Day Excursions from Rome

EXCURSIONS FROM ROME

Rome is a treasure chest full of history, charm, and beauty—a city with a thousand faces. It is the political capital of Italy and also the center of Christianity, being home to Vatican City, the seat of the papacy. The Eternal City is a true treasure trove, housing priceless works of art. Imperial Rome is perhaps the best known: with the Colosseum, Imperial Forums, Domus Aurea, Pantheon, and Circus Maximus. At the end of the 15th century, Florentine Renaissance arrived in Rome during a period when the Popes became great patrons, attracting the likes of Bramante, Raphael, Pinturicchio, Donatello, and Michelangelo to the capital. Rome is ideal for lovers of history, archaeology, and art in all its forms, but also for anyone wishing to discover the unique beauty of the city. If you're in Rome, take a day to explore its extraordinary surroundings—here are some ideas Italy Museum has prepared for you:

Tivoli, Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa

The charming town of Tivoli is located about 25 km from Rome. Tivoli, mentioned by Virgil in the Aeneid, boasts a millenary history, even older than that of Rome itself, and was founded around 1215 BC as a meeting point among various peoples. Along the road from Rome to Tivoli, you will find the largest villa ever owned by a Roman emperor: Hadrian’s Villa. This impressive residence shows the extraordinary level achieved by Roman architecture. In Tivoli’s town center, you will be enchanted by Villa d’Este, famous for its artistic wonders, especially its fountains and water features that transport visitors to a palatial world of bygone eras. Both of these magnificent villas are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Hadrian’s Villa was built by Emperor Hadrian as his imperial residence, where he recreated the monuments and architecture that fascinated him during his many travels to Greece, such as the Pecile, Canopus, Academy, and Lyceum. Villa d’Estewas built at the request of Cardinal Ippolito II d’Este during the Renaissance. Its stunning concentration of fountains, grottos, and water features became a model imitated in European gardens during the Mannerist and Baroque periods.

Castelli Romani (Roman Castles)

The Castelli Romani area, just a short distance from Rome, consists of a series of ancient villages perched on the Alban Hills. With their historic towns, noble villas, medieval castles, and archaeological remains, this region has been a favorite holiday destination since Imperial times and is still much loved by Romans today. The villages of the Castelli Romani are mostly located around volcanic lakes, including Castel Gandolfo—the Pope’s summer residence overlooking Lake Albano; Lanuvio, with its historic center surrounded by peperino stone walls and well-preserved houses, palaces, and churches; Genzano, a picturesque town with a historic center filled with artistic heritage located on a slope outside the crater of Lake Nemi along the ancient Appian Way; Ariccia, an artistic treasure and one of the finest examples of European Baroque architecture; and Albano Laziale, a characteristic town on the volcanic hills opening toward Lake Albano.

The Castelli Romani offer not only dreamlike villas, ancient ruins, and stunning views, but are also renowned for their cuisine and the local white wine. During your visit, you should stop at a ‘fraschetta’—a traditional inn located in old wine cellars where you can enjoy wine, olives, cheeses, roast pork, and typical Roman dishes.

Ostia Antica

Discover the legacy of the Roman world by visiting the archaeological site of Ostia Antica—a timeless, fascinating, and mysterious place. Once a bustling ancient port city, it lay buried for over 10 centuries and is located about 30 km from Rome. Ostia Antica was among Rome’s most prolific colonies, serving as a key commercial port, and is truly worth a visit. Marvel at this ancient city with its impressive ruins providing a true window into everyday life in the past. To fully appreciate Rome’s grandeur, Ostia is a must-see, as its remains testify to its role as a major commercial and river port that maintained constant exchange with Rome itself during the imperial era. Wander among period houses, religious buildings, shops, the theater, public edifices, and enjoy an unforgettable journey through history that will allow you to relive the glorious past of this extraordinary city.

Assisi and Orvieto

Umbria offers visitors a range of unique experiences: from nature and sports to art and spirituality. You will undoubtedly have an unforgettable time. Umbria is an enchanting region where, nestled in green rolling valleys, lie ancient towns such as Assisi and Orvieto.

Assisi is known as the city where St. Francis (Italy’s patron saint) and St. Clare were born, lived, and died. Of Roman origin, Assisi is one of Italy’s best-known towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its splendid Basilica, dedicated to St. Francis, is one of Christianity’s symbols—a powerful draw for millions of pilgrims and tourists, thanks to its rich artistic heritage.

Orvieto is one of the oldest cities in Italy, of Etruscan origin and perched atop a tuff cliff south of the Paglia River (a tributary of the Tiber). It boasts a wealth of artistic and archaeological treasures as well as breathtaking natural attractions. Don’t miss the majestic Cathedral and the mysterious St. Patrick’s Well. We also recommend discovering the town’s culinary traditions and artisanal crafts—especially its ceramics.

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