Lazio Region Italy: Map, Culture, and Cities to Visit 

Lazio, also known as Latium in English, is an administrative region located in central Italy. The official coordinates of Lazio region in Italy are 41° 54′ 0″ N, 12° 43′ 0″ E. Lazio borders Tuscany, Umbria, Abruzzo, Molise, Campania and the Tyrrhenian Sea. It covers an area of 17,232 square kilometers. The current president of the Lazio region as of 2023 is Francesco Rocca.

Lazio is known for its rolling hills, sunflower fields, and beaches along the Mediterranean coast and for being home to Rome’s capital and largest city. Lazio has immense historical and cultural significance as the region containing the capital and the Vatican City. It also attracts the most number of tourists out of all regions in Italy.

Lazio has been inhabited since at least the Paleolithic era, with Rome’s founding traditionally dating to 753 BC. This long history has left Lazio with an artistic, cultural, and archaeological heritage spanning Antiquity, the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. It remains one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations.

Where is Lazio region located in Italy?

Lazio is located in the central Italy region. It borders Tuscany, Umbria, Abruzzo, Molise, Campania, and the Tyrrhenian Sea. The capital and largest city of the Lazio region is Rome.

As a central Italian region, Lazio occupies a strategic position in the country. It is easily accessible from most parts of Italy by train, car, or plane, thanks to its extensive transportation network and proximity to major cities. Lazio’s central location and developed infrastructure make it a convenient hub to reach popular tourist destinations in central and southern Italy, like Tuscany, Umbria, Campania, and Sicily.

Lazio is the region of Rome. Rome is the capital city of both the Lazio region and Italy itself. As the epicenter of the Roman Empire in ancient times and home of the Vatican City today, Rome is one of the most historically significant and visited cities in Lazio and the world. Every year, millions of tourists flock to Rome and the Lazio region to explore famous archaeological sites and museums. 

Lazio’s connectivity to the rest of Italy and Europe combined with iconic destinations like Rome means tourism is a pillar industry of the regional economy. The region’s central location in the Italian peninsula facilitates tourism and economic exchanges within Italy and beyond.

What is the population of Lazio in Italy? 

Lazio is one of Italy’s more populous regions, with over 5,707,112 million residents as of 2023 estimates. About half the population resides in the Rome metropolitan area. There is population density of 331 people per square kilometer on average. However, density varies widely, with over 2,200 people per square kilometer in Rome proper compared to sparsely populated mountain areas.

Lazio has a positive birth rate and saw over 35,000 births over deaths in 2020. Like many developed regions, the population has aged somewhat, with people over 65 now accounting for almost 22% of residents. However, Lazio remains home to many young adults drawn by Rome’s universities and job prospects.

In terms of visitors, Rome alone sees between 4 to 10 million international arrivals annually based on data before the COVID-19 pandemic impacted travel and tourism. Domestic visitors push the total number of tourists to Rome to over 16 million annually, not counting daytrippers. Tourism is a major economic driver for the region.

Map of Lazio 

What are the Geographical Features of Lazio Region? 

Lazio covers an area of about 17,232 square kilometers, making it the fourth-largest region in Italy. The geography and landscape of Lazio are incredibly diverse, encompassing mountains, hills, plains, lakes, rivers, and coastline along the Tyrrhenian Sea. 

The Apennine Mountains run along the eastern border with Abruzzo, Molise, and Umbria. In northeast Lazio, the Apennines contain the highest peak in the region, Monte Terminillo, which reaches up to 2,217 meters. The rugged terrain here draws hikers and adventure sports enthusiasts.

Moving west, rolling hills and valleys dominate the landscape. Vineyards thrive in this mild climate, producing world-famous Lazio wines like Frascati. The valleys also host historic towns perched atop isolated hills, like Civita di Bagnoregio, providing picturesque vistas. 

Coastal plains stretch along the western border with the Tyrrhenian. Top beach destinations include Sabaudia, San Felice Circeo, and Sperlonga, which offer golden sands backed by scenic promontories. The protected wetlands of the Pontine Marshes provide habitats for diverse flora and fauna.

