Gaeta: A Bay of Naples in miniature

About half-way between Rome and Naples, just at the edge of the Italian region of Lazio, lies the seaside city of Gaeta. Gaeta is situated in a dramatic bay, reminding visitors of a miniature Bay of Naples. The Orlando Mountain rises just behind it. An important seaport, Gaeta has a long and rich history, spanning…

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A Rome day trip: The beach at Sabaudia

A little over an hour’s drive south of Rome, along the Tyrrhenian coast, is a lovely stretch of beach – Sabaudia. This is a popular destination during the summer months, since the sea is so much more beautiful than the water closer to Rome. I think it’s also a nice place to go without the…

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A beach fit for an Emperor: Sperlonga

Looking for a Mediterranean summer resort with history? How about 2000 years of history? Ancient Roman Emperor Tiberius, who reigned from 14-37 AD, used to enjoy spending summers in this beautiful seaside retreat on the Tyrrhenian Sea and, millennia later, modern-day Romans still escape the city’s sweltering summers by relaxing on the beach of  beautiful…

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The Renaissance Villa d’Este in Tivoli

This small city to the west of Rome, once an important stop on the “Grand Tour” of Europe,  is today a bedroom community of Rome, yet it still maintains its distinct character. It makes a wonderful daytrip from Rome, either by car or with frequent trains leaving from Rome’s Tiburtina train station. If you are…

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The “dying city” of Civita di Bagnoregio

The beautiful medieval town of Civita di Bagnoregio, about 100 km north of Rome – within the province of Lazio and just along the border with neighboring Umbria-  is known as la città che muore (the dying city). Dying is, unfortunately, just what Civita di Bagnoregio is doing. The city, originally founded by the Etruscans,…

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