Anzio is the birthplace of Nero, who was born here on 15 December 37 A.D., on a strip of the Aeneas Coast. The story goes that it was founded by Ascanius, son of Aeneas, together with Albalonga, or perhaps by Antaeus, the son of Ulysses and the sorceress Circe. It is an enchanting holiday destination, nestled between the wide beaches of the Riviera di Levante and the Riviera di Ponente.
the beach of Anzio
The port of Anzio is a destination for international tourism due to its wealth of sites of high historical and cultural value. One among many, the landing of American troops during World War II, on 22 January 1944.
the Landing of Anzio – 1944
The Allied armies landed on a wide coastal strip from Tor San Lorenzo to Torre Astura, and Anzio was the hub of the entire operation. Pink Floyd’s twelfth album, ‘The Final Cut’, of which Roger Waters is the author and lead vocalist, is dedicated to this historic event, with twelve pieces inspired by the rejection of war and the figure of his father, who died as a result of the Battle of Anzio (Operation Shingle).
Alberto Sordi e Monica Vitti in Polvere di Stelle
In the early 20th century, Anzio became an elegant seaside holiday destination for a number of well-known Roman upper-class families. During the same period, the Casino Il Paradiso sul Mare was built, the film set of Fellini’s ‘Amarcord’ and some scenes from ‘Polvere di Stelle’ with Alberto Sordi and Monica Vitti.
Nero’s Villa
Anzio’s glorious past is still visible in the Villa Imperiale, Nero’s Villa between the lighthouse and the Neronian port. The Statue of the Fanciulla d’Anzio (Anzio’s maiden) from the Hellenistic period is now on exhibition at the Museo Nazionale Romano in Palazzo Massimo alle Terme.
Nature Reserve of Tor Caldara
To really experience this village overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, it is necessary to visit a few characteristic spots. Tor Caldara (1560) is in the Nature Reserve and was once used to protect the harbour from enemies. It takes its name from its proximity to a sulphurous spring.
The Museo Civico Archeologico (Archaeological Museum) displays uniforms, weapons, decorations, documents, battle plans and findings from the seabed in the 17th-century Villa Adele, for a reconstruction of the landing.
Anzio
Challenge yourself in sailing, the traditionally most popular sport. In 2024, Anzio obtained the prestigious F.E.E Blue Flag recognition and the Green Flag, the award for the most welcoming child friendly beaches.
port of Anzio
Whether you are on a romantic getaway or a weekend in total relax, enjoy the sunsets at the port of Anzio, whispering with fingers entwined in the candlelight, spied only by the multicoloured buildings overlooking the sea. And if your stomach has begun to rumble with hunger, you will be just spoilt for choice among typical, obviously seafood dishes. From pasta with seafood and risotto alla pescatora, to spaghetti with fresh anchovies and vermicelli with anchovies and pecorino cheese, to zuppetta, once prepared with poor fish or the waste parts of the fish itself.