In terms of water features, Lazio has many lakes. Lake Bolsena is the largest and most popular spot for swimming, sailing, and exploring medieval lakeside villages. South lies Lake Albano, a favored getaway nestled in the volcanic landscape of the Castelli Romani region. Fed by springs, Lake Nemi has crystal clear waters overlooking Roman ruins and Etruscan artifacts housed in its interesting museums.

With this great geographical diversity, Lazio offers appealing natural attractions across stunning mountain vistas, rolling countryside, beaches, and lakes that draw visitors year-round. The rich landscape provides the backdrop to Lazio’s world-famous cultural attractions centered in Rome.

What are the Most Famous Cities to Visit in Lazio?

Lazio is a popular tourist region in Italy, known for its capital city, Rome, as well as other historic and scenic cities and towns. When searching for cities in Lazio, Italy, or things to do in Lazio, some destinations stand out. Top cities and towns to visit include:

Rome

As Italy’s capital and largest city, Rome has an area of 496 square miles with a population of 2.8 million in the city proper and over 4 million in the metro area. Tourism is central to the economy, with Rome dominating Lazio’s visitor scene and welcoming over 9 million international visitors per year plus 4.3 million domestic tourists annually.  

Ancient Roman sites like the iconic Colosseum arena, Roman Forum ruins, and Vatican City’s St. Peter’s Square and St. Peter’s Basilica draw scores of visitors eager to explore remnants of the Roman Empire’s epicenter. Other top sights include the Pantheon temple, sublime Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps central gathering point, and Trastevere neighborhood across the Tiber bursting with charm, trattorias, and nightlife. Enticing shopping on streets like Via Condotti, countless museums, and the overall energy further enchant tourists in the Eternal City year-round.

Latina

Founded by Mussolini’s regime in 1932, Latina has an area of 277 square kilometers with a population of around 127,000 residents today. Located equidistantly between Rome and Naples, Latina sees around 822,000 visitors per year attracted to a range of sights. Scenic beaches lining 30 miles of the Tyrrhenian Sea coast help locals and tourists alike enjoy relaxing stays under the sunny Mediterranean climate. Lush parks and nature reserves scattered outside the city also offer hiking adventures among the beautiful flora and fauna of the Italian countryside. Inside Latina’s city center, the fascist architecture style still seen on a few remaining buildings offers visitors a glimpse into Italy’s 20th-century history. Museums like the Palazzo M provide another highlight for archaeology enthusiasts, housing ancient Roman artifacts and remains of the nearby port of Epitaffio.

Guidonia Montecelio  

In northeast Lazio, around 15 miles outside Rome, Guidonia Montecelio emerged from the adjacent towns Guidonia and Montecelio and now harboring around 90,000 residents in its green hillsides adjacent to the bustling capital. 

History buffs arrive to trace old Roman aqueducts snaking for miles through the countryside.The town’s Aviation Museum and the archaeological site at Fidenae, with ruins from an ancient Latin settlement, also lure visitors. Those seeking relaxation make their way to the lush sangemini Thermal Baths complex, which overlooks gorgeous pastoral vistas and utilizes mineral-rich spring water believed to harbor therapeutic properties. Outdoorsy types often use Montecelio as a gateway town to access adventures in the nearby Lucretili Mountains via trails great for hiking, biking, climbing, or skiing.

Fiumicino

The town of Fiumicino borders the Tyrrhenian Sea near the mouth of the Tiber River, about 16 miles southwest of downtown Rome along Leonardo da Vinci International Airport’s outskirts. As the site of Italy’s largest and busiest airport handles over 40 million air passengers annually. 

Fiumicino has around 81,000 residents and sees nearly 2 million visitors yearly between daytrippers from Rome and cruise ship stopovers. Attractions like sandy beaches great for swimming, beachside dining, nightlife venues, and history dot the coastline to entertain tourists who tack on a relaxing extension before or after Rome visits. Near the airport lies the UNESCO site of Portus, showcasing extraordinarily preserved warehouses and monuments from Ancient Rome’s largest port under the empire. The prominent Castle of San Giorgio medieval fortress also beckons visitors seeking panoramic Tyrrhenian Sea views.

