Imagine yourself walking along a path surrounded by unspoiled nature, as the scent of the lake and the echo of its mysteries envelop you in an exciting embrace. In front of you, ancient villages seem to emerge from a dream, allowing you to dive into a world of charm, history and centuries-old traditions. This is the adventure that awaits you in the heart of Lazio, a land of enchanting lakes and hidden villages that will make you fall in love and beckon you to discover their wonders.
In this article, we will guide you through an exciting journey to discover Lazio’s most fascinating lakes and surrounding villages that hold priceless treasures. Let yourself be intrigued by the legends and tales that spring from the shores of these bodies of water and get ready for an unforgettable experience in a corner of paradise where time seems to stand still. Pack your bags, magic awaits!
Lake Albano
Lake Albano is a volcanic lake located in the Castelli Romani area, in Castel Gandolfo, just 20 kilometers from Rome. It is known for being the summer resort of the Popes and for its crystal clear waters that reflect the colors of the surrounding hills.
Ph. Nicolae Ivanciu/flickr
Castel Gandolfo: the village of the Popes
Castel Gandolfo is a small picturesque village known for being the summer residence of the pontiffs of the Catholic Church. The town has been recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy both for the beauty of the nature that surrounds it and for the elegance of the historic center. In Castel Gandolfo it is possible to be enchanted by the panoramic view of Lake Albano and the surrounding woods.
Among the various sites of historical and cultural interest, Castel Gandolfo is home to the remains of the Villa of Domitian and the Vatican Farm, and in the square in front of the Papal Palace, the beautiful church of St. Thomas of Villanova and the Fountain, both designed by Bernini.
Ph. Stefano Valeri/shutterstock
Turano Lake
Lake Turano is an artificial lake located at the foot of the Monte Navegna and Monte Cervia nature reserve in the province of Rieti. This enchanting place is surrounded by lush nature and is home to two charming villages: Castel di Tora and Colle di Tora.
Ph. nsane/flickr
Between lake and mountains: Castel di Tora, the enchanted village in Lazio
Castel di Tora is an ancient medieval village counted among the most beautiful in Italy that is mirrored, precisely, in the waters of Lake Turano. Famous for its very small streets, full of arches and houses leaning against each other, in the ancient village you cannot miss a visit to the Church of St. John the Evangelist and the beautiful Triton Fountain, located in the main square of Castel di Tora.
Ph. Stefano Valeri/shutterstock
Colle di Tora, the village bathed by the lake
Set on a hill overlooking Lake Turano, Colle di Tora is a village of medieval origin attracts visitors with its narrow, winding streets, ancient stone buildings and striking panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Ph. salvatore ferri/flickr
Long and Thin Lakes
Lakes Lungo and Ripasottile are two natural reservoirs located a few kilometers apart in a protected natural area in the province of Rieti. Surrounding these two bodies of water are the villages of Rivodutri and Cantalice, both rich in history and charm.
Rivodutri: A dip in history
Rivodutri is a medieval village located on the western slopes of Terminillo. Undisputed protagonist of this municipality is St. Francis of Assisi. It is said, for example, that the saint was once caught in a sudden thunderstorm while meditating on Mount Fausola and that the beech tree under which he took shelter would flex its branches to protect him. This tree is still clearly visible today, majestic and with an unusual physiognomy, it is mentioned among the natural monuments of Lazio. Those who pass through Rivodutri cannot forget the Santa Susanna Springs, one of the largest in Europe, which at Christmas time become the setting for an underwater nativity scene.
Sorgenti di Santa Susanna a Rivodutri
Cantalice, the village with a breathtaking view
Cantalice is another charming village overlooking the two lakes, in the heart of Sabina. The view from the village sweeps over the entire Rieti valley below, now occupied by the Lungo and Ripasottile Lakes Nature Reserve. Those who reach Cantalice, find themselves in front of a village divided into two parts: Cantalice Inferiore, the more modern area, and Cantalice Superiore, the more characteristic part that in fact encloses the historic center located at an altitude of 583 meters, a true riot of labyrinthine alleys, stone houses and fountains.
Lake Nemi
Located between Nemi and Genzano di Roma, Lake Nemi is a volcanic lake known for its charm and legendary history. In ancient times, according to legend, the lake was a popular place of amusement and vacation for the ancient Romans as the two Roman imperial ships of Caligula were found on the bottom of the lake, sunk and recovered in an archaeological undertaking conducted from 1928 to 1932.
Ph. Fabianodp/shutterstock
Nemi: the enchanted village on the lake between legends and landscapes
A jewel of the Castelli Romani, the village of Nemi sits atop a hill and overlooks the small lake below. Its charm lies in its enchanting views of the lake, wonderful sights and strawberry greenhouses that frame the perched village. Not to be missed is a visit to the Museum of Roman Ships, where artifacts from Caligula’s ships are preserved.
Ph. ValerioMei/shutterstock
Lake Bolsena
Fifth in size in Italy, Lake Bolsena lies on the border between Lazio, Tuscany and Umbria in the province of Viterbo. Surrounding the volcanic lake are numerous charming villages rich in history, including Valentano, Grotte di Castro and Gradoli.
Ph. Salvatore De Mitri/flickr
Valentano: between breathtaking landscapes and treasures to be discovered
Located in upper Tuscia Viterbese, Valentano is an ancient village worthy of a visit. One of its main features is the presence from the many churches that rise within the ancient village. Among the main things to see in Valentano is the Farnese Castle, which has become home to the Museum of Prehistory of Tuscia to which an important library is attached.
Photographic archives of the municipality of Valentano – Ph. Alessio Funghi
Grotte di Castro, the Etruscan village in the province of Viterbo
Located on a tufa stone cliff, Grotte di Castro is an ancient village that offers a unique combination of natural beauty and artistic treasures. From the countless archaeological findings in the area, it appears that the town was inhabited as early as Etruscan times. within the town there are many places to visit. Among the most interesting monuments to see in Grotte di Castro are: the Santa Maria del Suffragio Sanctuary, the Pianezze Necropolis, the Fontana Grande of Grotte di Castro, and the Civita Museum.
Ph. Oscar Martini/flickr
Gradoli: the village in the hills of Lake Bolsena
Located on the northern side of Lake Bolsena, Gradoli is a small village set on a hill. Here you can visit the Palazzo Farnese, a Renaissance work that was once the summer residence of the Farnese cardinals, and enjoy panoramic views of Lake Bolsena.
Ph. Stefano Polci/flickr
Exploring the lakes and villages of Lazio represents a unique and exciting experience, capable of touching the soul of anyone who decides to immerse themselves in the beauty of these enchanted places. Every lake and every village tells a story of ancient traditions, steeped in charm and mystery, while the breathtaking views enrapture the hearts of those who lose themselves there.
Walking through the narrow streets of these villages and admiring the reflections of the crystal-clear waters, one cannot help but feel part of a picturesque picture, as if time has stopped to allow us to savor the authenticity of these natural and architectural wonders.
When we finally step away from these fascinating places, we cannot help but carry with us a piece of that enchantment, an indelible memory that speaks directly to the soul and reminds us of the magic of Italy and Lazio. A treasure that we will continue to jealously guard, waiting to return again to immerse ourselves in the unique emotions that only these lakes and villages can offer.
Main image: Lake Turano – Ph. Fabio Cioffi/flickr
