Discovering the San Benedetto lake in Subiaco: one of the most beautiful and secret natural paradises in Lazio

Did you know that a stone’s throw from Rome there is a true natural paradise, one of the most evocative in Lazio, in which to spend a few hours relaxing? It is the splendid lake of San Benedetto, located in the municipality of Subiaco, the beating heart of the Aniene Valley.

The body of water with emerald colored waters is located within the Simbruini Mountains Regional Natural Park. To make everything even more magical is the presence of a small waterfall, formed by the Aniene river which flows into the lake.

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That of San Benedetto is the only one left of the “Simbruina Stagna”, one of the three lakes that the emperor Nero had built in the 1st century to create dams on the Aniene river around his majestic villa, of which some traces still remain.

The Caribbean of Rome – as this place has been renamed – can be easily reached by following a scenic path, also suitable for children. It is the perfect destination for refreshment on sultry summer days.

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Let’s find out how to get there and how the access works.

Useful information for visiting the San Benedetto lake

Until some time ago the oasis could be accessed for free, but since July 2020 the place has become limited entry.

The Simbruini Mountains Regional Natural Park, which manages the area, has today set the ordinary cost of the ticket at 4 euros, with free entry for children under 3 years of age and for residents. From June to September, to protect the ecosystem of the lake, daily access is limited to a maximum number of visitors, so especially on summer weekends it is best to arrive early or organize in advance.

As for the length of stay at the San Benedetto lake, the standard visit is two and a half hours, but you can stay up to 4 hours or 6 hours by paying a little more and dogs are also allowed.

How to reach the Caribbean of Rome

But how to reach the pond? Once you arrive at the Monastery of Santa Scolastica, park your car and from the Church of S. Michele you need to follow the route marked ST2, approximately 2 km long. The descent will take you to the river and after crossing a wooden bridge and walking another 100 meters you will finally be able to see the lake.

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The path is suitable for everyone (including children) but, alternatively, there is the urban line B which from Piazza Falcone (Cotral depot) arrives directly at the access area to the lake.

In the summer months, for those who don’t want to face the walk or are looking for an alternative to the car, there is also a free shuttle that connects the center of Subiaco to the lake area, a convenient option especially on busy days, when the car parks near the path fill up quickly.