Lazio Travel Guide

Imperial villas in Tivoli, Etruscan necropolises, bathing coves near Sperlonga—and right in the middle of it all, the Eternal City: Lazio (Italian Lazio) is more than just Rome. About 5.7 million people live in an area of approximately 17,200 km²; the region’s capital is also the capital of Italy. Between the Tyrrhenian coast, the volcanic lakes of Lake Bracciano and Lake Albano, and the hills of the Castelli Romani, you’ll find 3,000 years of history packed into a small area.

On this page, you'll find an overview of all the articles about Lazio from italien.news: from the big Rome City Guide about the Villa Adriana in Tivoli and the ancient port city Ostia Antica all the way to the coastal towns Sperlonga and Gaeta. You'll also find key facts, accommodation options, and answers to frequently asked questions—all updated regularly.

Which places in Lazio are worth visiting?

The short version: Rome is a must-see, but the region has at least four other sides to it, including Tivoli, the coast, and the Etruscan north.

• Rome: The Eternal City needs no second sentence—from the Colosseum From the Roman Forum to St. Peter's Basilica, this area boasts the highest concentration of world history in Europe.
• Tivoli: About 30 kilometers east of Rome stand the Villa d’Este and the Hadrian's Villa (Villa Adriana) Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one small town.
• Ostia Antica: You can reach this remarkably well-preserved Roman port city by regional train directly from Rome—a Pompeii right on the capital’s doorstep.
• The southern coast: Sperlonga, with its white old town, Gaeta on the gulf, and Terracina With its historic center, it forms the Riviera di Ulisse—sand beaches included.
• Tuscia in the North: All around the papal city of Viterbo, you'll find Etruscan cities and curiosities such as the Sacro Bosco Monster Park in Bomarzo.
• Castelli Romani: The hilltowns southeast of Rome—Frascati, Ariccia, Genzano—link wine cellars, the papal residence, and Lake Albano; in June, the Infiorata of Genzano an entire street into a carpet of flowers.

What makes Lazio so special?

Hardly any other region in Europe packs 3,000 years of history so densely: Long before Rome—founded, according to legend, in 753 B.C.—became a world power, the Etruscans ruled the northern part of what is now Lazio. Their necropolises, the The Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia, are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Starting in 312 B.C., the Via Appia Antica the first paved highway leading south—you can still walk along it today.

Add to that the landscape: volcanic lakes such as Lake Bracciano and Lake Albano, the foothills of the Apennines to the east, and a coastline where Emperor Tiberius once had his summer villa built near Sperlonga. In Lazio, the hustle and bustle of the capital and quiet mountain villages are often just an hour apart—this contrast is what makes the region unique.

What are some worthwhile activities to do in Lazio?

In addition to sightseeing in Rome, a day at the beach is a must: the beaches of Sperlonga and Gaeta are among the most beautiful between Rome and Naples. Hikers can walk around Lake Albano or trek through the chestnut forests of the Castelli Romani, while cyclists can follow the Via Appia Antica out of the city center and into the countryside. Garden enthusiasts make a pilgrimage to the Gardens of Ninfa, built on the ruins of a medieval ghost town, and those seeking relaxation can bathe in the hot springs near Viterbo—even the popes used to come here for spa treatments.

What should you eat and drink in Lazio?

Roman cuisine is the soul of the region: Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe and Saltimbocca alla romana are on the menu at almost every trattoria—authentic, hearty, and no-frills. In the Castelli Romani, you can try the IGP-certified Porchetta From Ariccia, crispy roast suckling pig, served with a glass of Frascati from the vineyards just outside Rome. On the coast between Gaeta and Sperlonga, however, fish, seafood, and the famous Gaeta olives take center stage.

What events are worth checking out in Lazio?

The region’s most famous festival is the Infiorata of Genzano in the Castelli Romani: Over three days in June, the residents lay a carpet of some 500,000 flowers along the town’s main street. In Rome itself, Holy Week and Easter—with the celebrations at the Vatican—are the emotional highlights of the year; in the summer, open-air stages come to life against the city’s ancient backdrop; and during Advent, nativity scenes and Christmas markets glow among the ruins.

Lazio reveals a different side of itself in every season. Browse through the article overview above—or get started right away with our Rome City Guide into travel planning.

Note: Disclaimer – Italien.news is not the owner or organizer of the attractions, accommodations, and events listed here and is therefore not responsible for changes to the program, event cancellations, or any incorrect information. The editorial team at Italien.news always endeavors to provide detailed and accurate information. However, it is possible that events, attractions, etc. may be changed and not updated promptly. Exact details of dates, times and programs can be obtained directly from the owner of the attractions and accommodation.

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