Frascati is a hill-town located in the province of Roma and can easily be reached from Rome. The city is one of the towns that are collectively known as the Castelli Romani. It is famous for its white wines, for its porchetta, and for the beautiful view over Rome.
Frascati travel guide
Tourist information
Region: Lazio. Province: Roma. Zip code: 00044. Area code: (+39) 06. Taxi rank: Piazza Roma. Post office: Via V. Veneto 1 and via Tiberio 1. Pharmacy:Via Matteotti 7, Piazza del Gesù, Piazza San Pietro, Via Quintili 14. Market: Wednesday. (There is also an indoor market in Piazza del Mercato).
Tourist office: Piazza Marconi, 5.
Public transportation: There is a train that goes from Termini directly to Frascati. It is a rather slow train, but this is made up for by the views of the ancient aqueducts that you can enjoy along the way. The station is just below the historical center, but the climb is not particularly hard. A second option is to first take the metro (line A) to Anagnina and then continue by Cotral bus.
A brief history of Frascati
After the originally Etruscan Frascati was conquered by the Romans, it became a favorite summer residence for wealthier citizens. Even in the Middle Ages it was a popular place to escape the Roman heat. Several papal families had their summer residences there.
Eating and drinking
Apart from its tourist attractions, Frascati has culinary delights to offer in the form of the town’s specialty, porchetta. Also, the white wine of Frascati is very well known.
Tourist attractions in Frascati
Rich Romans often had villas built in Frascati. Since it is a lot cooler here than in Rome itself, they used to spend their summers there. The most famous and best preserved one of these is the Villa Aldobrandini, designed by the architect Giacomo della Porta. Its main feature is a huge water fountain, which is no longer in use though. Permission to visit its gardens can be obtained from the tourist office on Piazza Marconi. Its former servants’ quarters have been turned into the Scuderie Aldobrandini archaeological museum.
The Cathedral of the city is dedicated to San Pietro. The nearby Chiesa del Gesù was decorated with trompe l’oeil ceiling frescoes by Andrea Pozzo.
The Villa Torlonia is a public park, with the Teatro delle Acque fountain. It was designed by Carlo Maderno.
The imposing Palazzo Vescovile, with its three towers, resembles a fortress.
Several restaurants have terraces outside, which allow for a panoramic view over the surrounding countryside and over Rome itself.
Frascati special events
- In February there are parades in honor of Carnevale.
- The town’s patron saints are called Filippo and Giacomo. In May there are festivities in their honor.
- Sagra della Lumaca: The yearly snail-eating festival takes place on June 23rd.
- Sagra del Vino: The wine festival takes place in October.
By car to Frascati
From Rome, you should follow one of the south-eastern exit roads Via Tuscolana or Via Anagnina, which both reach the town. The latter is slightly more interesting.