The town of Lariano is located at about 6 km northeast of Velletri, at the foot of the Mount Maschio D’Ariano (which in ancient times was known as Monte Algidus). It is a relatively young comune (town) yet the history of its territory goes as far back as ancient times when during the Roman Imperial Age a defensive outpost, and later a fortified castle, was situated here. Furthermore, according to Horace’s Carmen Seculare (Secular Hymn) a temple dedicated to the goddess Diana was situated on top of this mount.

Monte Compatri with its 576 mamsl is the third highest town of the Castelli Romani, overlooking the Valle dell’Aniene and confining with Rome. It rises on a hill of tuff rock of volcanic origins and the houses in this particular area have underground cellars excavated in tuff rock forming an intricate network of tunnels. On certain occasions, especially during the Christmas period, these underground cellars organize touristic-cultural events and are open to the public.

From a high position dominating the central residential area, stands the Monastero di San Silvestro (Monastery of St. Sylvester), attended by those wishing to spend a moment of meditation submerged in the peaceful surroundings of nature. The territory of Monte Compatri also includes part of the Tusculum where it is possible to reach Monte Salomone at an altitude of 773 mamsl. It is a very interesting walk, both from a naturalistic and geological point of view.

The town rises on the northern slopes of Monte Tuscolo, between Frascati and Montecompatri, on a tuff rock hill formed from a secondary cone of the Latium Volcano, from which all the Alban Hills have originated. It can be recognized from far by the massive outline of the Duomo. Monteporzio Catone is situated at about 400 mamsl and dominates the vast vineyards that, together with numerous wine bars and cellars, deserve the name of Città del Vino. The entrance to the town is through a simple, yet imposing, featured vault incorporated in Borghese Palace. Walking through the small alleys of the peaceful centre, you can enjoy the view, from various angles, of Rome or the surrounding chestnut woods. An important event of which the town is proud and rightly so, is the famous Mostra Internazionale delle Orchidee (International Orchid Show), which every year draws cultivators from all over the world and attracts the public for all over Lazio and not only.

Culture Office
☎️ (+39) 06 9428333 / 06 9447471
📍 Via Roma, 5 — 00078 Monte Porzio Catone , RM
📧 s.battifoglia@comune.monteporziocatone.rm.it

What strikes most about Rocca di Papa is its splendid panoramic position, climbing up to a height of 681 masl along the inner side of Monte Cavo where you can have a glance over one of the most beautiful landscapes of the area. A visit to the town – the only one among Castelli Romani to have kept its medieval layout – offers picturesque glimpses of houses clinging to the rock and the intricate maze of steep, small alleys hidden among the buildings.

The residential area is dominated by the Belvedere della Fortezza Medievale (Medieval Fortress Viewpoint), a very valuable archaeological site where you can enjoy a unique panorama stretching as far as the sea.

The territory of Rocca di Papa is very extensive and overlooks a wide, flat valley, the Pratoni del Vivaro, where the Centro Federale di Equitazione del CONI (Federal Centre of Horse Riding) is located. It is a favourite spot for the Romans who wish to spend a relaxing day, and for expert horsemen and horsewomen who training the wide open space.

Pro Loco – Rocca di Papa
📧 prolococittadiroccadipapa@gmail.com
📱 +39 3453551706

At a height of 768 mamsl Rocca Priora is the highest town of the Castelli Romani. It is undoubtedly the coldest in the area with heavy snowfalls every year known as the snowfield of Rome, Rocca Priora owes its past fortune to ice trading.

The Santuario della Madonna della Neve (Our Lady of the Snow) remembers and witnesses the close relationship the town had with its particular climate.

A walk through the picturesque alleys of the historical centre, hidden on the side of a high hill facing towards Monte Ceraso, offers glimpses of what seems to be time gone by and for those looking out from the Belvedere, positioned on top of the town, a chance to enjoy one of the most breathtaking panorama of the Castelli, in the direction of Rome and the Tiburtini, Prenestini and Ernici Mounts.

Office of Culture and Entertainment
📍 Piazza Umberto I, Palazzo Savelli
📧 06 940751300-301

Situated in a panoramic position on a spur of Monte Artemisio, at the extreme south of the Alban Hills, Velletri is the largest territory of the Castelli Romani and one of the most important centres of the province of Rome. Surrounded by vineyards, it was chosen and frequented as a holiday spot since ancient Roman times. It is a town rich in history and traditions that offer visitors interesting alternative sightseeing itineraries. Owing to the importance of the naturalistic area, Velletri is also part of the Parco Regionale dei Castelli Romani (Regional Park of the Castelli Romani).

In 1787, Goethe was so struck by the beauty of the town and by the surrounding nature that he described it in his famous “Viaggio in Italia”.

Mainly an agricultural town, Velletri boasts of a significant wine production with a good variety of vines.

Pro loco Velitrae

📍 P.zza Garibaldi

☎️ +39 06961581

📧 prolocovelitrae@libero.it