Castelli Romani Regional Park – Lazio: volcanic hills, silent lakes and villages among woods and vineyards. The Castelli Romani Regional Park extends over the green hills of the Alban Hills, south-east of Rome. Established in 1984, it encompasses 18 municipalities and a landscape that combines volcanic nature, millenary history and peasant culture. Here crater lakes, chestnut forests, scenic trails and historic villages suspended in time alternate. 🌋 Volcanic nature and landscapes shaped by fire: The park stands on an ancient extinct volcano: craters, secondary cones and lakes tell the story of its origin. Lake Albano and Lake Nemi, set in green basins, are two natural gems surrounded by woods, paths and ancient Roman traces. 👉 Tip: Climb up to the Monte Cavo viewpoint and see the two lakes from above: on a clear day you can even see the sea and the dome of St. Peter's. 🌳 Woods, paths and environments to explore: The territory is crossed by dense chestnut, oak and holm oak woods, where picnic areas, clearings and spring water sources open up. A network of CAI paths allows you to walk between ridges, plateaus, ancient Roman roads and tunnels carved into the volcanic rock. 👉 Tip: Walk the Sentiero delle Faete above Rocca di Papa: a shady path among centuries-old chestnut trees and volcanic remains, ideal on hot days. 🦉 Local wildlife and quiet spaces: Despite its proximity to Rome, the park retains a good biodiversity: foxes, hedgehogs, badgers, hawks and water birds populate the woods and the shores of the lakes. In the quiet hours you can hear the cry of the owl or the beating of wings above the foliage. 👉 Tip: Early in the morning, walk along the path that runs along Lake Nemi: the reflection of the trees on the water and the absolute silence give a rare feeling of immersion. 🏛️ Historic villages and traces of the past: The Castelli Romani are also towns rich in history: Frascati, Ariccia, Castel Gandolfo, Nemi, Grottaferrata and many others preserve noble villas, medieval churches, Roman remains and living traditions. The panoramic terraces overlook vineyards, woods and open horizons. 👉 Tip: Visit the historic center of Genzano di Roma and its Via dell'Infiorata: in spring it turns into a carpet of colorful flowers, among baroque architecture and views of the lake. 🍇 Wine, cuisine and local knowledge: The hills of the Castles have been cultivated with vines for centuries: Frascati DOCG, Marino DOC and other denominations are born from local grapes processed according to tradition. The peasant cuisine offers porchetta, gnocchi, fettuccine with mushrooms and simple desserts served in the historic fraschette. 👉 Tip: Stop at a fraschetta in Ariccia or Grottaferrata for a genuine lunch with house white wine, homemade bread and local cheeses. The Castelli Romani Park is an invitation to get to know an ancient nature, shaped by fire and softened by time. Between paths, lakes and flavors, each visit is a dialogue with the landscape and the history that inhabits it.