Via Aloisio Anguillra, 00061 Anguillara Sabazia, Italy (September 2018)

Anguillara Sabazia

Set on the gentle shores of Lake Bracciano, just northwest of Rome, Anguillara Sabazia is a town where medieval charm, volcanic landscapes, and lakeside tranquillity come together in graceful balance. Though close to the capital, Anguillara Sabazia feels worlds apart from urban intensity, offering a slower rhythm of life shaped by water, history, and enduring local traditions. Its position on a rocky promontory overlooking the lake gives the town a striking silhouette and a strong sense of place.

The origins of Anguillara Sabazia stretch back to Etruscan and Roman times, when the area was valued for its fertile land and strategic location. During the Middle Ages, the town came under the control of the powerful Orsini family, whose influence shaped much of its historic centre. Today, Anguillara’s old town is a compact and atmospheric cluster of stone buildings, narrow streets, and arched passageways that seem to rise organically from the rock. Walking through these lanes, visitors encounter sudden openings that reveal panoramic views of Lake Bracciano, its calm waters reflecting the changing light of the sky.

Dominating the historic centre is the Orsini Tower, the town’s most prominent landmark and a reminder of its feudal past. From its elevated position, the tower offers sweeping views across the lake and surrounding countryside, reinforcing the defensive and symbolic importance Anguillara once held. Nearby, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta and other small religious buildings reflect centuries of spiritual life, blending Romanesque and later architectural elements in a modest but evocative way.

Lake Bracciano is central to Anguillara Sabazia’s identity. Formed in the crater of an ancient volcano, the lake is one of the cleanest in Italy, protected from overdevelopment and motorized boat traffic. Its clear waters support swimming, sailing, and fishing, while the lakeside promenade provides space for leisurely walks and quiet reflection. The presence of the lake influences daily life, from local cuisine to seasonal festivals that celebrate both nature and community.

Beyond the town, the surrounding countryside adds another layer to Anguillara’s appeal. Rolling hills, oak forests, and cultivated fields characterize the landscape, inviting exploration on foot or by bicycle. The area is part of the Bracciano–Martignano Regional Natural Park, which preserves both ecological diversity and traditional land use. This protected environment enhances the sense of harmony between human settlement and nature that defines the town.

Culinary traditions in Anguillara Sabazia reflect its lakeside setting and rural heritage. Freshwater fish, handmade pasta, vegetables, and local olive oil feature prominently in simple, flavorful dishes served in family-run trattorias. Meals are often enjoyed slowly, accompanied by local wines and views of the water.

Anguillara Sabazia is a place of quiet elegance rather than spectacle. Its beauty lies in proportion, atmosphere, and continuity, offering visitors an intimate and restorative introduction to the landscapes and traditions of central Italy—where history, nature, and daily life remain closely entwined.

Worth a Visit

Photo Gallery of Walk in Anguillara Sabazia – Via Aloisio Anguillra to Viale Reginaldo Belloni
Approximately 1.58 km – 0.98 miles

The walk starts in Via Aloisio Anguillra – Piazza dei Bastioni – Piazza Del Comune – Corso Umberto I – Piazza della Collegiata – walk down the narrow streets to Lungolago – Via della Mola Vecchia – Vicolo del Murato – Piazza del Molo – Viale Reginaldo Belloni.