Rome & Lazio - Italy - page 324

Castel Gandolfo
One of the prettiest of the Castelli's towns, Castel Gandolfo is a refined hilltop borgo (me-
dieval town). There are no must-see sights but the central Piazza della Libertà is a lovely
spot for an ice cream, and the views over Lago Albano are gorgeous. Facing onto the
piazza is the pope's 17th-century summer residence, the Palazzo Pontificio (closed to the
public), where he holds his regular weekly audiences in July and August.
Just outside the historic centre, the Antico Ristorante Pagnanelli ( 06 936 00 04;
www.pagnanelli.it ; Via Antonio Gramsci 4, Castel Gandolfo; meals €70) is one of the Castelli's top
restaurants offering sophisticated food and romantic lakeside views.
Lago Albano
The largest and most developed of the Castelli's two volcanic lakes - the other is Lago di
Nemi - Lago Albano is set in a steeply banked wooded crater. It's a popular hang-out,
particularly in spring and summer, when Romans flock here to top up their tans and eat in
the many lakeside eateries.
Getting There & Around
The best way to get to Frascati is by train from Stazione Termini (€2.10, 30 minutes,
roughly hourly Monday to Saturday, every two hours Sunday). Likewise there are regular
trains to Castel Gandolfo from Termini (€2.10, 45 minutes).
To travel between the Castelli towns you'll need to take the bus. To go from Frascati to
Grottaferrata (€1.10, 15 minutes, every 30 to 40 minutes) and on to Castel Gandolfo
(€1.10, 40 minutes), take the Cotral bus from Piazza Marconi.
If travelling by car, exit Rome on Via Tuscolana (SS215) for Frascati and Grottaferrata
or Via Appia (SS7) for Castel Gandolfo and Lago Albano.
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