests and two volcanic lakes: Lake Albano and Lake Nemi. The inhabitants of Rome often go there on weekends, especially during the summer period, to enjoy the coolness and the natural surroundings.  The lakes of Bracciano and Martignano, located north of Rome, offer a volcanic natural setting appreciated for water activities and the presence of medieval villages such as Bracciano and Anguillara Sabazia. Nearby, the valley of the Treja River, protected within a natural park, is home to historical sites, authentic villages, and trails winding through waterfalls and forests, reflecting a rich regional heritage.  This page presents other interesting sites in the province of Rome, from the monasteries of Subiaco to the seaport of Civitavecchia, passing through the ancient sanctuary of Palestrina, the remains of Feronia, and the mountainous Simbruini. These places offer a diverse overview of the region's historical, natural, and cultural heritage, blending ancient ruins, protected landscapes, and villages rich in history.  Viterbo stands out for its religious heritage and medieval quarter. Its province includes Lake Bolsena, hosts numerous Etruscan sites, picturesque villages such as Cività, and medieval towns like Orte or Tuscania. Its territory largely corresponds to ancient Etruria, with a hilly landscape blending forests and ochre tuff formations. The powerful Farnese family left their mark here, for example with the palace of Caprarola.  This province stretches along the southeastern coast of Rome, offering pleasant beaches and varied coastal segments. It includes several historic towns such as Gaeta, the easternmost one, as well as Terracina and Sperlonga, along with natural areas like the Circeo Mountain and various sanctuaries. The region also includes the island of Ponza.  On the road to Naples, the province of Frosinone offers remarkable sites, notably in Anagni with its exceptional religious complex. Montecassino is home to the abbey founded by Saint Benedict in the 6th century, also known for the major battle of World War II. Between these places lies the historic region of Ciociaria, with villages such as Alatri and Arpino and their cyclopean walls.  The province of Rieti, located north of Rome, is less known for its cultural heritage than for its natural wealth. It combines the olive-growing hills of the Sabine Mountains with mountainous areas where Apennine peaks exceed 2,000 meters, and where several dams have created lakes. Its capital, Rieti, was once crossed by canals. In the surrounding area: small mountain villages, lakes, sanctuaries, including those of the Valle Santa associated with Saint Francis.  Cerveteri is one of the main Etruscan sites of Lazio with its huge necropolis occupying hundreds of hectares. They date from the period from the 9th to the 3rd century BC.
The main site is the Necropolis of Banditaccia, which the the area to visit has "only" 10 of the 400 hectares of its surface, with thousands of graves organized according to an almost urban plan with its neighborhoods and streets and squares. Some tombs look like houses, while others are monumental and have large circular tumuli. |  | |||||
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