The Piazza Marconi is located at the top of the staircase that leads from the railway station of Frascati to the historical center. It is both the entrance to the main part of the city and an attraction in itself, thanks mainly to the magnificent view over Rome on one side and the Villa Aldobrandini at the top of the hill on the other side. A big part of the square is presently being used as a parking lot.
What to see in the Piazza Marconi in Frascati
Panoramic view
Cross the street on the west side of the square (Via Vittorio Veneto), and you will find yourself on a sort of promenade with a panoramic view with Rome in the background. The promenade is known as the Passeggiata Fuori Porta. More often than not, there is also a market with stalls selling typical local food here.
Villa Aldobrandini
The enormous palace at the top of the hill on the east side is the Villa Aldobrandini. It is preceded by a terraced garden, which can unfortunately only be visited on very special occasions. The family Aldobrandini still owns the property.
Parco Comunale (ex- Villa Torlonia)
The Parco Comunale is the former garden of the no longer existing Villa Torlonia. It is enlivened with several Baroque fountains and statues. The main point of interest is the enormous Teatro dell Acque (“Water Theater”), designed by Carlo Maderno.
Scuderie Aldobrandini
The Scuderie Aldobrandini are the former stables of the family and the present seat of the City Museum, which mostly showcases artefacts from the archaeological site of Tuscolo. Last time we visited it also doubled as a temporary tourist office. Another important building on the north side of the Piazza Marconi is the 17th century Town Hall, which is officially called Palazzo Marconi.
Monument
The monument in the center of the square is dedicated to the (133) victims of war and was inaugurated in 1923. It was designed by the architect Cesare Bazzani. The statue of the Winged Victory at the back of the monument wears a World War I helmet. Before the monument was placed in this spot, there used to be a fountain. Bazzani was a big name at the time, having also designed the National Library of Florence, the Stazione Marittima of Naples and a former casino in Anzio, now known as the Paradiso sul Mare.