Anzio is a little town not far from Rome and one of the most beautiful seaside destinations in Lazio. It’s in the Agro Romano and its climate is typically Mediterranean. For centuries it was a fishing village. Today, the city has a seafront, animated by establishments, clubs and seaside activities. The Gulf of Anzio is a bay known for its splendid sandy beaches, imposing rock walls and crystal clear sea.
What is Anzio famous for?
What is Anzio known for? Anzio is important also for its wide historical, artistic and cultural heritage. The emperors of Ancient Rome, Caligula and Nero, were born right here. In particular, Nero built a new port and his luxurious villa. The remains of both structures are still visible. Then Pope Innocent XII rebuilt the port in the last decade of the seventeenth century.
Anzio is also known internationally because the city was the scene of one of the most famous actions of the Second World War. The battle for Anzio took place on January 22, 1944. The Allied armies began landing on the coast. That day 100,000 men reached the coast and took the German forces by surprise. Commonwealth Cemetery, located about 5 kilometers from the center, is dedicated to all the English fighters who died in the area during the world conflict.
Then there are other buildings of historical interest. For example, the Basilica of Santa Teresa del Bambino Gesù is a splendid building that combines neoclassical architecture with a traditional taste.
Paradiso sul Mare is in Art Nouveau style. The palace, originally built to become a casino, has instead hosted art exhibitions and has been chosen over the years as the set for famous films by successful directors such as Federico Fellini and Alberto Sordi.
Why it is worth visiting Anzio?
In addition to the historical events of which Anzio was the protagonist, the city is also famous as one of the favorite destinations for tourists for its splendid sandy beaches and crystal clear sea.
The long beach is of fine golden sand, the seabed is shallow. All this makes this coast perfect for a holiday with your children. However, it is also an ideal destination for dynamic and sporty people who can indulge in swimming, diving or try their hand at the most adrenaline-filled windsurfing. Furthermore, for the quality services offered and the quality of the water, Anzio, italian city, has often been awarded the Green Flag and the Blue Flag. Finally, from the tourist port it is possible to reach the island near anzio by ferry: the Island of Ponza.
The most beautiful beaches near Anzio are:
- Anzio beach
- Tor Caldara
- Nero’s Caves
- Lido dei Gigli
- Lido dei Pini
Anzio is perfect for relaxing. Also, its uncontaminated landscape is ideal for outdoor activities, water sports and trekking. The perfect place is the Tor Caldara Regional Nature Reserve, a protected natural area, considered a Site of Community Interest since 2005.
The best attractions to visit in Anzio
Anzio is an elegant seaside resort. Between the last decades of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century, it became the favorite holiday destination of some well-known families of the Roman aristocracy and upper middle class. Then from the post-war period until the 1970s the territory of Anzio underwent a major urban transformation, with the creation of new neighborhoods in the hinterland.
The city of Anzio houses many historic villas, including Villa Albani, Villa Sarsina and Villa Adele. The latter has a beautiful green park where there is also the Anzio Landing Museum and the Archaeological Museum. On the coast the remains of another much older villa are still visible: the Villa of Nero. The villa became the residence of Emperor Nero, which extended for 800 meters.
Paradiso sul Mare
Paradiso sul Mare is a building located on the Zanardelli seafront, built in Art Nouveau style by Cesare Bazzani between 1919 and 1924. Initially designed to become a casino, its rooms have instead hosted various art exhibitions. These rooms have been used as a set cinematographic by important directors. Federico Fellini shot the scenes of the Grand Hotel in Rimini in “Amarcord” and Alberto Sordi in “Polvere di stelle“.
Commonwealth Cemetery, the English war cemetery
Another place capable of combining aesthetic beauty and local history is the Commonwealth War Cemetery. Located about 5 kilometers from the centre, it is dedicated to all the English fighters who died in the area during the Second World War. Among these there is also Eric Fletcher Waters, father of Roger Waters, Pink Floyd bassist.
The basilica of Santa Teresa
The Basilica of Santa Teresa del Bambino Gesù is a splendid building built on the panoramic hill overlooking the city. It’s in light stone and combines neoclassical architecture with a very traditional taste.
The typical fish soup “alla portodanzese”
Then the streets of the city are full of pizzerias, shops, cafes and boutiques. Clustered around the port are some excellent seafood restaurants. In fact, fish is the protagonist of Anzio cuisine. A typical dish is the fish soup “alla portodanzese”, made of sepias and octopus dressed with oil, garlic and chili pepper, served seasoned with salted anchovies, tomatoes, mussels and clams too.
Where is Anzio in Italy and how far is Anzio from Rome?
How much Anzio to Rome distance? The two cities are about 60 kilometers apart. If you want to reach Anzio by car you need to take exit 26 of the Grande Raccordo Anulare (GRA) towards Via Pontina (SS148), towards Latina. Then exit at the Anzio-Nettuno junction and then continue on the Nettunense provincial road to the city centre.
Anzio is also easily reachable by bus (Cotral) and train (Anzio to Roma Termini). So it is possible to take a short Anzio tour from Rome.
Finally, Anzio is an excellent place to reach the island of Ponza and is an ideal stop on the journey to other towns near Anzio Italy: Anzio to Pompeii, Anzio to Ponza, Sperlonga, Formia.