One of the Castelli Romani towns lying in the Alban Hills (Colli Albani) south of Rome, Grottaferrata is famed for its 11th century abbey and its wine. The abbey is a fortified Basilian (or Greek Orthodox) church, founded here in 1004 by St Nilus the Younger. Legend has it that it was built on a spot where the Virgin Mary appeared and told Nilus to build a place of worship. Within the Abbey we have the little church of Santa Maria, with its Byzantine interior decor, 13th century mosaics and chapel to St Nilus. A little museum here has medieval and classical sculptures.
Nearby is the town of Marino, which boasts Lazio region's best wines after Frascati. Nearby sights also include the town of Rocca di Papa, which at 680 metres above sea level is the highest of the Castelli Romani towns, and with a stunning medieval centre tumbling down the hillside. There is the pretty wine town of Frascati, with its superb Villa Aldobrandini and gardens, and the hilltop town of Monte Cavo. See too Lago (Lake) Albano, which has Castel Gandolfo, the summer home of the Pope. From here, a very pretty road leads to Albano Laziale, along the Via Appia (Appian Way). And just north of here, of course, is Rome itself. Well within reach for days out, while keeping a foothold in the countryside of southern Lazio.
To the left you'll find a selection of hotels, to get you in the mood
- see also our full listings of Grottaferrata hotels.