Aprilia

Aprilia sits 43 miles south of Rome near the Pontine Marshes and claims around 76,000 residents across its 177 square kilometers today. Originally established in 1937 under Mussolini’s regime upon reclaiming swampland, Aprilia houses several buildings constructed in the fascist architectural style. WWII bombings damaged much of Aprilia, which was rebuilt, incorporating a mix of modern structures among fascist relics that permit visitors a tangible glimpse into Italy’s 20th-century history, like at the Casa del Fascio, which operated as the old headquarters of the local Fascetto Party. 

Every year, around 120,000 tourists pass through to witness these sites. Beyond history, Aprilia also provides convenient access to splendid natural retreats like the Parco dei Monti Ausoni Regional Park, with over 37,000 acres of lush forested hills and valleys perfect for hiking, and the scenic Lake Lago di Giulianello nature reserve renowned for fishing, sailing, horseback riding and cycling along its pristine shores.

Viterbo

Perched on a hillside 90 kilometers north of Rome lies Viterbo, an ancient city boasting Etruscan origins over 2,500 years old preceding Roman civilization. Encircled by the Italian countryside, today, Viterbo features around 65,000 residents. It entices over 630,000 annual tourists to amble its remarkably preserved medieval quarters dotted with the ruins of bygone eras, alongside trendy cafes and shops signaling a still-thriving local lifestyle. 

Historical attractions in Viterbo’s charming center include the 13th century Palazzo Papale, serving as the papal palace during its stint as seat of the Catholic Church, the ornate central Piazza del Plebiscito lined with lively restaurants and cafes perfect to people watch from over wine and snacks, carefully maintained aristocratic Renaissance mansions, luscious gardens open for touring and the old medieval thermal spring baths and spa complex utilizing sulfuric mineral water believed to hold therapeutic properties by the Etruscans and Romans who also enjoyed this spot. Visitors relish Viterbo’s ancient stones, continuing to exude Tuscan old-world romantic allure.  

Pomezia

With roughly 64,000 residents across its land area of about 50 square miles, Pomezia lies 25 miles south of Rome among the lush green Roman countryside nestled between the Alban Hills and the bright blue Tyrrhenian Sea coastline along the Via Pontina highway. Originally designed and built as a model city under Mussolini’s directives in 1939, upon draining the Pontine Marshes swampland, Pomezia amazingly escaped Allied bombing raids during WWII, enabling numerous examples of fascist architecture styling to remain standing today. 

Top attractions bringing around 85,000 annual visitors are the Torvaianica beach town luring Romans and tourists alike with over six miles of sandy beaches, a vibrant boardwalk bustling with beach clubs, nightlife venues, and Seafood dining establishments taking advantage of the adjacent Tyrrhenian Sea bounty. Inland, history buffs make their way to the fascinating Archeological Museum of Lavinium to peruse relics and artifacts from the ancient Latin tribe settlement preceding Rome that legendary accounts claim Aeneas of Troy fame established. The old remnants tracing the original Roman Via Laurentina road for several miles also offer a window into antiquity before the imperial age.

Tivoli

In the heart of the scenic Aniene River valley lined with rugged gorges, waterfalls, and olive groves sits Tivoli, an idyllic settlement that has been located just over 18 miles east of Rome proper since ancient Roman times. Beloved as a retreat for nobles fleeing the summer heat, today Tivoli houses around 55,000 residents yet sees over 650,000 annual visitors captivated by its two famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Hadrian’s sprawling Villa showcasing ancient ruins and the lavish Renaissance Villa d’Este with elaborate gardens.

Many also come to admire Tivoli’s historic winding streets, still lined with restaurants and shops channeling when aristocrats filled them, ancient temples like Vesta embedded downtown, and medieval buildings and walls strategically incorporated into the 16th-century city plan. The two picturesque waterfalls cascading through olive tree-covered valleys on either end of town cap the natural scenery, cementing Tivoli’s fame and allure spanning millennia.  

Velletri

The small yet historically rich hilltop town of Velletri sits about 30 miles southeast of Rome center, enjoying a bird’s eye view of the Pontine Plains and Tyrrhenian Sea from its elevated location along the ancient Volscian settlement’s Via Appia and Via Nettuno thoroughfares. Velletri boasts around 53,000 residents and entertains over 711,000 annual visitors visiting its layers of antiquity dotting modern infrastructure.

