The article highlights five charming towns near Rome, Italy, ideal for day trips to escape the city's crowds while enjoying history, culture, and natural beauty.

These towns, all within two hours of Rome, offer diverse experiences like medieval architecture, ancient ruins, and scenic landscapes, providing a more authentic Italian experience compared to Rome’s tourist-heavy sites.

Towns Near Rome:

• Giardino di Ninfa (50 miles south): A romantic garden with medieval ruins, a 12th-century castle, and 1,300 plant species. Open only on specific days (March-November), it’s perfect for spring visits when flowers bloom. Nearby, Norma and Sermoneta offer a chocolate factory museum, ancient Norba ruins, and the 13th-century Caetani Castle.

• Anzio (46 miles southwest): A coastal town with ancient Roman imperial villa ruins and Nero’s Grottoes, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Features museums like Museo Civico Archeologico and Museo Storico dello Sbarco, showcasing local history and WWII relics.

• Viterbo (northeast): Lazio’s second-largest city with 66,000 residents, known for its medieval charm. Offers a historic center, thermal baths, and traditional dishes like porchetta and wild boar ragù. A quieter alternative to Rome’s bustle.

• Bracciano, Anguillara Sabazia, Trevignano Romano (around Lake Bracciano, 1 hour northwest): Three towns by a 5,600-hectare volcanic lake, perfect for water sports, romantic walks, or visiting the 1470 Castello Orsini-Odescalchi in Bracciano, which houses medieval artifacts.

• Tivoli (19 miles east): Home to two UNESCO sites—Villa Adriana (Emperor Hadrian’s retreat) and Villa d’Este (Renaissance gardens). Features Villa Gregoriana’s natural park and waterfalls, with easy access via a 30-minute drive or train from Rome.

The "Caravaggio 2025" exhibition at Palazzo Barberini in Rome highlights Caravaggio’s genius with 24 masterpieces, including the rare Maffeo Barberini portrait. Featuring iconic works like "The Cardsharps" and "Ecce Homo," the show explores his dramatic chiaroscuro and emotional depth. A must-see for art lovers visiting Rome, it runs until July 6. #Caravaggio #RomeArt #PalazzoBarberini