The Castelli Romani (Roman castles) are a mere 35minutes from Rome, but you could be hours away. Beautiful green hills, toppedwith ancient towns, a couple of volcanic lakes, delicious cuisine and abundantwines, the most famous being Frascati; all go to explain why Romans have beenbuilding their summer villas here for centuries. The most famous of these beingCastel Gandolfo, the summer residence of the Pope. Frascati is the largest ofthese towns, while Nemi, the smallest gives its name to one of the lakes. Theroute out of Rome is worthwhile too, as you will pass the remains of theaqueducts that once carried water into the city and other imposing ruins.