We stayed at Villa Mercede for six nights during our time in the Castelli Romani. Easily accessible by train from Termini in Rome, we were met by a driver to help us down the hill with our bags. The rooms are spacious and clean. The restaurant downstair is quite good and of course, you are able to enjoy a full Italian breakfast each morning included with the room. We had a rainy day and decided we could relax rather than go sightseeing so we signed up for a spa treatment and relaxed by the indoor jacuzzi in the afternoon. There is a little bar in the lobby with food and drinks. One really nice touch is that they have two cars on property that you can rent for the day, which is perfect for taking a drive to the other towns in the Castelli Romani. Having the car right there ( you should pre-book it ) really saved time and energy so we could enjoy the town and it’s neighboring villages!
Hotel Villa Mercede
About the Region:
Lazio is often seen only as the region that holds Rome, but it offers so much more beyond the Eternal City. Of course, Rome itself is reason enough to visit. Walking its streets is like wandering through a living museum, where ancient ruins, Renaissance palaces, Baroque fountains, and bustling piazzas blend seamlessly with modern life. The Colosseum, Vatican City, and Trevi Fountain are icons everyone should see at least once.
But beyond Rome, Lazio’s countryside is filled with surprises. Just an hour away lies Tivoli, home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Villa d’Este with its stunning Renaissance gardens and fountains, and Hadrian’s Villa, the sprawling ancient retreat of Emperor Hadrian. Both are breathtakingly beautiful and often overlooked by travelers.
Further north, you’ll find the medieval hill town of Viterbo, known for its well-preserved historic center and ancient thermal baths. Nearby, Civita di Bagnoregio sits atop a crumbling cliff, accessible only by footbridge, earning it the name “the dying town” – a hauntingly beautiful place frozen in time.
Lazio also boasts volcanic lakes like Lake Bolsena and Lake Bracciano, perfect for a relaxing day of swimming, boating, or dining lakeside at family-run trattorias. The region’s food reflects rustic Roman flavors: hearty pastas like cacio e pepe and amatriciana, and porchetta roasted to perfection.
Visiting Lazio means experiencing the grandeur of Rome and discovering a countryside rich with history, quiet beauty, and authentic Italian life that few tourists ever see.