The town of Nemi, renowned for its famous wild strawberries, ancient legends, and the Roman ships lying on the bed of Lake Nemi, entered the List of “The Most Beautiful Towns in Italy” in 2023, and also obtained the Orange Flag, the prestigious award by the Italian Touring Club.
Lake Nemi
Surrounded by reeds and strawberry greenhouses, the small enchanting Lacus Nemorensis lies, just like the nearby Lake of Castel Gandolfo, on the bottom of an ancient volcano, active up to 30,000 years ago. As if by magic, the medieval village of Nemi appears from the woods, with its towers, little squares and a belvedere overlooking the Lake.
In the typical workshops, local artisans carry on ancient traditions, such as the still taught bobbin lace. Embedded in the steep spur supporting the town, hides the Romitorio of San Michele, a precious testimony of ancient Christianity.
Nemi
Not to be missed are the tenth century Castello Ruspoli, the oldest castle in the area, and, immersed in the woods on the lake banks, the Temple of Diana Nemorensis, with its evovocative ruins. Also worth a visit are the Emissario, a long artificial tunnel dug into the rock, the Archaeological Site of Julius Caesar’s Villa, and the “Museo delle Navi Romane”, which preserves the remains of two Roman ships attributed to the emperor Caligula, almost completely destroyed by a fire in 1944.
The Lovers Terrace in Nemi
Below Palazzo Ruspoli, lies the so-called Lovers Terrace, from which it is possible to admire the lake immersed in an extraordinary magical atmosphere. The terrace owes its name to the romantic myth of Diana and Virbius, as well as to the love of Numa Pompilius for the Nymph Egeria.
Wild strawberries
The famous wild strawberries from Nemi, eaten, in Roman times, during the celebrations of Adonis, are also related to the theme of love. When the God died, Venus’ tears, once reached the soil, turned into small red hearts. Both strawberries and wild strawberries spontaneously grow in the woods thanks to an ideal climate and soil. They are used in the preparation of desserts and the production of the traditional Fragolino liqueur, whose distillation requires a patient process of infusion and aging.
The Strawberry and Flower Festival in Nemi
Among the most important events, the Strawberry Festival and the Flower Show, both celebrated on the first weekend of June, stand out. Nemi is also part of the “Associazione nazionale città del vino”, which involves wine tasters and food and wine lovers. An unmissable itinerant event is “Borgo di Vino”, held in September, which celebrates the Italian food and wine excellences.
“La mano dei desideri” by Marco Manzo – www.comunedinemi.rm.it
Another love symbol is the sculpture “La mano dei desideri” by Marco Manzo, one of the most famous tattoo artists in the world, as well as an internationally renowned designer and sculptor. The bronze work depicts a hand holding a heart-shaped strawberry pierced by an arrow. Next to the sculpture, another bronze hand comes up, on whose palm passers-by can rest their face while making a wish, or take a selfie. Among the typical dishes, Nemi boasts fettuccine with porcini mushrooms or game sauce, stewed cod, and lamb offal with broad beans.
The town of Nemi lies in the “Parco dei Castelli Romani”, a natural park ideal for excursions, trekking and mountain biking.