Things to do in Anagni

No. 10 of Best Things to Do in Italy

Pompeii Archaeological Park

The Pompeii Archaeological Park is located on the shores of the Bay of Naples in southern Italy, with Mount Vesuvius as its backdrop. In 79 CE, the sudden eruption of the volcano buried the entire town under ash and pumice, inadvertently preserving its streets, houses, shops, and frescoes—freezing the daily life of an ancient Roman town at the moment of disaster. Beyond the ruins, the site also features poignant casts of victims: cavities left by decomposed bodies in hardened ash were filled with plaster by archaeologists, recreating their final moments, with a group of such casts displayed in the Garden of the Fugitives. The tour typically begins at the Porta Marina in the west, where the Temple of Venus, the patron goddess of Pompeii, stands on a high platform to the right of the entrance. Along the main street, visitors can see the rectangular Basilica with its recognizable column remnants and frescoes, followed by the ancient Temple of Apollo nearby. Further ahead lies the central forum, where the columns of the Temple of Jupiter frame the silhouette of Mount Vesuvius in the distance—a classic photo spot. The stone-paved streets outside the forum still bear deep ruts from ancient cart wheels. To the south are the Large Theatre and the covered Odeon, the latter once used for musical performances, with the Temple of Isis reflecting Egyptian influence nearby. Heading north to an intersection, the Stabian Baths offer a glimpse into ancient Romans' passion for bathing. Further east, the House of the Venus in the Shell features a small garden surrounded by a colonnade, with the famous fresco of Venus reclining in a shell still adorning the garden wall. At the southeastern end of the town stands the Amphitheatre, built around 2,000 years ago and capable of seating 20,000 spectators—one of the earliest surviving stone Roman amphitheatres, offering panoramic views from the upper seats. The House of the Faun in the northwest occupies almost an entire block; its excavated Alexander Mosaic is now housed in Naples' National Archaeological Museum. Nearby, the House of the Tragic Poet displays the famous "Beware of the Dog" mosaic at its entrance, with interior frescoes depicting mythological and theatrical scenes. The vast site offers limited shade, so allocate at least half a day for exploration, wear comfortable shoes, and bring water. Those interested in seeing the original Alexander Mosaic and other artifacts can pair their visit with the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.

No. 20 of Best Things to Do in Metropolitan City of Rome Capital

Villa d'Este

Its garden design is highly distinctive, skillfully combining geometric symmetry with natural curves, making it a typical Italian terraced garden. Along with Villa Lante and Villa Farnese, it is renowned as one of the three great Renaissance gardens, serving as an early model for the development of European gardens. Villa d'Este is an outstanding representative of Renaissance garden art. In 2001, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its palace and gardens comprehensively showcasing the refined Renaissance culture. The villa is renowned worldwide for its fountain installations, boasting over 500 fountains of various sizes, including Bernini's "Fountain of the Holy Grail," Ligorio's "Oval Fountain," and the "Organ Fountain," showcasing the advanced hydraulic engineering techniques of ancient times.

No. 1 of Ski Resorts in Province of Frosinone

Family Park Campocatino

Fiuggi Terme

Il Bosco di Paliano

Cascata di Trevi

No. 8 of Best Things to Do in Metropolitan City of Rome Capital

Mouth of Truth

Mouth of Truth is a marble disc carved with a human face, embedded in the wall of the portico of the Basilica of Saint Mary in Cosmedin in Rome. It is widely known for its classic scene in the movie "Roman Holiday". This stone disc weighs over a thousand kg, and its eyes, nostrils, and mouth are all hollowed out. Its original purpose remains a subject of debate. Some scholars speculate that it may have been a drain cover or manhole cover from the ancient Roman period, while others suggest it was a component of a fountain or wellhead. The disc was placed in its current location in the church portico in 1632. Since the Middle Ages, there has been a popular legend about the Mouth of Truth: if a liar puts their hand into the disc's open mouth, it will be bitten off. The church also houses the skull of Saint Valentine, adding a layer of romantic meaning to this legend. Today, tourists come from far and wide, lining up to put their hands into the disc's mouth for photos. Not far in front of the church stands the ruins of the Temple of Portunus, which, together with the church, forms the ancient view of this area.

Vicolo baciadonne

No. 3 of Activities in Italy

Museums in Rome

This is not merely viewing exhibits, but an archaeological journey through layers of civilization. From the grandeur of the Vatican to classical sculptures in palace halls, art and faith intertwine across three millennia. Like an endless corridor, each step follows the source of Western civilization, transforming awe into silent understanding. Vatican Museums: Home to world-class art collections spanning from ancient Egypt to the Renaissance. Highlights include the Sistine Chapel ceiling and Raphael Rooms, showcasing the pinnacle of religious art and humanistic spirit. Galleria Borghese: Houses numerous sculptures by Bernini and paintings by Caravaggio, located in the beautiful Villa Borghese. Its reservation-only policy offers an intimate and immersive experience for dedicated art lovers. Capitoline Museums: Situated on one of Rome's seven hills, with a piazza designed by Michelangelo, it is the world's oldest public museum. It primarily displays ancient Roman sculptures, inscriptions, and classical art treasures. Galleria Doria Pamphilj: Nestled within an aristocratic palace, it showcases paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts accumulated by the Doria family over centuries. The opulent and private setting reflects the refined taste of noble collections.

No. 9 of Best Things to Do in Metropolitan City of Rome Capital

Arch of Constantine

Arch of Constantine was built in 315 AD by the Roman Senate to commemorate Emperor Constantine the Great's victory over Emperor Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312. It is located right next to theColosseum, was once the route that triumphal processions had to take to enter the city, and is one of three surviving triumphal arches from the ancient Roman period. The other two—the Arch of Titus and the Septimius Severus Arch—are located in the Roman Forum. This arch features three archways and is clad in marble. A major feature of its decoration is the extensive use of components taken from earlier imperial monuments: the eight relief panels at the top come from the monument to Emperor Marcus Aurelius and depict scenes such as the emperor departing for war, presenting captives, and distributing largesse to the people; the statues of Dacians on the columns were taken from Trajan's Forum; and the circular reliefs above the two smaller side arches date back to the Hadrianic era, depicting hunting and sacrificial scenes. Only the horizontal frieze above the arches was newly created during the Constantinian period, depicting his complete military campaign from departure to his entry into the city and distribution of largesse to the people. Sculptures from different periods and styles are brought together on the same structure, creating a striking stylistic contrast.