🏞️ Escape to Bracciano:
A Peaceful Lakeside Town Just an Hour from Rome
Escape the hustle of Rome and spend a relaxing day by Lake Bracciano — a hidden gem with medieval streets, breathtaking views, and one of Italy’s most beautiful castles, the Orsini-Odescalchi.
🚆 How to Get to Bracciano from Rome
By Train: Trains depart from Roma Ostiense and Roma San Pietro to Bracciano Station (about 1 hour). Tickets cost around €3–4 one way. The station is only a 10-minute walk from the castle and lake.
By Car: Drive about 1 hour via the A90 or Cassia Bis. Perfect if you want to stop at small villages or viewpoints along the way.
🏰 Best Things to Do in Bracciano
🏰 Castello Orsini-Odescalchi
Explore the 15th-century fortress overlooking the lake — famous for celebrity weddings and panoramic views from its towers.🏖️ Lake Bracciano
Relax by one of Italy’s cleanest lakes, swim, or rent a kayak at Vigna di Valle or Trevignano Romano.🏘️ Historic Center
Stroll through medieval alleys, enjoy a gelato in Piazza IV Novembre, and capture the charm of small-town Lazio.✈️ Aviation Museum
Just outside Bracciano in Vigna di Valle, the Air Force Museum displays historic planes and artifacts — great for aviation lovers.🌅 Belvedere della Sentinella
Walk up to this scenic viewpoint for the most stunning panorama of Lake Bracciano, especially at sunset. A must for photographers!🍷 Wine & Olive Oil Tasting
Visit nearby farms or enotecas to sample local Lazio wines and artisanal olive oil — a true taste of the countryside around Bracciano.🍝 Where to Eat by the Lake
- Trattoria del Castello – Classic Roman and Lazio dishes with a view of the castle. Try the cacio e pepe or homemade ravioli di ricotta.
- Da Celeste – Lakeside seafood restaurant, ideal for a long, relaxing lunch. The frittura di paranza and local white wine are favorites.
- Ristorante Alfredo da Persichella – Family-run and cozy, serving traditional recipes like amatrice-style pasta and grilled meats.
- Pane e Olio – A modern bistro near the main square with seasonal dishes, regional wines, and vegetarian options.
Don’t miss local specialties like coregone (whitefish from the lake) and porchetta romana, often served in lakeside trattorias. For dessert, try a slice of crostata di visciole (sour cherry tart) or creamy gelato artigianale from one of the small shops in the old town.
🕒 Suggested One-Day Itinerary from Rome
| ⏰ Time | 🗓️ Plan |
|---|---|
| 🚆 08:30 | Take the train from Rome (Roma Ostiense or San Pietro) to Bracciano |
| 🏰 10:00 | Visit the Orsini-Odescalchi Castle – climb the towers for panoramic views |
| 🍝 12:30 | Enjoy lunch at a lakeside trattoria |
| 🏖️ 14:30 | Relax on the shore or swim in Lake Bracciano |
| 📸 17:00 | Stroll through the historic center and grab a gelato 🍦 |
| 🚉 19:00 | Return to Rome as the sun sets 🌅 |
🌤️ When to Visit Bracciano
- Best months: April to October
- Avoid: Winter weekdays when some attractions close
- Tip: Summer sunsets by the lake are magical 🌅
🌍 Combine with Other Destinations
You can easily combine your Bracciano day trip with nearby villages:- Trevignano Romano – Elegant lakeside promenade with cafés and boutiques.
- Anguillara Sabazia – A charming medieval town on the opposite shore.
❤️ Why Bracciano Is Worth the Trip
Just an hour from the heart of Rome, Bracciano feels like a world away. Here, ancient history meets natural beauty — a peaceful lake framed by rolling hills, a perfectly preserved medieval castle, and cobbled streets that seem frozen in time.
Whether you come to admire the Orsini-Odescalchi Castle, enjoy a leisurely lunch by the lake, or simply watch the sunset over the water, Bracciano delivers that rare sense of calm and authenticity that’s hard to find near a big city.
It’s the ideal destination for a day trip from Rome — easy to reach, full of charm, and offering a glimpse into everyday life in Lazio. From history lovers and foodies to photographers and couples looking for a romantic escape, Bracciano leaves every visitor with lasting memories. 🌅
🌟 Explore More Day Trips from RomeYou might also be interested in:
🙏 Thank you for reading!
Want to learn more about Rome? Visit our travel blog — you’ll find helpful guides on the Vatican, Colosseum, Pantheon, Jewish Ghetto, Trastevere, and much more!
📰 Visit our blog for more articles →
🚶♂️ Join one of our daily tours in Rome!
Discover Rome with our free walking tours and premium experiences, available every day! We’ll show you highlights like the Colosseum, the Vatican, the Jewish Ghetto, Pantheon, Trastevere, and much more — led by expert local guides.
Tours available in English, Spanish, German, French and Portuguese. Book your spot today and make unforgettable memories!
🔍 View all tours