Castelli Romani
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The Castelli Romani ("Castles of Rome") is a group of communes in the province of Rome. They are located at short distance south-east to Rome, at the feet of the Alban Hills.
The area of the Castelli occupies an ancient, fertile volcanic area which has allowed since ancient times a flourishing agriculture. The former crater is occupied by two lakes, the Lake of Nemi and that of Albano.
Starting from the Romans, it was an area frequented by the noblemen of Rome for its fresher climate during summer: the tradition was followed by the Popes which still have their summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, on the Lake Albano. Families which ruled in the castelli include Orsini, Colonna, Chigi, Aldobrandini and Ruspoli.
The Castelli Romani are:
- Albano Laziale
- Ariccia
- Castel Gandolfo
- Colonna
- Frascati
- Genzano di Roma
- Grottaferrata
- Lanuvio
- Lariano
- Marino
- Monte Compatri
- Monte Porzio Catone
- Nemi
- Rocca di Papa
- Rocca Priora
- Velletri
[edit] Cuisine and food
The area is renowned for the production of wine, including the white wine of Frascati. There is also a wine called Castelli Romani, and has some very good qualities in the wine!
Ariccia is celebrated for its porchetta (roasted pork meat). Local biscuits include the so-called maritozzi. Pizzas here tend to be with a thin, crusty base (typically Roman) and rectangular, with portions often sold by weight, allowing a wider choice of flavours.
Typical courses for a meal include starter, pasta, main course, dessert and coffee (espresso), perhaps washed down with a sambuca, grappa or other digestif.
