Nemi, Medieval village near Lake Nemi, Italy
Nemi is a village perched 521 meters (1,710 feet) above sea level in the Alban Hills, positioned along the rim of an ancient volcanic crater. The lake filling this crater sits enclosed by steep green slopes and remains one of the smallest crater lakes in the region.
The site originated as a sacred forest dedicated to the goddess Diana, with a temple sanctuary developing around 300 BCE and attracting Roman nobility for centuries. Over time, settlement grew around this religious center, transforming the landscape into a residential community.
The strawberry harvest holds deep meaning for the village, as spring picking connects families to the land and its seasonal rhythms. Local people gather to celebrate this tradition with gatherings that mark the year.
The village sits roughly 30 kilometers (19 miles) southeast of Rome with bus connections that make day visits manageable from the city. The hilly terrain and narrow streets with steps mean comfortable walking shoes are helpful for exploring the center.
Emperor Caligula commissioned two monumental Roman vessels that rested underwater in the lake for centuries until they were raised and studied in the 1900s. These boats reveal details about Roman naval construction and the engineering ambitions of ancient rulers.
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