The Lakes

Enchanting lakes for the simple elegance of their historical centres and for the blue waters reflecting the towns.

Castel Gandolfo

With its approximately 170 meters, Lake Albano is the deepest of the Italian volcanic lakes and takes its name from Albalonga, mother of Rome, which is supposed to have risen right on its banks; it is also called the lake of Castel Gandolfo because its waters reflect the village that hosts the summer residence of the Popes. In spring and summer it is a destination for lovers of water sports, such as rowing, sailing, diving, kayaking and sup or simply for those who want to take a dip and sunbathe, while along its 9 kilometers of perimeter you often meet cyclists and runners in training. Moreover, Albano’s Lake is worldwide famous as it hosts the Pope’s summer residence.

The amenity of the landscape, the richness of the vegetation, the archaeological and historical-artistic evidence make the lake a pleasant and interesting destination for relaxing walks, and navigating it along the “Path of Water” on a boat, you will be immersed in the environment surrounding and the historical and archaeological beauties of the lake.

Like all lake basins of volcanic origin, Lake Albano has no tributary rivers, but is fed only by rains and some sub-lake springs. In 397 BC the Romans built a colossal hydraulic engineering work: an artificial emissary that allowed the waters of the lake to reach the sea and thus to control its level.

Panoramic points from which you can admire Lake Albano:

  • Behind the church of S. Tommaso (located in the main square of Castel Gandolfo) there is a view that allows a wide view of the lake;
  • From an open space next to the Hotel Miralago, on via Galleria di Sopra in Albano Laziale;
  • From the Convent of Palazzolo, Rocca di Papa;
  • Along the Via dei Laghi there are several rest areas with viewpoints.

Nemi

The history of Nemi is ancient and important. Because of the Tempio di Diana Nemorense (Temple of Diana Nemorensis), which was situated here, the area was already considered sacred by the Latin League. Later, it was also favoured by the Romans and Caligula, who decided to keep his two big ships used as banquet halls, anchored here. What is left of the vessels is conserved in the interesting Museo delle Navi Romane (Museum of the Roman Ships).

Lake Nemi is the smaller of the two castellan lakes, also called “Diana’s Mirror” because along its banks stood the Sacred Wood and the Temple of Diana Nemorense, Goddess of the Woods. Surrounded by reeds and strawberry greenhouses, this small stretch of water has enchanted poets and painters over the years. As previously mentioned, the Romans also preferred it and Caligula owned two large saloon ships on its waters, which he used to make great parties. What remains today is preserved in the Museum of Roman Ships, on the shores of the lake. The lake is suitable for swimming due to its waters being clean and crystalline.

Panoramic points from which you can admire Lake Nemi:

  • From the square of Nemi overlooked by the Church of the Crucifix;
  • From the small lookout that is located immediately after the arch next to Palazzo Ruspoli, in the center of the village of Nemi;
  • From the Sforza Cesarini Park in Genzano di Roma;
  • On Lake Nemi, whitefish is raised and can be purchased directly from the farm: Antica persicoltura Catarci Ovidio di Catarci Carlo, via Navi di Tiberio 31, Nemi – +39 3461045287

 

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