This tiny shop is the perfect place to stop for a traditional porchetta sandwich for lunch. You may recognize the lovely owner, Eleanora from the Stanley Tucci episode on Lazio. With a full pig in front of her, she will cut the porchetta and make you a panini as you wait. Wrapped in paper, it’s made on a traditional bread from Genzano di Roma, called Genzano. This shop does not have a seating area outside, so we bought drinks and chips, then headed down to the viewpoint which has benches overlooking a view of the valley. The porchetta is so delicious, the meat melts in your mouth and the skin is crispy and salty. Porchetta is the heart of this lovely city and makes it well worth the stop.
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.