Things to do in Nettuno and Anzio

On foot from the centre

The medieval village

right opposite Piazza Mazzini: narrow lanes, arches, small squares with outdoor tables and glimpses of the sea.

Forte Sangallo

the fortress built between 1501 and 1503 to defend the coast. It now houses the Allied Landing Museum, an Antiquarium and temporary exhibitions: opening times change with the seasons, so check before you go.

The marina

a stroll among the boats, bars and restaurants, perfect at sunset.

The Neptune Fountain

the fountain in Piazza Mazzini, the one you see from the apartment windows.

What to do in Nettuno in the evening

In the evening the centre of Nettuno is best enjoyed on foot. Start with an aperitivo in Piazza Mazzini, in front of the fountain, or in the small squares of the medieval village, where in summer the tables stay outside until late. For dinner there are the seafood restaurants of the village and the marina; afterwards, a stroll along the seafront with a gelato is a local habit.

In summer the village and the seafront often host concerts, markets and events: the programme changes every year and is published by the town council. In winter the evenings are quieter, but restaurants and bars in the centre stay open, especially at weekends.

The history of the landing

In January 1944 the Allies landed on the coast between Anzio and Nettuno. The Sicily-Rome American Cemetery, on the edge of Nettuno, holds the graves of 7,861 American servicemen who died in Italy, with a memorial and a chapel. It is a quiet, beautifully kept place, a few minutes from the centre.

In Anzio, a few minutes away

Nero’s villa and grottoes

the remains of the imperial villa on the sea, with caves cut into the tuff.

Anzio harbour

known for its seafood restaurants. In season, ferries and hydrofoils leave from here for the island of Ponza.

Tor Caldara Nature Reserve

a regional nature reserve along the Via Ardeatina, about 15 minutes by car: paths through Mediterranean scrub, sulphur springs, a 16th-century tower and a wild beach. Opening days and times change with the season: check before you go.

Rome as a day trip

With the FL8 train Roma Termini is about an hour away: spend the day in the city and come back to the sea in the evening, somewhere calmer and better value than central Rome.

The Madonna delle Grazie festival

In May Nettuno celebrates its patron, Our Lady of Graces, with processions, a fair, concerts and fireworks. The outgoing procession is usually held on the first Saturday of May and the return procession on the Sunday of the following week; the exact dates are published each year in the official programme. It is one of the liveliest times to visit.