You don't really see castles in the area we call "The Roman Castles"; we call that a hilly area south from Rome where few enchanting little towns, famous for producing the refreshing white wine we drink in Rome, are situated. Many of those little towns where already villages before Rome was founded but than became Roman colonies. In the middle ages they were the strongholds of the nobles of Rome and those castles they once built to defend the land were later converted into gorgeous palaces, where the descendants used to spend their summertime away from the heat of Rome. Just to have an idea of the beauty of the area think that the Holy Father chose, way back in the sixteen hundreds, to make of the castle that once belonged to the Gandolfo family, his Summer Residence. Also in the area are two pleasant lakes that were originally craters of volcanoes active five million years ago. Of course it is enjoyable to have lunch in one the many good restaurants in the area which is what the Romans go there for today. For those who may be interested, a visit to one of the many wineries there can be arranged.