Bracciano Lake

Pike, tench, whitefish, perch and eels have always swum happily in the waters of the large lake some forty kilometres north of Rome. It is a fish fauna that tourists are kindly requested not to disturb while swimming, sailing or paddling in canoes, after having approached one of the various sports clubs on the banks. Not that the area lacks culture: in the town of Bracciano dominating the waters is the imposing mass of the Orsini-Odescalchi Castle, an excellent example of military architecture and aristocratic residence from the second half of the 15th century, which today offers itself as a museum among frescoes, paintings, ceramics, period weapons and furnishings from four or five centuries ago.

The circular walk of Bracciano Castle, between majestic cylindrical towers, is also excellent for the panorama on the Lake, not much different from the other town on the Lake: Anguillara Sabazia, known for its gastronomic traditions based on lake fish and broccoletti as well as fireworks at local festivals and fairs.

Entering the historical centre of Anguillara through the 16th-century Porta Maggiore, you cross the village leisurely as far as the 18th-century Collegiata di S. Maria Assunta. Outside the walls, however, there are Renaissance-era frescoes in the church of S. Francesco. The name of a well-known nearby bathing establishment refers to black sand, which sounds like confirmation of the lake's ancient volcanic origins.

The triad of historic settlements along the banks is completed by the smaller Trevignano Romano, for environmental and tourism quality, certified by the Italian Touring Club as an Orange Flag location.