Velletri is one of the towns in the hills near Rome that are known as the Castelli Romani. It is located on the Monte Artemisio hill, overlooks the Pontina Plain and is one of Lazio’s main wine producing towns. Its distance from Rome is around 40km.
Velletri Hotels and B&B’s
- Albergo Roma: (1-Star Hotel, Viale Rome, 26, Velletri) Albergo Roma is centrally located near Piazza Garibaldi and close to many Velletri bars, restaurants, pizzeria and shopping venues. Double rooms from 30 Euros.
- Bed and Breakfast L’Elce: (2-Star B&B, Via Acqua Lucia, 47, Velletri) L’Elce B&B is a villa on two floors surrounded by a vast private park with huge chestnut, holly, hazelnut and olive trees. Average rate double room 45 Euros.
- B&B IL Casale di Colle Ionci: (2-Star B&B, Via Acqua Lucia, 27, Velletri) Il Casale B&B is housed in a two story 17th-century building dating and has various annexes. It is located inside an enormous park. Double rooms from 45 Euros.
History of Velletri
Already in pre-historic times there was a settlement, though it is unsure whether this was Etruscan, Latin or Volscan in origin. In 494BC the Roman King Ancus Marcius in 494 BC conquered the city and called it Velitrae. It developed into a flourishing and important city, with an amphitheater and a number of villas and temples. The Emperor Augustus even spent his youth in Velletri.
Later its importance gradually diminished, although it became the seat of a bishopric in the 5th century and then an Imperial city (after the Byzantine conquest of Italy). In the 12th century Velletri became a free commune and then, after 14th and 15th century wars against Rome, part of the Church State.
During World War II Velletri was partly destroyed during attacks by Allied bombers.
Velletri tourist attractions
- Palazzo Comunale: The seat of Velletri’s Archeological Museum. Though built by Giacomo della Porta, it was designed by Vignola (the portico is famous). Della Porta started in 1572 and Filippo Barigioni finished the work in 1741.
- Church of Sant’Antonio Abate: 14th century church.
- Cathedral of San Clemente: Originally built on top of an old temple (4th century), but later, between 1659 and 1662, reconstructed. Traiano da Palestrina built the Renaissance Gate in 1512. Noteworthy are the frescoes and the Capitular Museum, with works by a.o. Gentile da Fabriano, Antoniazzo Romano and Lorenzo di Bicci.
- Santa Maria in Trivio: With a bell-tower, made in 1353.
- Tempietto Bramantesco: Dated 1523, constructed by Alessandro da Parma.
- Piazza Garibaldi: The central square of Velletri.
- Civic Archeological Museum of Velletri: Housed in the City Hall, with works dating from the pre-history to the Middle Ages.
Velletri Practical Information
| Address | Zip Code: 00049 |
| District | Province of Rome |
| Hotels nearby | Hotels in Velletri |
| Telephone | Area code: +39 06 |
| Opening Hours | Not applicable |
| Closed | Not applicable |
| Admission | Not applicable |
| Public transport | Bus from Anagnina (Cotral); train from Termini (2,70 Euros; travel time 56min.), the first train of the day (3.55AM) leaves from Tiburtina instead of Termini. |
| Special Holidays/Events | Feast of Saint Antonio Abate (after January 17); Madonna delle Grazie grandiose procession (1st Sunday in May); Maremma cowherds competition (3rd Sunday in July); Grape festival (October); November 23: San Clemente (patron saint) celebrations. |
| Note | March 19,20 2011: Festa delle Camelie |
Directions to the Velletri
Rome-Velletri by car
Drive down the Via Appia Nuova and at Castel Gandolfo take the SP207 to Velletri.
Rome-Velletri by train
Velletri has its own railway station and is well-connected with Rome.
Rome-Velletri by bus
Take the metro to Anagnina (line A) and then a bus to Velletri (Piazza Garibaldi). The first one leaves at 5.15AM and there are several buses evey hour until 11.15PM.