Frascati is one of the hill towns southeast of Rome, which have been given the collective name Castelli Romani. Especially in the 17th century, several papal families had imposing villas built there, many of which were unfortunately severely damaged during bombing raids in World War II.
Top 10 tourist attractions Frascati
1. Villa Aldobrandini
The Villa Aldobrandini is Frascati’s most famous and striking building. It is right outside the historic center of the city and its location, on the spur of a hill next to the oldest part of Frascati ensures that one has a magnificent, uninterrupted view of the palace. The gardens can be visited, the palace itself, unfortunately, not.
2. San Pietro Apostolo Cathedral
The San Pietro Apostolo Cathedral overlooks the square of the same name. Its sober interior, although there are some very nice haut-reliefs to admire, is more than compensated by its magnificent facade.
3. Villa Torlonia
The Villa Torlonia is a 16th-century villa, which was completely bombed during World War II. The old palace was replaced by a new building and its park is now open to the public. The Teatro delle Acque Fountain is a must-see.
4. Santa Maria in Vivario Church
The Santa Maria in Vivario Church was Frascati’s original cathedral until San Pietro took over. It was built in the 13th century on the site of the former fishpond of an ancient Roman villa.
5. Chiesa del Gesù
Located no more than a few hundred meters from Frascati’s main square, the Chiesa del Gesù was built in the early 17th century by the Jesuits. Andrea Pozzo has designed his usual play with the perspective on the dome that is not a dome.
6. Capuchin Monastery (Convento dei Cappuccini).
The Capuchin Monastery was built in the 16th century. The then Pope personally supervised, so that the new building would not look out of place among the villas built around the city at the time. Over the years, a (now private) chapel was added, and since the early 20th century it has housed a small Ethiopian Museum.
7. Episcopal Palace (Palazzo Vescovile)
The Palazzo Vescovile stands in the middle of what was once the nucleus of the center of Frascati. It was commissioned by Pope Pius II in the 16th century and has a beautiful courtyard with a portico. Today it is the seat of the region’s bishop.
8. Frascati’s Panoramic views
On fine summer evenings, towards sunset one can enjoy magnificent views in all possible directions, but of course especially towards Rome. Many restaurants therefore have terraces on the outskirts of the historic center of Frascati. By the way, even on less beautiful days the views can be very impressive.
9. Eremo di Camaldoli
The Eremo di Camaldoli is a hermitage on a hill a few kilometers outside Frascati. It was built on a site where there used to be a necropolis. In addition to the church, the early 17th-century monastic complex includes an infirmary and several other buildings.
10. Fontana di Piazza San Pietro
The fountain to the left of San Pietro Apostolo Cathedral was designed by Girolamo Fontana, as was the façade of that church. The fountain is characterized by three large arches and stands with its back against a building. The name of the fountain is simply Fontana di Piazza San Pietro.
More Frascati tourist sights
The Scuderie Aldobrandini are among the most important museums in the region from both a historical and architectural point of view.