Discover Castel Di Guido: Nature, History and Holiday Apartments

Castel di Guido combines a vast landscape with impressive traces of its Roman past and a rural culture that continues to shape the area to this day. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home for their stay can combine different interests here: nature experiences in the oasis, archaeological discoveries, insights into rural life and regional products.

Vast Landscapes and Nature Experiences

The Castel di Guido Oasis was established in 1999 through an agreement between the City of Rome, Azienda Agricola Castel di Guido and LIPU. It is located in a vast landscape of gently rolling hills, where pastures, meadows, forests and hedges alternate with areas used for agriculture. In total, Castel di Guido encompasses a 2,000-hectare landscape with hills, forests, hedges, ditches and meadows.

A 1,056-hectare section of the area is designated as a Site of Community Importance within the Natura 2000 network. The oasis has a visitor centre and two circular nature trails leading through its most important habitats. Part of the area is used for environmental education. This makes it possible to experience the natural area not only as a landscape, but also from the perspective of its various habitats.

Roman Traces and Historic Buildings

The cultural history of Castel di Guido is evident in several different places. A significant Roman villa from the imperial period was excavated on the agricultural estate. The newly discovered villa contains well-preserved rooms, mosaics, painted plaster and an atrium with a central impluvium. It is probably connected with the ancient Via Aurelia and is situated within the context of the Lorium area.

The Mausoleo di Castel di Guido is also part of the historic picture. The lower level is a circular tomb dating from between the late 3rd and early 4th centuries AD. Five large radial niches are arranged around a round pillar. Above it stands the Chiesa dello Spirito Santo, a 17th-century church built over the imperial-era mausoleum.

The Villa delle Colonnacce is also located on the grounds of Azienda Agricola Castel di Guido. A thermal complex stood in the southern area. The villa contains mosaics and wall frescoes and extends over three levels. For families and other travellers who enjoy combining historic sites with different themes, this creates a varied picture made up of ancient architecture, later religious history and an agricultural setting.

Agriculture, Museum and Regional Specialities

The Museo delle Tradizioni Contadine collects images and objects from the rural life of the past. It displays agricultural tools and equipment from the historic Azienda Agricola Castel di Guido. A special addition is the fossil remains of a primitive elephant found on the estate. The museum broadens the view beyond individual buildings and focuses on the development of the estate and its working life.

Wine, olive oil, grain, vegetables, milk and cheese are produced in Castel di Guido. These products are part of the area's rural character, which differs from its archaeological attractions and natural environment. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore consider whether you want to focus your stay primarily on nature, history, rural traditions or a mixture of these themes.

Travel Planning Information

You can reach the Castel di Guido Oasis via SS No. 1 Aurelia, the Aurelia exit of Rome's Grande Raccordo Anulare towards Civitavecchia, and the turn-off signposted for Castel di Guido. This route description helps you incorporate a visit to the oasis into your individual day plan.

Further destinations to choose from for your own trip: Aranova, San Gregorio Da Sassola, Mazzano Romano, Marino, Castel San Pietro Romano, Santa Marta, Tragliata, Guidonia Montecelio.

To the higher-level travel overview: Rome.