amamax2

Hi 5alive,

Am re-reading your wonderful trip report as I cull through all my notes, and it is making me so excited for our upcoming trip!!

Did you make reservations for the tour at the Castle in Lake Bracciano? And if so, was it through the website you listed? From what I can gather from the website (trying to figure out the Italian, lol), it sounds like the tour lasts an hour - is that correct? And then do they kick you out, or are you free to wander the grounds, etc?

Thanks for any information!

5alive

amamax2,

I did make reservations, and I think you need to especially to get your correct language tour at the right time. I don't think it's something that needs reserved months and months ahead, although why not reserve now if you know you're going?

There is an English Language portion to the website. I don't remember if I found a reservation form. I think I just found the email address and wrote them -- in English.

You cannot walk the grounds separately. There is not a lot of room for landscaping around the castle; it is surrounded by a medieval town. You can't wander the castle without a guide, either.

The town really shuts down between 1-3 pm except for the bars and restaurants. We would have tried to go down to the lakeshore but it was rainy and pretty cold.

I notice that you're also going to Paris. I know there are some really famous castles in France. I am not sure if Bracciano is quite of that caliber. I do know that the Tower of London has far more armour and weapons than about anywhere.

If you cannot get to Bracciano, Castel Sant' Angelo is also very interesting. One thing we did not know before going is that the armory there is not always open. It doesn't feel as "castle-y" as Bracciano. It is round, and there is a spiral path up the middle that you walk.

Finally there is one more castle near Rome. I think the town begins with an S, but I don't think it's Sperlonga. It was closed at Christmas so I didn't consider it for ourselves. If I think of it I'll post here again.

Hope that helps.

5alive

Sorry I think it's Sermoneta.

I forgot to put in my trip report, Bracciano looks really cool at dusk and dark.

amamax2

5alive,

Thank you so much for the info!

Yes, we are going to France, but just Paris (there is so much to see there as it is, we'll have to save more of France for another trip).

One of my husband's "must sees" is a castle with armour and such; I had thought to just go to Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome, but when I re-read your report, Bracciano sounded so interesting.

I will check into the other town, too, and see what is doable.

Thank you again - your report was wonderful and I appreciate all the detailed information.

5alive

If it is your only castle, Bracciano is definitely a better choice. If you take the train station near St. Peter's, it is only about 40 minutes each way, and they're nicer trains than the metro.

Enjoy, whatever you decide. I'll look for your report when you get back!

amamax2

Good to know!

Thanks again!!