How many times have you had a free Sunday and not known what to do, where to go, what to see! We all know the riches of our country but sometimes we have a real blackout on which places to visit near home. Today we are here to suggest a little gem a stone’s throw from Rome.
This is Nemi, the smallest municipality of the Castelli Romani, known mainly for the strawberry festival which takes place every year on the first Sunday of June. In Nemi it is possible to taste strawberries in the many clubs, bars and hosteries found in the small medieval village.
From Chantilly cream and strawberry tarts, to strawberries with cream for the sweet tooth, to simple strawberries with lemon. They are truly excellent in any form they are served. But not only strawberries, also many gastronomic butchery products to buy or enjoy in one of the many restaurants present.
Village of Nemi
Detail of the village of Nemi
Nemi is also appreciated for its panoramic position on the lake of the same name which makes the temperature cool and pleasant, especially in summer. The lake, of volcanic origin, is part of the volcanic complex of the Alban hills and is almost completely suitable for bathing, except for the area in front of the ship museum. Bathers can enjoy the rich vegetation of oaks, limes and maples that completely surrounds the lake.
Furthermore, Lake Nemi is famous for being the site of the discovery of two wonderful ships from the Roman era (over 70 meters long and more than 25 meters wide), which were however destroyed in 1944 by the Germans. Next to the lake it is also possible to see the remains of a temple dedicated to Diana, local goddess and protector of hunting.
The village and its hidden treasures
Walking through Nemi you cannot help but notice the fountain dedicated to Diana, in Piazza Roma: in the center of a large circular basin stands the bronze statue of the goddess, armed with a bow and arrows, a tribute to the ancient sanctuary that stood in these woods. A little further on, the village is dominated by Palazzo Ruspoli, a building with medieval origins which over the centuries passed through various noble Roman families before becoming the Ruspoli family. For those looking for a romantic moment, it is worth reaching the Terrazza degli Innamorati, a small viewpoint opened in 2015 which offers one of the most evocative views of the lake, among the tree branches that are reflected in the water.
The Museum of Roman Ships
Of the two boats built by Emperor Caligula as actual floating residences for parties and ceremonies, which have unfortunately been destroyed today, there still remain important testimonies to see: the remains of the hulls are in fact preserved and exhibited in the Museum of Roman Ships, right on the shore of the lake, and tell a surprising story of the naval engineering of the time.
A curiosity about the lake
Not everyone knows that the water level of Lake Nemi is regulated by an ancient engineering work: already in the 4th century BC an emissary approximately 1650 meters long was dug into the rock, which still connects the lake to the Ariccia valley today. A detail that makes the visit to this corner of Lazio even more fascinating.
Not just strawberries: Nemi’s gastronomy
In addition to strawberries, which remain the undisputed protagonists, in Nemi you can taste fragolino, a strawberry-flavoured honey with a sweet and intense aroma, handcrafted in the village.
How to get to Nemi
Nemi is located about 35 kilometers from Rome, in a south-east direction, and can be easily reached both by car and public transport. If you travel by car, the road that leads to the Castelli Romani runs along Lake Albano first and then Lake Nemi, offering suggestive views along the way. In less than an hour you leave the traffic of the city to find yourself among stone alleys and terraces overlooking the water. Those who prefer public transport can start from the Anagnina metro and take a bus to Genzano, then change to the shuttle that goes up to the village, or arrive by train in Albano Laziale or Velletri and continue with a Cotral bus directed to Nemi.
So, if you want a pleasant day of good food, wine and a fresh area, we suggest a walk in the enchanting medieval village of Nemi.
