Day Trip from Rome: What to See in Anguillara Sabazia
By now, I think we all know that I am a big fan of day trips. There is a lot to see and do in Rome (probably more than you can fit into a lifetime), but sometimes it is nice to escape the city for a bit, to a place close by where you can breathe fresh air and let your mind roam free.
Today I will take you with me to Anguillara Sabazia, a charming town located on Lago di Bracciano, about 30 km from Rome. If you want to know everything from a bit of history to how to get there, you are in the right place.
A little history about Anguillara Sabazia
Together with Bracciano and Trevignano Romano, Anguillara Sabazia is one of the three towns located on the volcanic Lake Bracciano. I previously visited Bracciano, but Anguillara Sabazia is also a place you should not miss.
The origins of Anguillara Sabazia go back much further than I originally thought. The area was already inhabited during the Neolithic period, with a lakeside settlement dating back around 8,000 years. Later, during the Roman Empire, this region became home to several grand villas where members of the Roman elite would retreat to escape the city. This was quite common for ancient towns around Rome, like Tivoli for example.
There are two main hypotheses when it comes to the name Anguillara. The first says it might come from the Latin word angularia, referring to the “corner” shape of the land where the town was built. The second suggests that the name is linked to the word anguilla, meaning eel, since eels were very common in the lake. In fact, two crossed eels also appear on the coat of arms of the Anguillara family.
The Anguillara family actually took its name from the town, not the other way around. They were a powerful noble family who ruled over the area from around the 9th or 10th century until the late 15th century. Their influence shaped the town’s early development, and their name became deeply tied to the place itself.
It is hard not to feel history all around you when walking through Anguillara Sabazia. With its narrow alleys, stone archways and medieval atmosphere, the town transports you back in time and lets your imagination run wild.
What to See and Do in Anguillara Sabazia
While Anguillara Sabazia is not a very big town, it is still a perfect destination for a fulfilling day trip from Rome. It feels a little more intimate and romantic than Bracciano, and you have easier access to the lake, which is a huge plus. To help you make the most of your visit, here are some of the best sights and experiences the town has to offer.
Porta Maggiore o di Castello
Your visit to Anguillara Sabazia will probably start at the beautiful Porta Maggiore, the main entrance into the historic town. Above the arch, you can see a coat of arms, which is said to depict a bear devouring an eel. When you walk through the gate, you’ll arrive at Piazza del Comune, which offers a stunning view over the lake. In the piazza, you’ll also find one of the town’s most iconic symbols, the Fountain of Eels, named for the two eels displayed in the same style as on the Anguillara family’s coat of arms.
Wander through the historic town
Once you pass through the gate, you’ll find yourself in a network of classic medieval streets. Narrow cobbled streets, stone houses, archways, and flowers spilling from balconies. The town climbs up the hill, so you should definitely expect a few staircases, but as we all know, they come with beautiful viewpoints along the way. I would suggest getting a little lost, wandering around, and discovering some of the town’s charms, like this super cute mini library.
Eat gelato at Piazza del Molo
I would classify Piazza del Molo as one of the main squares in Anguillara Sabazia. It is located right on the lake shore, and here you’ll find loads of bars, restaurants, benches for people-watching, and an overall great atmosphere. Very relaxing, very calm. We all know by now that I love my sweet treats, and close by the piazza you can find Gelateria Il Fenicottero, an amazing high-quality gelateria with different flavours every day. They have also won some prizes for their gelato, and when in Anguillara Sabazia, I can highly recommend paying them a visit.
Walk along the lake promenade or go for a dive
From Piazza del Molo you can take a lovely walk along the lake promenade. On one side there is a beautiful path lined with trees and a few cafés, and the views are absolutely stunning. On the other side you will find a beach, and you should pay attention to the sand. Because Lake Bracciano is volcanic, the sand is black (!), which in my opinion makes the experience even more special. From the beach you also get a breathtaking view of the town, and it really looks like something out of a movie. Of course, when the season is right, you can take a dive in the lake. When I was there, it was a little too cold, but swimming in Lake Bracciano is definitely still on my list for next time.
How to get to Anguillara Sabazia from Rome
This day trip is a little different from the others on my blog simply because I think Anguillara Sabazia is best explored by car. While you can absolutely visit by public transport, it requires a bit more effort, and especially if you are not very familiar with public transport in Italy, I think this destination is easier and more enjoyable by car.
If you still want to travel to Anguillara Sabazia by train, you can! You can take the regional train from different stations in Rome, like Ostiense or Tiburtina, and get off at Anguillara. You might think you are already in the town, but this Anguillara is actually the newer part and lies around four kilometres from Anguillara Sabazia. From there it is about a 45-minute walk, which I think is doable, or you can take the bus that stops close to the station. A one-way train ticket to Anguillara costs only 2.60 euros, making it a budget-friendly option. To plan your train itineraries, I always recommend using the Trenitalia app on your phone. From there you can easily explore all your options, check timetables and prices, and buy and manage your tickets.
Tip: If you don’t have the possibility to visit by car, or if the train and bus combination feels a bit too complicated, I have many other day trips from Rome on my blog that are all very easy to reach by train.
Conclusion
I hope this blog post inspires you to visit this magical little town! Even if you have already visited Bracciano, I still think Anguillara Sabazia is worth exploring. There are stunning views, history, beaches, and delicious food, and the atmosphere is truly amazing. When I came back to Rome, I felt completely relaxed. If you have any questions, feel free to ask, and let me know what your favourite day trip from Rome is!
