ITALY 2006... A LAZY BLOG...

This blog is in response to Shogun's question about Frascati. Hopefully Shogun hasn't gone upstairs to do his own research (yet)...

I call it a "lazy blog" because I'm just copying from HotFudge's "Frommer's Italy 2005" book...

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About 21km (13 miles) from Rome on Via Tuscolana and some 482m (1,281 ft.) above sea level, Frascati is one of the most beautiful hill towns. It's known for the wine to which it lends its name, as well as for its villas, which were restored after the severe destruction caused by World War II bombers.

Although Frascati wine is exported, and served in many of Rome's restaurants and trattorie, tradition holds that it's best near the vineyards from which it came. Romans drive up on Sunday just to drink it.

Stand in the heart of Frascati, at Piazza Marconi, to see the most important of the estates: Villa Aldobrandini, Via Massala. The finishing touches to this 16th-century villa were added by Maderno, who designed the facade of St. Peter's in Rome. You can visit only the gardens, not the interior, but, still, with its grottoes, yew hedges, statuary, and splashing fountains, it's a nice outing.

You might also want to visit the bombed-out Villa Torlonia, adjacent to Piazza Marconi. Its grounds have been converted into a public park whose chief treasure is the Theater of the Fountains, designed by Maderno.

Where to Dine: Cacciani Restaurant ROMAN - Cacciani is the top restaurant in Frascati, where the competition has always been tough. It boasts a terrace commanding a view of the valley, and the kitchen is exposed to the public. To start, we recommend the pasta specialties, such as pasta cacio e pepe (pasta with caciocavallo cheese and black pepper), or the original spaghetti with seafood and lentils. For a main course, the lamb with a sauce of white wine and vinegar is always fine. Of course, there is a large choice of wine.

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Sounds great, doesn't it? But, like I said before, we needed a tour guide. In retrospect, I think we also needed more time. To truly explore one of these towns, I'd say you need at least a full day, starting from the morning. If you've got the time, consider spending the night, too. HotFudge and I didn't get to Frascati until (approx) 3:00PM. By the time we got there and I'd taken care of my business (yes, Canine, I really do believe I needed a card to relieve myself at that particular establishment), it seemed like it was time to get back to Rome...

This is the only pic from Frascati. I grew to like these little cars...