Among the wooded slopes of Tuscolo and the distant foothills of the Apennines, stretches of vineyards frame Monte Porzio Catone, occupying the northernmost corner of the Castelli Romani. A walk in the old town, among alleys and squares, is enriched by the opportunity to visit welcoming wine bars and cellars (the village is indeed an important stop for wine tourism).
It is also possible to stop and contemplate panoramic views of the Capital on one side and the unspoiled nature of Tuscolo on the other.
In the area there are many villas, such as Villa Parisi and Villa Vecchia, but the most famous is Villa Mondragone, which extends between Frascati and Monte Porzio Catone. An 80,000 square metre building in an elevated position, with a beautiful view of Rome, where porticos, well-kept gardens, and parks evoke the grand French royal residences.
Not to be missed is the Church of San Gregorio Magno, commonly known as the Cathedral of Monte Porzio. The Barco Borghese, an important archaeological site and the excavations of Tusculum are also noteworthy. Finally, for wine enthusiasts, we recommend the Wine Museum.
The Astronomical Observatory of Monte Porzio Catone is an important scientific structure designed in 1939 and completed in 1965. It stands above the remains of the Roman villa of Matidia, a close relative of Emperor Hadrian. It was the setting for the film “I ragazzi di via Panisperna” (1989) about the lives of Enrico Fermi and Ettore Majorana.
Roman-style tripe with mint, half sleeves with cheese and pepper, gnocchetti with sausage ragù, salami and ricottas accompanied by a good Frascati DOC wine, whose production is one of the main activities in Monte Porzio Catone. These are just some of the delicacies of this beautiful territory where there is one of the highest concentrations of wineries of all the Castelli Romani.
Around Monte Porzio Catone, there are several beauties to admire, including Castra Albana in Albano Laziale, ancient Lanuvium and the Sanctuary of Juno Sospita in Lanuvio, Catacombs Ad Decimum in Grottaferrata, Mithraeum in Marino, Lakes of Albano (or Castel Gandolfo) and Nemi.