{"id":696,"date":"2024-03-05T08:14:30","date_gmt":"2024-03-05T08:14:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/readyforitaly.com\/?p=696"},"modified":"2024-03-05T08:14:30","modified_gmt":"2024-03-05T08:14:30","slug":"lazio-region-italy-map-culture-and-cities-to-visit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/readyforitaly.com\/region\/lazio\/","title":{"rendered":"Lazio Region Italy: Map, Culture, and Cities to Visit\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lazio<\/strong>, also known as Latium in English, is an administrative region located in central Italy<\/strong>. The official coordinates of Lazio region in Italy are <\/span>41\u00b0 54\u2032 0\u2033 N, 12\u00b0 43\u2032 0\u2033 E. <\/span>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 <\/span>Francesco Rocca.<\/span><\/p>\n

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<\/strong>. Lazio has immense historical and cultural significance as the region containing the capital and the Vatican City<\/strong>. It also attracts the most number of tourists out of all regions in Italy.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Where is Lazio region located in Italy?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Lazio is located in the central Italy region<\/a>. It borders Tuscany, Umbria, Abruzzo, Molise, Campania, and the Tyrrhenian Sea. The capital and largest city of the Lazio region is Rome.<\/span><\/p>\n

As a central Italian region<\/strong>, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is the population of Lazio in Italy?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

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

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

In terms of visitors, Rome alone sees<\/span> between 4 to 10 million international arrivals annually<\/span> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Map of Lazio\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Map<\/p>\n

What are the Geographical Features of Lazio Region?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Lazio covers an area of about 17,232 square kilometers<\/strong>, 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Moving west, rolling hills and valleys dominate the landscape. Vineyards<\/strong> thrive in this mild climate, producing world-famous Lazio wines like Frascati<\/strong>. The valleys also host historic towns perched atop isolated hills, like Civita di Bagnoregio<\/strong>, providing picturesque vistas.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Coastal plains<\/strong> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

In terms of water features, Lazio has many lakes. Lake Bolsena<\/strong> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the Most Famous Cities to Visit in Lazio?<\/span><\/h3>\n

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<\/strong>, Italy, or things to do in Lazio<\/strong>, some destinations stand out. Top cities and towns to visit include:<\/span><\/p>\n

Rome<\/span><\/h3>\n

As Italy’s capital and largest city, Rome has an area of 496 square miles with a population of<\/span> 2.8 million in the city proper and over 4 million in the metro area<\/span>. 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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Latina<\/span><\/h3>\n

Founded by Mussolini’s regime in 1932, Latina<\/strong> has an area of 277 square kilometers<\/strong> with a population<\/strong> of <\/span>around 127,000<\/strong> residents today<\/span>. 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Guidonia Montecelio\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

In northeast Lazio, around 15 miles outside Rome, Guidonia Montecelio<\/strong> emerged from the adjacent towns Guidonia and Montecelio and now harboring<\/span> around 90,000 residents i<\/span>n its green hillsides adjacent to the bustling capital.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fiumicino<\/span><\/h3>\n

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<\/strong> outskirts. As the site of Italy’s largest and busiest airport handles over 40 million air passengers annually<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Fiumicino has <\/span>around 81,000 residents<\/span> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Aprilia<\/span><\/h3>\n

Aprilia sits 43 miles south of Rome near the Pontine Marshes and claims<\/span> around 76,000 <\/span>residents across its 177 square kilometers today. Originally established in 1937 under Mussolini\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Viterbo<\/span><\/h3>\n

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<\/span> around 65,000 residents.<\/span> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pomezia<\/span><\/h3>\n

With roughly 64,000 residents<\/span> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tivoli<\/span><\/h3>\n

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 <\/span>around 55,000 residents <\/span><\/a>yet sees over 650,000 annual visitors captivated by its two famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Hadrian\u2019s sprawling Villa showcasing ancient ruins and the lavish Renaissance Villa d\u2019Este with elaborate gardens.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019s fame and allure spanning millennia.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Velletri<\/span><\/h3>\n

The small yet historically rich hilltop town of Velletri sits about 30 miles southeast of Rome center, enjoying a bird\u2019s eye view of the Pontine Plains and Tyrrhenian Sea from its elevated location along the ancient Volscian settlement\u2019s Via Appia and Via Nettuno thoroughfares. Velletri boasts <\/span>around 53,000 residents <\/span><\/a>and entertains over 711,000 annual visitors visiting its layers of antiquity dotting modern infrastructure.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019Angelo Hill proffers panoramas of the surrounding landscape. Visitors also sample Velletri\u2019s claims to fame – artisanal red and white wines, olive oil, and hazelnuts frequently accompany delectable homestyle dishes in family-run trattorias scattered downtown.<\/span><\/p>\n

Anzio<\/span><\/h3>\n

Anzio occupies around 20 square miles along Italy\u2019s western coast, 50 miles south of Rome, facing the scenic Tyrrhenian Sea, with a population of<\/span> around 58,000<\/span><\/a>. 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\u2019s MAPPA outdoor museum, honoring the military feat with British military war cemeteries and a museum amidst cobblestone streets leading to the medieval harbor.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Well-preserved evidence of Anzio\u2019s 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\u2019s protected wooded limestone promontory, which is great for hiking and kids entertaining themselves at local amusement parks with Mediterranean panoramas.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the safest cities in the Lazio region?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

According to recent data from istat.it, the top safest cities in Lazio based on<\/span> crime s<\/span>t<\/span>atistics<\/span> are:<\/span><\/p>\n