In the Lazio region, the region that surrounds Rome, Italy

 “So lovely was the loneliness of a wild lake.” -– Edgar Allan Poe

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(in the Lazio region of Italy, the region that surrounds Rome) In the Sabatini Mountains, northwest of Rome, Lake Bracciano is a lake of volcanic origin. Mineral hot springs along its shores recall its earlier geologic formation from a group of volcanic craters. The surface lies 538 feet (164 meters) above sea level, with an area of 22 square miles (58 square km). The maximum depth is 525 feet (160 meters) and the diameter is about 5.5 miles (9 km). The lake, drained by the Arrone River on its southeast side, is known for its eels and other fish. The lakeside towns of Bracciano (featured here) and Anguillara Sabazia preserve their magnificent late-medieval castles. (There is a museum of military airplanes at Vigna di Valle on the south shore.)

+ This area north of Rome is also known as the Lake Bracciano and Lake Martignano Natural Reserve and is one of Italy’s hidden gems. Just a short train ride from one of the most visited cities in Europe you will find a natural oasis where the locals live at a relaxed pace. (Bracciano, together with the other towns that overlook the lake, is one of the best getaways from Rome.)

+ The hillside village of Bracciano beguiles visitors with its narrow medieval streets and stunning views of Lake Bracciano, one of Italy’s natural wonders. Wander the winding streets up toward the 15th-century Castello Orsini-Odescalchi, one of the largest castles in Italy. Then make your way down to Lake Bracciano, a volcanic lake that was once popular with Romans. This stunning lake is a wonderful spot to swim or simply enjoy the view.

+ Enjoy a walk through the medieval center starting in Piazza IV Novembre, from where there are great views of the castle. Stop in for a coffee or drink at one of the bars on the square. Walk down Via Umberto I, lined with shops. Stop in at the little Church of Santa Maria Novella. Take some time to wander along the narrow streets of the town’s medieval center. Visit the Bracciano’s cathedral, with medieval origins but expanded in the 17th century. Next to it is one of the old medieval towers. A short walk up the road from the cathedral is an overlook with great views. Exhibits in the Bracciano Civic Museum, via Umberto I, cover the town’s history from the Etruscan (pre-Roman) period through the 19th century.

+ A landmark for miles around, Bracciano's 15th-century castle is a formidable sight with its crenellated walls and round towers. Inside, it harbors a collection of art, ceramics, objets d'art and medieval weaponry amassed by Prince Baldassarre Odescalchi in the latter half of the 19th century. (The castle is also a renowned wedding venue and over the years has hosted the nuptials of several A-list couples including Martin Scorsese and Isabella Rossellini and Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes.)

+On the same road are the ruins of the Aquae Apollinaris, a complex of baths famous in the Roman era.