Bracciano is a historic town situated on the picturesque lake of the same name. It is a popular weekend excursion destination for the people of Rome, as well as a one-day excursion destination for tourists in the Italian capital.
The origins of the city disappear in the darkness of history. Probably in Roman times there was a settlement located on the important Via Clodia road. The first records of the city date back to the 10th / 11th centuries and indicate that it was a defensive site. The first information about the local castle, in which the local inhabitants took refuge from the Saracens, also comes from these times.
During its history, Bracciano changed owners many times. They included important noble families, bishops and the State of the Church. Each of the successive owners expanded the local fortress, which is today known as the Orsini-Odescalchi castle. Inside, there is a museum presenting collections of arts and crafts.
Below the castle is the Old Town with narrow streets and tenement houses. Among them, you can see several historic churches, including the Cathedral of Santo Stefano. It was built in the Middle Ages, but owes its present appearance to a baroque reconstruction. Next to the cathedral, you can visit the Bruno Panunzi Cathedral Museum. There is also a Municipal Museum in Bracciano.
The attraction of Bracciano and the surrounding area is the local lake, formed as a result of volcanic activity. According to legend, under its waters there is a part of the city that was submerged in the old days. The lake is a place for water sports and there are beaches on its shores.