Top tourist attractions include the central Piazza Trento Trieste town square, where citizens congregate amidst cafes in view of the late 13th century Velletri Cathedral, which blends Romanesque, Gothic, and Neoclassical facades. The Civic Archaeological Museum displays local finds like pottery and female statues from the extra-urban Sanctuary of the Italic goddess Juno. Hiking up to the remains of the pre-Roman era (1300-500 BCE) acropolis fortress on Sant’Angelo Hill proffers panoramas of the surrounding landscape. Visitors also sample Velletri’s claims to fame – artisanal red and white wines, olive oil, and hazelnuts frequently accompany delectable homestyle dishes in family-run trattorias scattered downtown.

Anzio

Anzio occupies around 20 square miles along Italy’s western coast, 50 miles south of Rome, facing the scenic Tyrrhenian Sea, with a population of around 58,000. Known for its pristine beaches, seafood cuisine showcasing daily catches, and a pivotal Allied forces WWII landing in 1944, Anzio sees over 710,000 annual tourists enjoying its sunny seaside appeal. Visitors sunbathe on sandy beaches during summer or frequent Anzio’s MAPPA outdoor museum, honoring the military feat with British military war cemeteries and a museum amidst cobblestone streets leading to the medieval harbor. 

Well-preserved evidence of Anzio’s roots as an elite imperial Roman retreat under Nero includes caves along the coastline housing the small museum Villa Domiziano illustrating seaside villa foundations and intricate mosaics in situ from antiquity. Anzio also provides convenient access for visitors to experience authentic Italian nature sites and activities like Tor Caldara Regional Park’s protected wooded limestone promontory, which is great for hiking and kids entertaining themselves at local amusement parks with Mediterranean panoramas.

What are the safest cities in the Lazio region? 

According to recent data from istat.it, the top safest cities in Lazio based on crime statistics are:

• Rieti: Nestled in the mountains northeast of Rome, Rieti’s medieval beauty entrances visitors – but not criminals. Tight communal bonds promote collective responsibility, where unemployment is low, and police integrate seamlessly with engaged citizens. This mountain idyll saw only 20.9 crimes per 1,000 residents in 2022.
• Viterbo: Equally, the fortress walls of Viterbo harbor close communal ties. Its cortile houses lively neighbors who participate in neighborhood watches, and its Gothic streets host vibrant cultural events that deter deviance. Though many tourists flock to this exquisite walled city with its Roman ruins and papal palace, crime remains at 22.2 incidents per 1,000 inhabitants.
• Civitavecchia: Finally, criminal activity stays low despite tourists disembarking cruiseliners to overwhelm Civitavecchia’s port. Engaged locals prevent issues from arising, while shared intelligence helps police efficiency. With citizens invested in preserving the quality of life along ancient walls and promenades, only 34.1 crimes occurred per 1,000 residents last year.

What are the most dangerous cities in Lazio? 

While Lazio is generally safe, some cities have issues like petty theft. According to Italian crime statistics, the most dangerous cities include:

• Parts of urban Rome, especially Termini Station and neighborhoods like Tor Bella Monaca, see higher rates of pickpocketing and crimes of opportunity against tourists.
• The port city of Civitavecchia has higher crime, although mainly theft rather than violent crimes.
• Aprilia and Anzio have the highest crime rates in Lazio, driven mainly by theft and robbery.

However, most Lazio towns have very low crime rates by global standards, especially violent crime. With situational awareness and care for valuables, tourists are unlikely to experience issues even in these higher-risk cities.

What is the Best Time to Visit Lazio Region in Italy? 

