Lazio region

The 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.
The west is bordered by the Mediterranean of the Tyrrhenian Sea. To the north is Tuscany and Umbria, to the east the Marches and Abruzzo, and to the south the Molise and Campania.
Originally, Lazio designated a smaller area where lived the tribes of the Latins, around Rome, the Etruscan city of Veii marking a border, and south of it with the Pontine marshes and the Sabine Hills to the territories where other Italic tribes were settled.
Its civilizational heritage extends over more than 2,000 years, with the Etruscan civilization, before being the heart of the Roman Empire, later the territory of the Papal States. See the tourist section on the Region of Rome for tourist information and all the most beautiful places to discover here.

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 province of Rome is rich in archaeological sites, from Ostia with ancient ports to Tivoli and its villas. There are also many natural sites, such as the lakes with the villages of the Roman Castles, natural parks towards the Apennines, and a religious heritage.
The province of Viterbo, a beautiful medieval town is marked by the historical presence of the Etruscans with its many necropolis, medieval villages, lakes, woods and hills.
To the south-east, the province of Frosinone is terrestrial and has remarkable Latin villages with their cyclopean walls, but also medieval and natural sites in the Ciocciara region, and a beautiful religious heritage.
South of the latter, the province of Latina runs along the coast with not only historic towns and villages such as Gaeta, but also beautiful beaches and coastal portions.
The province of Rieti is dominated mainly by its hills, lakes and some mountains, around the water town of Rieti, and dotted with small villages like those of the Sabine Hills.

Surroundings of Rome

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.

Ostia

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.

Tivoli, Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este

Temple of Venus at Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli

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.

Etruscan sites of Lazio

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, ...

Coast and beaches near Rome

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.

Roman Castles

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.

Lake Bracciano and Treja Valley

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.

Other places in the province of Rome

Photo of Monastery of Saint Benedict, Subiaco

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.

Province of Viterbo

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.

Province of Latina

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.

Province of Frosinone

Photo of the abbey of Montecassino from the Polish cemetery

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.

Province of Rieti

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

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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