The best thing about studying at JCU is the chance to visit new places every week. To make the most out of a three-day weekend explore these three hidden gems just outside of Rome.

Student Commentary

By Carolina Littleton/ Matthew Staff || Edited by Greta Mastroianni

It goes without saying that Italy is one of the most beautiful and historic countries in the world. There are so many places to explore and destinations to discover that you’ve only ever dreamed of. Italy remains the most preserved country in the world with 59 saved heritage sites, and while we’re lucky enough to be living within a 30-minute walk of one of the most famous landmarks, the Colosseum, you should allow yourself to also take the time to reach out beyond these areas and explore surrounding areas of Rome.

I have lived here for one month and have experienced more than some people have in their entire lifetime. As a student at John Cabot University, I have been taking advantage of the three-day weekends and traveling to hidden gems that are as close as a 40 -minute train ride—and you should, too. As of today, I have visited Sperlonga, Anzio, and Castel Gandolfo, all of which I have loved tremendously, and I plan to visit many more places. 

In this article, I share insights into my travel experiences and some of the places that I believe everyone must visit during their time at JCU. So, if you are looking for your next weekend excursion, this article is for you!

I always knew I wanted to study in Rome to travel to its beautiful sights whilst simultaneously getting an education, so at the end of my last Thursday class of the new semester I immediately started planning my destinations for the weekend. After researching all the interesting places nearby Trastevere, I found myself on a train at 8 a.m. heading somewhere that never even crossed my mind: Castel Gandolfo: “Home of the Pope’s Garden and Villa.” In a mere 40 minutes, I was welcomed with the most breathtaking view of Lago Albano as soon as I exited the train. After a few moments of staring in awe at this beautiful lake surrounded by rolling mountains, I walked up a steep hill until stumbling upon the quaint square of Castel Gandolfo that was filled with the bustle of patrons going to their local churches, cafes, and stores all laid out in front of the Pope’s Pontifical Palace. For €10 I purchased a ticket to not only walk through the museum inside the palace, but also receive a tour from one of the palace guards through the magical gardens of the villa! I had never seen such beautiful greenery, fountains, flowers, and views. And, of course, the palace itself was magical, knowing that I was walking through a palace full of so much history. Every aspect of Castel Gandolfo had a surreal, fantasy-like feel to it. It is a hidden gem near Rome that everyone should see. With personal purchases set aside, the entire trip was a total of about €20. I do not know about you, but I would much rather spend my weekend strolling through ancient gardens and palaces than going to the movies.

Some people might not be the biggest fan of sightseeing the way I did at Castel Gandolfo. Some might prefer a relaxing day at the beach, just like the one I had during my day trip to Anzio, Italy. This location is a prime example of a place to have a relaxing beach day. With its lounge chairs, colorful umbrellas, and seaside restaurants it was destined to be a memorable, relaxing, and fun-filled day. Waking up early to beat the crowds, catching a relaxing train ride with a beautiful view, and laying out your beach towel to lay in the sun allows you to have an amazing beach day on the Italian seaside. Anzio has a newer more modernized feel too in its seaside and downtown streets, but I found myself falling in love with its architecture and, most of all, its delicious frozen yogurt. For €30 I was able to have the most amazing day on a beach only 1 hour and 45 minutes from Trastevere. Just be sure to bring your sunscreen!

If you are someone who wants to visit both a relaxing and a historical place to spend your day on the seaside, then Sperlonga, Italy is the place for you. During my day trip here, I visited the Museum of Archeology located a three-minute walk away from the ruins of the Villa of Tiberius. The museum had huge, intricate statues that were mesmerizing to look at. Just south of the town of Sperlonga itself is the marvelous Grotto of Tiberius, which I was able to explore, while looking at the perfectly framed beach of Sperlonga through its jagged rocks and delicately hanging moss. The water at Sperlonga was very refreshing and clear and the beach itself provided for a lovely walk all the way from the grotto to the base of the mountain that the town of Sperlonga sat upon. In a 10-minute ride up the hill towards the village, you are met with the most beautiful overlook of the beach and an even more stunning view of the sunset on the opposite side. Getting some gelato and watching the sunset over all the colorful, ancient, and decorative homes in Sperlonga was one of my favorite experiences I have had during my day trips.

There is so much to see. Whether you are a study abroad student or a degree seeker, never pass on an opportunity to visit unfamiliar places, try new food, meet new people, discover new places, experience new cultures, seek out new journeys, and create new memories. My roommates and I live by the saying, “when in Rome.” When you are in Rome, take advantage of all the amazing novel places you can see, and if you do not know where to start, hopefully I piqued your interest in what your next weekend trip might look like.