Castel Gandolfo, with its spectacular lake, is one of the most beautiful hamlets
of Italy and is part of the Park of Castelli Romani, an itinerary that winds
through the green woods that surround the hilltop villages known precisely as the Castelli Romani.
The castle, renowned summer residence of the Pope, is also worth a visit.
The building, completed in 1629, is the venue where the Pope receives pilgrims and visitors and
features many artistic and architectural masterpieces, such as the Chapel of Pope Urbano
VIII, rich with frescoes and paintings; the Galleria dell'ala designed
by Bernini, which preserves frescoes by Pier Leone Ghezzi; the Hall of the Swiss;
the old halls of the Pope's grooms (palafrenieri), the Noble Guards and the
Bussolanti (lay chamberlain ushers); the Pope's study and antechamber; the dining room of Pope
Clemente XIV and the Throne Room. Villa Cybo, that features a hall for the
General Audience, is also worth a visit. In 1936 it was annexed to the astronomical observatory
known as "La Specola Vaticana".
The city of Albalonga was destroyed by Tullus Hostilius, king of Rome. The Romans established a
Castrum (military camp) under the republican period to defend Rome during the Second Punic War.
The history of modern-day Albano is strictly bound to these events and to the sumptuous villas
of Pompeo and Domiziano, that lie about 3 miles from the ancient city of Albalonga.
Albano is one of the most important municipalities of the Castelli Romani as well as one of the
most bustling and lively commercial centers.
There are many churches to see in Albano: the cathedral dedicated to St.
Pancrazio, St. Peter, St. Rocco and St. Paul, the Rotonda and Madonna della Stella (
Our Lady of the Star). Near this church is a square-based noble sepulchre with four cones at each
corner and a round base in the middle bearing a stature. It is believed to be the sepulchre of the
Orazi and Curiazi.
Lake Albano is the main hydrographical basin of the territory of Albano.
The municipality of Castel Gandolfo has competency over most of the lake coasts,
while the others are under the territory of Albano. The lake basin is supervised by the province
of Rome.
The Abbey of Saint Nilus, also known as Santa Maria di Grottaferrata , dates back to 1004. It was founded by a group of monks that came from Byzantine Calabria led by Saint Nilus of Rossano, a charismatic leader and important figure of his time. After the death of S.Nilus, the whole monastic community was taken over by his disciple Saint Bartholomew the Younger.
Today the Greek Abbey of Grottaferrata represents the last of the many Byzantine Monasteries that were widespread during the Medieval Age throughout Sicily, the south of Italy and Rome. It represents a very important symbol for the eternal city as it was founded 50 years before the Schism that led to the separation between the Catholic and Orthodox churches. As of today, it maintains the Byzantine rituals and is subject to the Holy See. On the outside, the church building retains the original structure that traces back to 1004 (see above).
The façade is characterized by a rose – window with Arab decorations. The inside of the Abbey of St.Nilus is in Baroque style with a three-aisled structure. Here you can admire the Grotta Ferrata and the Farnesiana Chapel, the latter decorated with frescoes depicting scenes of the life of S. Nilus. Besides the architectural magnificence that attracts millions of tourists from all over the world, many marriages are celebrated inside the Abbey in the Greek –Byzantine Catholic rite using the Greek language.
Frascati is a very ancient town that has undergone many transformations over time.
The most important monuments worth visiting are: the Cathedral of St. Peter, famous for
its façade designed by Girolamo Fontana, divided into two rows of semi-columns decorated by niches
containing statues. The central portal bears a high relief by Bernardino Cametti.
Inside the church, a 14th - century panel painting from the Roman school that shows the image
of the Madonna del Gonfalone as well as a wooden crucifix dating back to the
1100s by Pompeo Ferrucci and a Madonna attributed to Domenichino.
In piazza San Pietro (St.Peter's square) you can admire the "Fontana"(fountain)
named after architect Girolamo Fontana. The central square of Frascati is a wonderful viewpoint
overlooked by villa Aldobrandini, an impressive building that dates back to the 17th century
and situated in a magnificent park featuring secret grottos, fountains and statues.
