Albano Laziale between Lago Albano and Roman heritage

Albano Laziale between the lake and cultural heritage

Albano Laziale lies on the shore of Lago Albano, the deepest of the volcanic basins in Latium, and is part of the Parco regionale dei Castelli Romani regional park.

Archaeological traces in the urban landscape of Albano Laziale

The Museo Civico di Albano Laziale houses 4,400 archaeological finds dating from the Lower Palaeolithic to the Renaissance. An archaeological tour leads through the Castra Albana. Combining a visit to the Museo Civico with the archaeological tour takes visitors from the finds to the Castra Albana as a site within the urban landscape. I Cisternoni was designed around AD 202 by the architects of the Second Parthian Legion to ensure the water supply of the Castra Albana and the surrounding residential buildings.

The Villa Imperiale di Pompeo Magno was built by Pompey between 61 and 58 BC. Today, its ground-floor area is almost completely preserved. It is approximately 340 metres long and 260 metres wide and covers around 9 hectares. These dimensions refer to the ground-floor area and not to the entire Villa Imperiale di Pompeo Magno. The remains are located in Villa Doria, a municipal garden; some ruins are visible along the garden paths.

The Catacomba di San Senatore contains frescoes depicting Christ between Saints Peter, Paul, Laurence, and a saint who is difficult to identify. Another fresco shows Christ, the Virgin Mary, and Saint Smaragdus. The catacomb was established in an area previously used as a pozzolana quarry. Its use for burials and ritual purposes appears to have begun around the 3rd century and continued until the 12th century.

Historic sites and practical orientation

The Terme di Cellomaio are also known as the Terme di Caracalla. They were commissioned by Emperor Antoninus Caracalla as a conciliatory measure towards the legionaries of Albano. A guided tour through the Museo Civico is required to visit the Terme di Cellomaio.

Lago Albano and outdoor activities

Lago Albano is known for its waters and diverse fish fauna. Mountain biking is considered particularly suitable for circumnavigating the lake and following the route to the ruins of Alba Longa.

Distinctive festivals in Albano Laziale

At the beginning of September, the Bajocco Festival brings circus and music performers to Albano Laziale, engaging with the audience through art. The Liszt Albano Festival was founded in 1986 by Maurizio D’Alessandro to commemorate the relationship between Franz Liszt and Albano Laziale. This relationship already existed in the summer of 1839, during Liszt’s first journey to Italy. The Bajocco focuses on art in dialogue with the audience, while the Liszt Festival focuses on remembering Franz Liszt.

More destinations for planning your trip

Colleferro, Spinaceto, Capena, Maccarese, Poli, Castagnola, Rocca Di Papa, Falcognana

To the overarching travel overview: Rome.