Day Trips from Rome: Lake Bracciano
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If you have extra time during your stay in Rome, there are lots of lovely little places to explore, just a short train ride away.
Bracciano is a quiet town nestled above the majestic Lake Bracciano, about 20 miles northwest of Rome. Just over an hour's ride and €3 each way with the FM3 regional train from Ostiense station, it's a breath of fresh air if the city starts to feel suffocating and you have more than a few days in Rome. The expanse of blue water is like a cold, refreshing drink for the eyes when you see it as you stand in the old city high on a hill.
Locals often praise Bracciano for its scenic beauty and historical richness. Paolo Alei, a well-respected art historian and university professor in Rome, had this to say on Trip Advisor regarding Bracciano:
I think the Castle of Bracciano is the most beautiful and authentic excursion one can do from Rome.
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The Odescalchi castle, believed to have been first built as a tower in the 1100s, is easily reached by foot from the main train station in a short 10-minute or so walk. Looking as if it was taken straight from the pages of a fairy tale, it's privately owned and you can visit all year round, generally speaking between 10 am to noon and in the afternoons from 3 pm to 6 pm (hours are a bit longer in the summer months). The cost is €7.50 (children under 6 free, €5 for children 6-10).
For lunch, the Corte di Bracciano restaurant, just steps from the castle, is currently rated #1 on Trip Advisor.
The Civic Museum contains archeological treasures dating back to Etruscan times, artifacts from the old city hall (such as maps and other historical objects), and examples of Renaissance sculpture and painting. The cost is €3 or €1.50 for ages 6-18.
It takes about 20 minutes to walk to the lake shore once you arrive at the train station, following signs for "lago" and then going down the staircase just past the church. I wouldn't recommend this walk for small children, because it's a steep climb on the way back. There are some numbers for taxis displayed in front of the train station, but without a car the surest bet for traveling here with young kids is to stick to the castle.
If you decide to stay overnight, several B&Bs and agritourism establishments are listed on the town's local tourist board website.
Other bloggers have written about this day trip as well, check them out here: Travel Belles, An American in Rome.
Have you ever visited Bracciano? Tell us about it in the comments!