Cradled within a volcanic crater and ringed by dense woodland, Lake Nemi has an almost otherworldly stillness. Known in antiquity as the Speculum Dianae—the Mirror of Diana—the lake was sacred to the goddess and closely tied to ritual and myth. Above it sits Nemi, officially recognized as one of “I Borghi più Belli d’Italia”, its pastel buildings and narrow lanes clinging to the crater’s edge. The contrast between the dark, reflective waters below and the storybook village above makes the setting especially striking. At the lake’s edge, you can visit the Museo delle Navi Romane di Nemi (Museum of the Roman Ships) was originally built in the 1930s to house two enormous pleasure vessels from the time of Emperor Caligula, recovered from the lake between 1929 and 1932.
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.