Lazio enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, making visiting decent for most months. Peak spring and fall allow enjoying milder weather minus hordes of summer visitors in Rome, whereas winter means cultural events and Christmas fanfare without queues at top sites. Ideal months include:

• April – May: Pleasant spring weather sees blossoming wildflowers carpeting Rome’s ancient ruins alongside local spring produce and lighter crowds early in the season before summer tourism swells. Rome celebrates its birthday festival on April 21st.
• June – early July: Long sunny days allow maximum sightseeing and beach weather before oppressive heat and throngs of tourists descend in late summer. Prime season means Ostia and other coastal resorts open, offering aquatic fun from the Roman Riviera to Anzio with its War Museum and WWII sites by the shore.
• September – mid-October: Autumn delivers optimal weather, bringing restaurant patio weather amidst countryside grape and olive harvests. September sightseeing avoids summer masses, and mid-October offers even fewer visitors and cheaper stays for meandering through medieval villages to the coast without reservation headaches.
• December: Rome dazzles under string lights and seasonal decorations during the Advent season once winter rains subside by early December. Enjoy Italian feasting for Christmas and Hannukah minus the usual crowds even as locals fill cafes showing off glittering holiday panettones on display. Ski conditions improve at higher elevation Lazio resorts like Campo Staffi.

What is the traditional food of Lazio? 

Lazio cuisine stems from rural traditions using seasonal ingredients grown locally across the region. Food plays an important cultural role, with certain dishes originating in specific Lazio cities.

When it comes to iconic Roman food, most people think of dishes like:

• Pasta Cacio e Pepe – Simple pasta with pecorino cheese and black pepper originating from shepherd culinary traditions
• Bucatini all’Amatriciana – Hollow spaghetti tubes cooked in a tomato sauce with guanciale pork and pecorino cheese from Amatrice 
• Spaghetti alla Carbonara – Spaghetti tossed in eggs, black pepper and guanciale pork, possibly named for Italian coal miners (carbonari)
• Carciofi alla Romana – Braised artichokes flattened and stuffed with herbs like mint and garlic coming from Rome’s agricultural fields
• Supplì – Deep fried rice croquettes often filled with mozzarella and meat sauces modeled after Sicilian arancini
• Saltimbocca alla Romana – Thin veal cutlets topped with prosciutto and sage leaves cooked in white wine from Roman trattorias
• Pollo alla Cacciatora – Braised chicken thighs cooked with onions, tomatoes and white wine coming from rural hunter traditions
• Abbacchio alla Romana – Pan seared lamb cutlets typical of Roman Easter meals 

Where to Eat Lazio’s Cuisine?

Rome offers endless dining options and food tours to taste quintessential Roman dishes mentioned above in neighborhoods like Campo de’ Fiori and Trastevere. But other cities also specialty local cuisine.

Towns south of Rome, “ike Pomezia and Anzio, s”rve up seafood pasta and grilled fish. Amatrice is the birthplace of bucatini all’amatriciana. Frascati is known for its white wines and porchetta roasted pork. Travelers can try Lazio italian restaurants while visiting this central Italian region.

What are the most famous Lazio wine brands? 

Lazio produces vast quantities of wine thanks in part to the mineral-rich volcanic soil blanketing the region. Lazio vineyards mainly cultivate white grape varieties like Malvasia, Trebbiano, and Greco, which thrive in the Mediterranean climate. 

Popular Lazio wines include:

• Frascati – Light, dry white blends made from Malvasia and Trebbiano grapes in the hills surrounding Rome. Frascati gained DOC status in 1966.
• Est Est Est di Montefiascone – Historic white wine made from Trebbiano grapes that has been produced since the 1200s around Lake Bolsena.
• Fiorano – Boutique red wine made by the legendary Prince Alberico Boncompagni Ludovisi on his small estate in the Alban Hills and generally made from Merlot grapes.  
• Aleatico di Gradoli – Dessert wine from the Aleatico grape cultivated around Gradoli, resulting in sweet, aromatic reds served with biscotti.  
• Moscato di Terracina – Sweet, lower alcohol white wine from the Terracina area made using Moscato grapes. Often enjoyed as an aperitif.  

Best vineyards in Lazio, Italy, offer tours and tastings showcasing top regional wines. Recommended estates include Poggio Le Volpi, Villa Simone, Tenuta di Fiorano, Cantine Colacicchi, and Casale Marchese Frascati.

Lazio’s Mediterranean climate and mineral-rich soils provide ideal conditions for cultivating grapes. Whites like Malvasia, Trebbiano and Greco particularly thrive. Lazio’s prominence as a top wine region relies heavily on Frascatiproviding, a refreshing, food-friendly white wine to pair with the region’s bountiful cuisine.