Bracciano is a small town in the Italian region of Lazio. In a country with so much documented history, it is somewhat surprising that there is no definitive answer to its origins. Ideal for a day trip from Rome, it is a beautiful medieval town which relaxes and excites you in equal measure.
Rome is one of my favourite cities in the world, which assaults your senses and overwhelms you with the treasures it has to offer. After spending a few days in the capital, I chose Bracciano as the place to sit back and do nothing. I took an early morning train out of Rome when its streets and stations were almost empty - the city was still sleeping off its weekend of hectic partying.
30 minutes is all it takes to transport yourself into a different world altogether - historical buildings are replaced by green fields, the hustle and bustle replaced by tranquility, rush hour is nowhere to be seen and here, time stands still.
A perfect combination of nature and culture, it is located on the shores of the volcanic lake that shares its name. A sleepy maze of cobbled streets and vine strewn buildings, it is the perfect antidote to the chaotic eternal city of Rome.
The town has grown around the fortified tower built by the powerful ruling families of Rome to protect against the Saracen raiders that regularly devastated the region.
But, the city is best known for its beautiful lake surrounded by greenery and olive groves. Once you cross the castle, there is a view point which gives a panoramic view of the lake and Lazio's countryside. One of Italy's most important lakes, Bracciano lake is a result of intense volcanic activity that took place in the area around 50,000 years ago. The lake is kept clean, as it is part of a national park & because it is a water reservoir for Rome.
After spending some time admiring the view, I made my way towards the piazza looking for some pizza. Among the few options I had (unlike Rome, which spoils you for choice), I decided to go for a family owned joint which gave a good view of the street near the castle.
After lunch, I explored the streets - many buildings here, are covered in vines, the natural flavor adding to their beauty immensely.
One such street opened up towards the imposing Castello Odescalchi, located on top of the hill. It is a popular spot for lavish weddings, the most famous among them between a certain Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes.
One of the pleasures is getting lost in a maze of narrow streets, stairways and piazzas that tumble across the hillside. Other points of interest in the town are churches, Roman baths and the military museum.
I head back towards the train station, which is just 5 minutes walk from the historic centre. There are regular connections to Rome and one need not bother with booking tickets in advance.
Bracciano is a pleasant distraction as its laid back nature is quite a contrast to the all consuming nature of Rome, which kept me on tenterhooks throughout the day with its multiple offerings. So, if the eternal city overwhelms you and you have a day to spare, Lazio's lakeside gem is a good option to have in your itinerary.
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