Castel Gandolfo
This delightful hilltop borgo (medieval town) overlooking Lago di Albano is the seat of the Palazzo Pontificio, which is the pope's 17th-century summer residence. Although the Papal States ended after the unification of Italy in 1861, this palazzo is still under the jurisdiction of Vatican, which is not bounded by Italian law. Vatican's Observatory, one of the oldest astronomical research institutions in the world, is also upon these hills around the lake, where Jesuit priests are exploring the secrets of the universe. State-of-art Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope, on the other hand, has been moved to southeast Arizona, where the night skies are free from light pollution.
Grottaferrata
The Abbey of Santa Maria di Grottaferrata is the main reason why visitors come to this idyllic hilltown. The Basilian Monastery is narrated to be found in 1004 by St. Nilus, after Virgin Mary appeared and proposed him to build a church in her name. The abbey's library has a restoration laboratory sheltering an unmatched collection of 50,000 volumes, including The Codex Atlanticus by Leonardo da Vinci and several handwritings of St. Nilus.
Frascati
This town situated on the Alban Hills has been the seat of Roman clergy and aristocracy for ages, and is famous for sumptuous 16th century summer villas commissioned by them. The most charming one is Villa Aldobrandini with a scenic belvedere overlooking the valley of Rome. Villa Torlonia, on the other hand, offers elegant public gardens with fountains and a cathedral not to miss. Frascati is also the location of several international scientific laboratories, including the National Institution for Nuclear Physics. The 9th century B.C. city of Tusculum is also nearby, where its still-intact antique theater and ruins can be seen. Don't leave the town before tasting the white Frascati wine, which was also one of the preferred wines of Ancient Rome.
Tivoli
Another summer retreat for the wealthy Romans since the ancient times has been the hilltop town of Tivoli, located 30 kilometers north-east of the capital. Today, it offers a very enjoyable day trip from Rome, which is an-hour-drive away. The settlement gained importance after the Roman Emperor Hadrian built his sumptuous villa here around the 3rd century AD. Actually, Rome was ruled from Villa Adriana for a long time, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site today. Its magnificent pool is still intact, while the sculptures, mosaics and masks found here can be seen at the Capitoline Museums. Rome's well-to-do families continued to build their country villas out here. Villa d'Este is perhaps the most extravagant one, due to its landscaped gardens that are a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance style. The gardens charm the visitor with its aquatic design and 500 fountains built in Mannerist and Baroque styles.
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Avec 55
A "kitchen laboratory" serving innovative dishes with decent prices.
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Osteria La Briciola
A cute restaurant with a nice terrace and an emphasis on local ingredients and wine.