Nemi: volcanic lake, woodland paths and Roman history

Nemi combines a small volcanic lake with wooded slopes and Roman history. The area around Nemi lies entirely within the Parco Regionale dei Castelli Romani, a nature park ideal for excursions, trekking and mountain biking.

Lake, woodland and walking trails

Lago di Nemi is a small lake in the crater of an extinct volcano, whose slopes are densely wooded. The woodland paths above Lago di Nemi offer numerous panoramic views of the densely vegetated lake. There are numerous opportunities for walks in Nemi, the surrounding area and the woodlands. Near the spring in Vallone Tempesta, a great variety of amphibians and insects typical of wetlands live, including dragonflies, bugs, mosquitoes and butterflies.

Roman remains and architecture

The Museo delle Navi Romane opened in 1939 and was designed by Vittorio Morpurgo. It displays preserved remains of the Roman ships, as well as finds from the Castelli Romani area and the nearby Santuario di Diana Nemorense. The museum was the first example of a museum structure designed specifically for its contents.

The monumental complex of the Santuario di Diana Nemorense was arranged on three terraces. In the Archaic period, the site became the federal centre of the Latin cities, which gathered at the Lucus Ferentinae, also known as Bosco Ferentino; this place was located on Monte Savello near Albano Laziale.

The history of Palazzo Ruspoli begins in the 9th or 10th century with a tower later known as the Saracen Tower. The medieval castle core developed around this tower in the 12th century. The parish church of Santa Maria del Pozzo was built at the beginning of the 17th century at the request of Mario and Pompeo Frangipane, replacing an earlier church. This church had been built in the 12th century by Cistercian monks within the walls of the fortified castle and dedicated to Santa Maria de Puteo.

Views and special places

Belvedere Ceyrat is located at the highest point in Nemi. From the belvedere, the view stretches over Nemi’s rooftops, the volcanic lake and the sea. Terrazza degli Innamorati was inaugurated on 14 February 2015. It takes its name from the mythological love stories of Diana and Virbius, and of Numa Pompilius and the nymph Egeria. At La mano dei desideri, you can place your face on the second, ornamentally tattooed hand to make a wish.

Getting there and choosing a hotel

From Rome, Nemi can be reached via the Via Appia and then the Via Nemorense shortly after Genzano. Alternatively, the Via dei Laghi leads from Ciampino Airport to Nemi, passing along Lago di Castelgandolfo.

When choosing a hotel in Nemi, you can focus on your interests in these areas: walks and nature observation, Roman history, historic buildings or the view from Belvedere Ceyrat. This makes it possible to plan your stay around your preferred daily rhythm without separating nature from culture.

More destinations

Lido Di Ostia, Bellegra, Marco Simone, Castel Di Guido, Montelanico, Osteria Nuova, Lavinio Lido Di Enea

To the overarching travel overview: Rome.

More about the destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Holiday at Lago di Nemi.