Discover a Wild Seaside Getaway Just an Hour from Rome in the Tyrrhenian Sea

Located only a short distance from Rome, Sabaudia boasts a distinctive charm from the 1930s era. Constructed within an impressively brief period of 253 days, this city blends rationalist architectural styles with lush, untamed nature.

Located in the Lazio region of central Italy, Sabaudia boasts a fascinating and distinctive past along with remarkable architectural features. Conceived during the 1930s under Mussolini's fascist government, it was constructed within merely 253 days as housing for farmers migrating from northern regions. It wasn’t long before affluent citizens of Rome began moving here too. This isn't so astonishing when one takes into account Sabaudi'a prime geographic setting and the allure of its pristine natural scenery that consistently captivates visitors. Featuring untouched vistas, rugged shorelines, historical landmarks, and panoramic sights of Mount Circeo, Sabaudia remains well-worth visiting even after traveling all the way from Rome.

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A well-preserved historic city

In 1934, inspired by Benito Mussolini’s ambitions, a new settlement arose from the Pontine Marshes within just 253 days: Sabaudia. The primary objective of this ambitious endeavor was to establish a contemporary urban center integrated with farmland. Four architects associated with the Rationalist movement—Gino Cancellotti, Eugenio Montuori, Luigi Piccinato, and Alfredo Scalpelli—took charge of drafting the designs for this project. Consequently, the resultant city featured sharp corners and strict lines, where each area and structure prioritized practicality above all else.

During the 1960s, Sabaudia attracted many thinkers and creatives as a favored spot. Nowadays, this municipality continues to enchant fresh travelers with its serenity and enduring charm. Nestled within the boundaries of the Circeo National Park, amid mountains and Lago di Paola, the area still manages to avoid overcrowded tourist scenes. After crossing the lake and a narrow stretch of sand dunes, you might discover one of the most untouched shorelines along the coastline here.

What activities can you enjoy in Sabaudia?

The town of Sabaudia

As you wander through Sabaudia, you can completely lose yourself in its rationalist architectural style. Be sure to check out the Town Hall along with its civic tower (Torre Civica), the contemporary Church of the Annunciation, as well as the hospital and maternity ward among other structures worth visiting.

To travel through history, consider visiting the Central Post Office as well. Adorned with blue mosaics, this structure was crafted by the futurist architect Angiolo Mazzoni. Constructed from 1932 to 1934 in the "Streamline Moderne" style, the postal facility underwent restoration work before being reintroduced to visitors in 2011.

Mount Circeo

Sabaudia is also a haven for those who love nature. Circeo National Park It lies close by, encompassing over 8,500 hectares of natural area. Established at the behest of the Duce and under the influence of Senator Raffaele Bastianelli, this site aims to conserve areas within the Pontine Marshes.

The park spans nearly 1,000 kilometers. ² The most captivating feature of Sabaudia is Mount Circeo, named after Circe, the sorceress from Greek mythology. This area offers many opportunities for exploration through its various caves and ancient archaeological sites via hiking or cycling. Those fond of trekking might want to check out the Lucullo Spring, an obscure Roman reservoir. Along the coastline stands the Torre Paola, a medieval seaside tower that serves as both a historical landmark and a favorite location for photographs.

The Villa of Domitian

To gain further understanding of history, visit the Villa di Domiziano (Domitian's Villa), an archaeological site located along the banks of Lake Paola. Constructed during the first century AD, this grand structure served as one of the key imperial retreats during summertime but remains relatively unknown in Lazio.

A significant portion of the marble elements from the villa were removed in the 18th century. ^th However, due to extensive excavation efforts, there remains ample to explore. Although large parts of the villa remain buried, several sections like the thermal facilities are well-preserved.

The lakes

Surrounded by three lakes, Sabaudia lies adjacent to Lago di Monaci, Lago di Caprolace, and notably, Lago di Paola, which is often referred to as Sabaudia Lake. Most of these bodies of water are considered integral parts of the Circeo National Park.

Peaceful yet vibrant, these three lakes offer a sanctuary for diverse wildlife and plant life. Anglers and watersports lovers will discover ample opportunities to enjoy their hobbies here.

Bufalara beach

To the south of Sabaudia lies the extensive beach of Bufalara. Despite being easily accessible, this stretch of sand sees minimal tourist traffic, offering a serene escape just a short distance from Rome. Shielded from the coastal road by rolling dunes, the area boasts a tranquil and untamed charm.

It's also an incredible location offering a stunning vista of Mount Circella. To put it differently, the Spiaggia della Bufalara offers a picturesque spot for a dip in the Tyrrhenian Sea or a leisurely stroll during sunset.

Villa Volpi

Final destination: Villa Volpi, an exquisite example of neoclassical design built in the 1950s and situated along the coastline. This architectural marvel was initiated by Countess Nathalie Volpi de Misurata, who was married to Count Giuseppe Volpi, the creator of the Venice Film Festival.

Boasting 26 hectares of private parkland, along with a 600-square-meter villa featuring seven opulent suites and lavish living areas, this property feels like something from a Hollywood fantasy. Indeed, it is sometimes leased out for movie productions (it’s currently on sale for €20 million).

What are the ways to reach Sabaudia, Italy?

Starting from Rome, you can reach Sabaudia within approximately one and a half hours by driving along the Pontina State Road (SS148). Alternatively, for those who opt for public transportation, there is a direct bus service available from the Roma Laurentina terminal, which offers a comparable travel duration.