Parco regionale dei Castelli Romani, Regional park in Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy.
This regional park is a protected area around Rome that extends across multiple municipalities and features two volcanic lakes, dense chestnut forests, and varied Mediterranean plant life. The landscape shifts between forested areas, open hillsides, and lakeshores, with archaeological ruins and small settlements woven into the natural terrain.
This area was a favored residence of the Romans in ancient times, who built villas and temples on the slopes to take advantage of the cooler elevation. These settlements reach back to early periods and show how long this region has been inhabited.
The towns surrounding this area have a long tradition of wine production, with Frascati wine being especially famous and made in the surrounding villages for generations. As you walk through the region, you see grapevines covering the slopes and small wine cellars where locals process their grapes.
The area is easily accessible from several major towns, and there are many marked walking trails that connect different elevations and lakes. The best time to explore is spring and fall, when the weather is mild and hiking is more enjoyable.
The two lakes were formed in craters of a very old volcano that was once active and completely shaped the landscape. When you stand at the lake shore, you notice the steep rock walls that clearly show this place originated from volcanic activity.
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