WHAT TO DO/WHERE TO GO
MAIN DISTANCES
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Zagarolo Train Station: 500 mt, trains to Rome every 15 min
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Roma: 32 km, 20 min. drive to the metro line A and then 20 min. to the centre of the city
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Fiumicino Airport: 55 km, 40 min. by car
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Ciampino Airport: 25 km, 20 min. by car and 1hr and 30 min. by train
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Villa Adriana & Villa d’Este: 20 km, 20 min. by car
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Palestrina: 4 km, 7 min. by car
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Seaside Locations: Terracina, Circeo, Sperlonga, Sabaudia, Gaeta: about 1 hour’s drive
WHAT TO DO,WHERE TO GO
Domus Flavia is located in the Town of Zagarolo, at the foot of the Castelli Romani, within easy distance from all the main tourist attractions of the province of Rome. Here are a few suggestions for some sight-seeing musts.
ROMA
The capital’s tourist, cultural, artistic and historical attractions are never-ending and the city’s richness and variety takes on different aspects with each different district visited. We limit ourselves here to suggesting a few itineraries which should not be missed.
Imperial Rome: the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine and the Palatine, The imperial Forums: the Trajan Markets and the Trajan Column, Ara Pacis and the Mausoleum of Augustus, the Pantheon and Campo Marzio, the Caelian Hill and the Caracalla Baths.
Vatican City: called “the State within the City”, although Vatican City is the world’s smallest country (44 hectares) it boasts an incomparable wealth of art treasures.
Underground Rome: underneath the City layers of centuries and centuries of history reach a depth of 20 metres.
Do not miss: the Villas, Palaces, Museums, Churches, the historic Cafés, Ostia Antica, the Sistine Chapel, the historic districts…
CASTELLI ROMANI
The Castelli Romani have been the favourite summer holiday retreat of lords and ladies since ancient times; the Pope’s summer residence is in fact still in Castel Gandolfo, while Roman residents rush to the area to escape the scorching summer heat of the city .
The Castelli Romani area is a peaceful oasis that seems far from the frenzied life of the Capital, where nature, history and a tasty cuisine come together to offer a unique experience to the visitor. The area consists of 16 small towns built on the Colli Albani Hills, around the lakes of Albano and Nemi: Albano Laziale, Ariccia, Castel Gandolfo, Frascati, Colonna, Genzano, Lanuvio, Marino, Grottaferrata, Nemi, Rocca di Papa, Rocca Priora, Monte Compatri, Monte Porzio Catone, Lariano and Velletri.
Each town is worth a visit for its natural beauty, archaeological finds, medieval castles, Renaissance hamlets and villas, the food and folklore. Each month of the year offers a rich variety of celebrations: in addition to the country fairs, there are cultural events and festivals attracting large numbers of visitors, often from abroad as well.
PALESTRINA
At Palestrina about 4 km from Domus Flavia the Sanctuary of the ancient city of Praeneste stands out in the landscape in all its majestic beauty. The Archeological Museum contains the Nile Mosaic, a masterpiece depicting the flooding of the Nile, which in terms of size, condition and artistic quality is unequalled in Italy. Among the numerous annual events, one of the most important is the feast of Saint Agapito, celebrated with historical re-enactments and the picturesque Palio with its challenging games requiring great skill and ability.
TIVOLI
Renowned for its sulphur springs since ancient times, Tivoli boasts a heritage of rare beauty. Many tourists go to Tivoli to enjoy the benefits of the many thermal bath facilities, but the town is also famous for two magnificent Villas that have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO: Villa Adriana, built by the emperor Hadrian, of which only ruins remain to suggest the grandness of former times, and Villa d’Este, which apart from its beauty and splendour, impresses visitors with the play of light and water created by its fountains.
SEA SIDE TOWNS
The beach of Ostia is the closest beach to Rome, offering a lively nightlife with an expanded beachfront with numerous restaurants and bathing facilities. Anzio, with a port already existing in Roman times, provides excellent facilities and connections to the Pontine Islands. The beaches which have been repeatedly awarded the Blue Flag (certifying water purity) include Latina, Sabaudia, San Felice Circeo, Terracina, Sperlonga, Gaeta, and of course the islands. Beach and sports facilities are easy to find everywhere. The coast also offers many possibilities for those who wish to enjoy nature untamed and wild. Not to be missed is an excursion to the Ninfa gardens, declared a Site of Community Importance (SCI) by the European Commission.
