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Lake Sports


There are rental companies along the lakeside at Bracciano where various craft (canoes, paddleboats, windsurfers etc.) may be hired and which are happy to oblige with a lesson or two.  We are not sure about sailing craft, but there are yacht clubs in both Bracciano and Anguillara where enquiries can be made.


Boat Tours of the Lake  

There is a ferry, which can be taken around the lake.  It can be picked up at any of the towns about three times a day, including Sundays.  In Bracciano the pier is at the end of Lungolago Argenti at the Bar de Molo (06 996 8108).  For information about the boat it is best to enquire there, as the hours of operation change seasonally.  Round trips prices 1997 – Lire 7,500.
Places of interest


Strolling around the medieval town the following buildings are of architectural and artistic interest:

Fountain in Town Hall Square – attributed to Vignola.
St Stephen’s Collegiate Church with painting by Domenichino, Maratta and 14th Century Tuscan school altarpiece.
St Sebastian’s Church with wonderful fresco by Antonazzo Roman and medieval hospital attached.
Santa Maria del Risposo with frescoed chapel by the Zucari brothers.
Santa Maria Novella Convent and Church with an interesting sculpture featuring Orsini coat of arms and the Agostinian symbols.


Castle Tours

The Castello Odescalchi di Bracciano is open to the general public for tours.  The tour hours are posted outside the ticket office in the castle square – Piazza Mazzini. 



Classical Music

Sometimes during the summer there are special chamber music performances.  These concerts are usually posted on the town walls, where activities are announced.


Aviation Museum at Vigna di Valle

Before the World War II, Bracciano was used as a main ‘airport’ for Rome on the flying boat route to Cairo/Khartoum/South Africa and the aeronautical installations are still in use today by the Italian Air Force.  Three hangars were converted when the museum was opened in 1977 as one of Europe’s first and most important aeronautical history museums.  In addition to an extensive display of unique military and vintage aircraft, there are displays about Leonardo da Vinci’s experiments with flight, and a section devoted to Nobile, the famous Italian arctic explorer by airship.


Tennis and Running Track

There are public tennis courts behind the town.  The courts are made of clay and there is a rental fee per hour.  The running track is free and located down the road from the tennis courts.
Eating Out 


Restaurants & Pizzerias:     There are many and everybody finds their own favourites.  We like to go to:  

Il Lucio d’Oro – on Bracciano beachfront
La Tramontana – on Bracciano beachfront
Grotta de Castello – At the base of the Castle
Al Castlello – Tucked to the side of the castle, off the square
La Marmotta – On the lakeside between Anguillara and Trevignano  

Best Ice Creams:      
Bar Gelateria Splendore – near the train station Bar Gelateria Grand Italia – Main Street next to hardware store with tables in town square. Gran Caffe Sabazio – overlooking Town Square Bar Gelateria – near La Tramontana on Bracciano beachfront.
Shopping


The town is full of excellent little food shops, Small supermarkets – Hypermarket – Sidis (open even on Sunday 1./2 day) 5kms from the town on the road to Rome.   1/2 day closing is on Thursday  
 Short Days Out and Half Days


Sutri:  

Small hilltop town on the road to Viterbo.  At the entrance to the town, on the left, is a fine Roman amphitheatre carved in the rock, Etruscan tombs, and a fascinating Mithraic temple.  The caretakers are welcoming and conduct tours lasting about 1 hour.  About 15 minutes by car.


Ceri:    Pronounced ‘Cherry’, this is a medieval hilltop town with high walls and bridges to throw hot oil!  A beautiful town and good for an evening destination as there are little restaurants and pizzerias.  About 15 minutes by car.


Cerveteri:  Heart of the Etruscan civilisation.  Very fine museums and impressive, extensive necropolis with amazing tombs.  Nice picnic area at entrance to necropolis.  About 30 minutes by car.


Ostia Antica:  Remarkably well preserved remains of Rome’s main commercial port, giving a very complete picture of life under the Roman Empire.  Lovely for picnics.    About 1 hour by car.
Long Days Out


Viterbo: Very picturesque walled city with almost intact 13th Century urban fabric in medieval quarter, papal palace etc.  About 1 hour by car.


Bomarzo:  Unique 16th Century gardens with fantastic ‘monster’ sculptures.  Near Viterbo.


Caprarola:  Palazzo Farnese – wonderful 16th century palace with frescoes by Michelangelo.  Near Viterbo.


Bagnaia:  Villa Lante – perfect 16th Century formal gardens with fountains.  Villa closed – it houses Prince Charles’ architectural summer school.  Outskirts of Viterbo.  


Tivoli:  Villa d’Este – Hadrian’s villa.  About 1 hour via the Rome ring road (Raccordo).