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General
There is so much to recommend Lazio - the unprecedented quality of its art and history, the unspoilt hilly landscapes, and clear freshwater lakes. Not to mention the food, drink and shopping! Northern Lazio is home to the fascinating Monumento Naturals della Caldara - a bubbling hot water pool, complete with sulphurous egg smell (guaranteed to amuse the children!). You can swim in the clear waters of the lake at Bracciano, followed by a tasty lakeside meal of freshly caught fish. Meanwhile, at Cerveteri and Tarquinia you will find the marvelously preserved tombs and wall-paintings of the mysterious Etruscans. In Southern Lazio you can sight see at Tivoli, with its imperial Roman Villa Adriana, or at the romantic Renaissance Villa d’Este. If country walks are more tempting, try the unbelievably picturesque tree-bordered crater lake at Nemi, dedicated to the goddess Diana and forming part of the ring of volcanoes because Nemi is one of the Alban Hills. Further south still, you can catch a le ferry from Anzio to the Pontine Islands, with their beautiful pastel-painted houses. Back on the mainland, continue on to the amazing Emperor Tiberius’s Grotto, via the ancient acropolis of Anxur, perched above the coastal town of Terracina.
All roads lead to Rome...
And its indisputable wealth of culture, history and beauty. In the aptly named Eternal City, modern living - with its stylish clothes, scooters and sunglasses - sits comfortably with the renowned architecture and art that surrounds it. Turn any corner, and you will find yourself in a hidden piazza or a narrow cobbled street, gazing at marble fountains, flower-decked balconies and secret courtyards. And amongst the incredible landmarks, such as the Roman Forum, the Vatican Museum and the Colosseum (to name just a few!). you can enjoy living la dolce vita. Watch the morning sun lighting up the fountains in the Piazza del Popolo, or savour the moonlit atmosphere of an alfresco dinner at a trattoria in Trastevere. With a huge variety of cafes and restaurants in every area, you can sip your cappuccino and watch the world go by at any time of the day or night. The classic happy-go-lucky Roman attitude to life is strong and infectious, and the romantic atmosphere of the city cannot fail to influence all who fall under its spell.
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Shopping
In the Lazio countryside you can experience all the colours, noises and aromas of the typical Italian outdoor markets that are held in most towns on different days of the week. The quality of the fresh food on offer is unsurpassed, and the prices are extremely attractive too! Whilst in Rome, there is a vast array of shops and markets - as you would expect in a major European city. From exclusive clothes shops in the traffic-free grid of streets in the Via Condotti area, to antique shops in the Via Giulia and Via Marguta, and from mouthwatering food and wine shops to characterful book, leather and shoe shops - there is truly something for everyone. You can also pick up a few bargains at the flea market on a Sunday morning - and don’t forget to haggle!
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Local Food
Try the local speciality, Saltimbocca alla romana, which consists of thinly sliced veal with ham in a Marsala sauce. For vegetarians, carciofi alla Guidea - a delicious mix of fried artichokes, broccoli and white olives from Gaeta. All your favourite pasta dishes are widely available here, as well as a variety of tempting desserts.
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Local Wine
The vineyards of Cerveteri wine, north of Rome, are as old as the Ancient Romans. They specialize in dry sparkling, sweet whites, dry reds and roses. Capena is a white wine particularly suited to artichokes and cheeses. From the Sabina area, to the east of Rome, comes the white and red Colli della Sabina. Cesanese wine is a ruby red, tending to Burgundy with a soft flavour, and the dry white, straw-coloured wines of the Castelli Romani, are named after each of their towns.
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If you are considering renting a villa in Lazio, Cottages to Castles are pleased to offer a selection of privately owned and superbly presented properties. Choose your dream holiday home in Lazio here.
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