Ladispoli is a small town on the Tyrrhenian Sea, which boasts a very ancient Etruscan and Roman history. In the past, it played an important role as an Etruscan port, and then, as a Roman colony.
The town was founded in 1888 by Prince Ladislao Odescalchi, who decided to get rid of the inhabitants of Palo Laziale and the tourists who crowded the beaches right up to the castle in Summer. A consortium was established, followed by subdivisions and radical changes of the railway system.
The Etruscan Riviera stretches for approximately eighty-five kilometres along the coast from Marina di Pescia Romana to Ladispoli, brimming with charm and picturesque views. In addition, along the beach from Palo Laziale to Ladispoli, it is possible to admire several Roman and Etruscan remains.
You can admire the Roman villa and the Grottaccia in Marina di Palo, and the magnificent villa of Pompeo in Marina di San Nicola, which once occupied five hectares of land. Another enchanting site is Posta Vecchia, the cradle of over two centuries of history.
The Odescalchi Castle in Palo Laziale
The Flavia Tower and the Odescalchi Castle, the latter built by Pope Leone X in the 16th century in the District of Palo Laziale as a hunting lodge in the forest, are the two iconic jewels of Ladispoli.
Torre Flavia – retedimorestorichelazio.it
On the coastal plain between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Tolfa Mountains, lies, in the shadow of the Odescalchi Castle and the Castle of Santa Severa, the wild Macchiarotonda Reserve, a paradise for archeotrekkers and birdwatchers. Of great importance is also the Necropolis of Monterosi, which preserves the remains of the ancient Alsium.
Castellaccio dei Monteroni – retedimorestorichelazio.it
In the village of Monteroni stands the Castellaccio dei Monteroni, a 14th-century building fortified by four crenellated corner towers. For centuries, it served as a resting place for pilgrims, travelers, and horses. The basement houses an underground cistern. Adjacent to the Castellaccio are a 18th-century annex and a stable. Today, the Castellaccio di Monteroni can only be viewed from the outside.
Torre Flavia – retedimorestorichelazio.it
Torre Flavia was built near a late Republican-era villa, which no longer exists. The tower was used as a coastal defense structure until the early 1800s. The cistern at the base of Torre Flavia, part of which is still visible, was used to collect fresh water. Today, Torre Flavia can only be viewed from the outside.
Kitesurfing in Marina di San Nicola – Photo @weKitesurf
In Summer, Marina di San Nicola is dotted with surfers and kitesurfers. A stroll around the Odescalchi Castle will make us feel in Maracaibo, just like in the movie from the 1950s by Mario Soldati “I tre Corsari”.
In the final scene of Monicelli’s “La grande Guerra”(1959), with Alberto Sordi, Vittorio Gassman and Silvana Mangano, we can recognize the Castellaccio dei Montenori in Ladispoli.
The Roman Artichoke Festival @sagradelcarciofoladispoli
The most awaited event in Ladispoli is the Roman Artichoke Festival, celebrated in mid-April. The initiative, established in 1950, also includes an exhibition of sculptures created by local farmers using PGI Roman artichokes. In 2025, the festival received the “Sagra di Qualità” award from the UNPLI, Unione Nazionale Pro Loco d’Italia, for its excellence and value.