Latium Rom - Tivoli - Anagni - Sermoneta - Sehenswürdigkeiten

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The south of the Lazio region

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Subiaco

Palestrina

Anagni

Ostia Antica

Tivoli

Sermoneta

1. Subiaco

The small town of Subiaco lies on the edge of the Monti Lepini / Monti Simbruini mountain ranges. The old center consists of steep streets, and at the top stands the 10th-century Rocca Abbaziale, a castle of the Abbots of Subiaco. This fortress can be visited on certain days and features interesting wall paintings. The two Benedictine monasteries of Santa Scolastica and San Benedetto (Sacro Speco), located about three kilometers east of the town and built on the sites where St. Benedict lived, are Subiaco's main attractions, attracting many tourists and pilgrims from near and far. Benedictine Monastery of Santa Scolastica - The older of the two remaining monasteries in Subiaco, it consists of three cloisters and the monastery church. The monastery can be visited on guided tours. Benedictine Monastery of Sacro Speco - A comfortable path leads to the entrance of the upper monastery of San Benedetto, better known as Sacro Speco (Holy Grotto), which impresses with its unique location. The monastery was built in several stages on a steep rock face high above the valley around the hermit cave of St. Benedict. This monastery, with its beautiful wall paintings and interesting history, can also be visited.

2. Palestrina

The small town of Palestrina lies on the western slope. According to legend, pre-Roman Praeneste (now Palestrina) was founded by the son of Odysseus (Telegonus) and the sorceress Circe. The houses of the old center stretch up the steep slope. At the highest point of the town stands the Barberini family palace, offering a beautiful view. The archaeological museum of Palestrina is absolutely worth a visit. The most interesting exhibit is undoubtedly the Nile Mosaic, one of the finest examples of ancient mosaic art (2nd century BC).

3. Anagni

Anagni is the city of the popes, having been home to no fewer than four popes. The prehistoric finds and the Roman city walls are of considerable interest. Highlights of Anagni include a visit to the medieval cathedral with its almost intact mosaics, where Frederick Barbarossa was excommunicated. A worthwhile museum is located in and beneath the cathedral. You should also visit the Palazzo of Boniface VIII (museum with audio guide). From the outside, you can admire the Casa Barnekow. Restaurants Malacucina - Restaurant Inviting surroundings, many refined details in the decor and in the selection of dishes. Friendly service. Location: Right by the Porta S. Maria gate. Address: Via Dante 68, Anagni Phone: +39 0775 96 11 09 Taverna Gotica Ristorante Pizzeria Beautiful setting and good, simple food. Location: In the village center, 500 meters from Palazzo Bonifacio VIII (Museum). Address: Piazza Perfetti 4, Anagni Phone: +39 0775 186 09 54

4. Ostia Antica

Ostia Antica - During the Republican period, Ostia was Rome's largest trading port and military base. Ostia's decline began in the 4th century with the decline in trade and the simultaneous silting of the harbor. Here, one gains a complete impression of life during the imperial period. There were various bathhouses, a theater, taverns, and shops. Near the theater is the Piazzale delle Corporazioni. This is where the guilds of tradesmen, responsible for the outfitting of ships, were located. The Decumanus (the main street of Ostia Antica) leads to the forum and the main temple built under Hadrian. Today, Ostia Antica is a beautiful, large park with many interesting monuments from the Roman period and is therefore a very popular tourist destination (there is also a museum, a restaurant, and a bar). Link: https://www.ostiaantica.beniculturali.it/en/home/ - Information about the park, Parco archeologico di Ostia Antica, in English.

5. Tivoli

Tivoli is one of the most visited towns in Lazio. Tivoli's historical importance was based on its abundance of water (the Aniene River). In ancient times, several important sanctuaries were located here. Today, tourists visit Tivoli's three beautiful villas. The Villa Gregoriana and the Villa d'Este are located near the old town center, while Villa Adriana is located far outside, about 4 km below the city. Villa Adriana (Hadrian's Villa), near Tivoli Hadrian's Villa is one of the finest examples of a Roman imperial villa, with ponds, nymphaeums, sculptures, and buildings that satisfied the refined taste of Emperor Hadrian. Note: A must-see Villa Gregoriana, near Tivoli A beautiful park offering visitors a romantic world of Roman ruins, waterfalls, grottoes, and viewpoints. A park of great environmental, historical, and artistic value, whose beauty has only been reopened to visitors in recent years. Note: If you have time and can spend the whole day in Tivoli, a visit to this villa is recommended. Villa d'Este This famous villa, located in the center of Tivoli, features an impressive array of fountains, nymphaeums, grottoes, water features, and water music. It served as a model for several European gardens of the Mannerist and Baroque periods. Note: A must-see, especially in the evening when it's dark and the many fountains are illuminated. Thermal baths in the Tivoli area: Terme Acque Albule - Thermal Baths These are located in the province of Rome/Lazio, north of Rome. Directions: From Genzano via Frascati to Tivoli. Link: https://www.termediroma.org Terme di Cretone - Thermal Baths These are located in the province of Rome/Lazio, north of Rome. Directions: From Genzano via Frascati to Tivoli and to Cretone di Palombara Sabina. Link: https://www.termecretone.it Restaurants: L'angolino di Mirko You can enjoy a lovely outdoor meal here, in a beautiful setting, right in the city center. Friendly staff and excellent food. Location: In the center of Tivoli Address: Via della Missione 3, Piazza Santa Croce, Tivoli Phone: +39 0774 31 20 27

6. Sermoneta

Sermoneta is an almost completely preserved and beautifully restored medieval town in southern Lazio. Guided tours of the well-preserved castle offer stunning views of the surrounding area from the castle's battlements. Near Sermonata are the Gardens of Ninfa (Giardini di Ninfa). A beautiful, wild garden with the remains of ancient buildings and famous churches. It lies on the shore of a pretty little lake at the source of the Ninfa River, in which a medieval tower is reflected. Between Sermoneta and Norma, a road leads to Bassiano and the simple monastery "Abbazia di Valvisciolo," which is worth a visit for its history. Norma is located near Sermoneta, on a rocky terrace high above the Pontine Plain, offering magnificent views. The town still retains its picturesque, winding town center. Two kilometers outside the village are the ruins of the ancient Latin city of Norba. Gliding is practiced here, as the winds blow steadily up from the sea, making it ideal for this sport.