A day in the sun at Lake Martignano, Italy

Lago di Martignano, Lake Martignano, is a small, volcanic lake reaching depths of 58 meters. This small lake is just beside the larger, and more well known Lake Bracciano.

Within the region of Lazio, Lake Martignano makes an easy day trip from Rome.

The lake was known to the Ancient Romans, although it was believed to have been larger at the time, and its water was used in the Alseatium Aqueduct constructed in 2 B.C. under Emperor Augustus (see my earlier post).

Luckily, its banks are undeveloped and are part of a protected area of the Regional Natural Park of Bracciano-Martignano.

Unlike Lake Bracciano, however, swimming is allowed in Lake Martignano … although our visit was a little too early in the season to take advantage of that.

Still, the kids enjoyed going out on a paddle boat and trying their luck with fishing (unfortunately, we didn’t come home with dinner). It was a relaxing day out in nature, and an easy escape from Rome.

All in all, a wonderfully relaxing day trip from the city.