Set along the slopes of Mount Tuscolo, Frascati is often called the crown jewel of the Castelli Romani. Known as the “City of Wine” and famous for its noble Tuscolan villas, Frascati has been a beloved escape for Romans and travelers for centuries. Fresh air, rolling hills, elegant villas, charming village, good food and wine, and its short distance from Rome make it an irresistible weekend an day trip destination. There is plenty to explore in and around town—here are a few of the highlights:
Stop 1: Villa Aldorandini
As you arrive in Frascati, your eyes are immediately drawn to Villa Aldobrandini—also called Villa Belvedere—thanks to its commanding hilltop position, sweeping views over the town and impressive design. Built between 1598 and 1602 by Cardinal Pietro Aldobrandini, the villa later passed through several noble families, including the Pamphilj and Borghese, before returning to the Aldobrandini family in the 1800s. Still privately owned today, the impressive gardens remain open to the public and are well worth a visit.
Stop 2: St. Peter’s Cathedral - La Cattadrale di San Pietro
Dominating its namesake square, the Cathedral of St. Peter is instantly recognizable by its Baroque façade framed by two elegant bell towers. Construction took over a century, beginning in the late 1500s under Pope Clement VIII Aldobrandini. The façade, designed by Girolamo Fontana, features sperone stone, travertine, and a beautiful high-relief by Bernardino Cametti showing Jesus interacting with St. Peter.
Inside, visitors can admire: an 11th–12th century wooden crucifix chapel, decorations by Annibale Angelini and a high-relief of Christ giving the Keys to St. Peter by Pompeo Ferrucci
Stop 3 - Piazza del Mercato & Pastericcia Purificato
If you're craving something sweet, make a delicious stop at Pasticceria Purificato. Their ricotta and blackberry tart is my favorite—you can even order just a slice if you don’t want an entire pie Here you can also find the famous La Pupazza Frascatana, the three breasted cookie from Frascati, made of extra virgin olive oil, wildflower honey & orange. Dating back to Etruscan and Roman pagan fertility rites, these cookies in in the shape of a woman have three breasts -- two for milk and one for wine. They are a laugh to look at, but personally I think they are too hard on the teeth. Grab a few ciambellini di vino, round sugar cookies made with wine, if you want another traditional sweet local treat.
Stop 4: The Bishop’s Palace - Palazzo Vescovile
One of Frascati’s most historic buildings, the Bishop’s Palace sits atop the hill where the town was first developed. Built in the 15th century and later modified by prominent cardinals and artists, it blends religious history with Renaissance architecture. Its thick stone walls, two square towers, and circular tower give it a fortress and castle-like presence. Built on the highest point of town, with a dominate view of Rome, it was a strategic and important lookout point. Inside there is courtyard surrounded by arches and pillars.
Stop 5: Piazza SanRocco & Church of Santa Maria in Vivario (San Rocco)
Piazza San Rocco is one of Frascati’s liveliest evening spots, filled with restaurants and wine bars. In the piazza is also the Church of Santa Maria in Vivario, also known as the Church of San Rocco. The church was the first cathedral of Frascati, which was built in the garden of an ancient villa.
Inside, the apse and triumphal arch hold 5th-century frescoes depicting saints including St. Sebastian and St. Rocco. The church also preserves ancient sarcophagi, Roman ruins, and a crypt. A standout feature is also its medieval bell tower, decorated with colorful tiles.
Stop 6 Jesus’s Church – La Chiesa di Gesù
This beautiful Baroque church evolved from an older chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Expanded by the Jesuits in the late 1600s and consecrated in 1773, the church features a single nave filled with frescoes in inspired by Andrea Pozzo. The façade, inspired by Rome’s Church of the Gesù, displays statues of St. Ignatius of Loyola and St. Francis Borgia. Don’t miss the painted “fake” dome—a remarkable trompe-l'œil masterpiece by Antonio Colli that tricks the eye into seeing a real dome.
Restoration work in the late 19th century, including pavement designs by Annibale Angelini and frescoes by Cesare Dies
This list only scratches the surface. If you have more time, take a relaxing stroll through the public park of Villa Torlonia, and be sure to enjoy a meal at one of Frascati’s excellent restaurants, such as Cantina Simonetta, ‘Na Fojetta, or Zarazà.
For an audio companion, visit EASY FRASCATI, where my friend Michele Smith has created an excellent 50-minute audio guide and walking map filled with rich history and insights about the town, along with a website that takes a deep dive into Frascati.