Villa Bell'Aspetto

Though a bit run-down, Villa Borghese is worth seeing, just a short walk from the sea at Nettuno. The historic palace has another garden on its far side, with more of a European villa feel and a separate entrance. The park is vast, beautiful, and impeccably kept. One photo I included captures the marvelous view from the upper part of the first garden, with its characteristic conifers and evergreen broadleaf trees, including cork oaks and palms. The villa is generally closed to the public, though guided tours of the exterior and adjoining park happen on scheduled days. The interior may be dangerous because of its unsafe condition, so I "settled" for seeing Villa Borghese, the palace's current name, and the grounds.

We had lunch here for my twins' baptism and were impressed as soon as we arrived by the setting and the kind welcome from the staff. The food was divine, especially the delicious starters with both raw and cooked fish. I'd definitely recommend this restaurant if you want a good meal.

Nettuno has felt like a second home to me since I was young, and it's the twin town of my hometown, Traunreut. From 1974 to 1977, I had the honor of spending my summer holidays as a guest of His Excellency Prince Steno Borghese. Villa Borghese, also called Villa Bell’Aspetto, was the Pope's summer residence before Castel Gandolfo, when it belonged to the Borghese family. During World War II, when American forces landed in Italy, it also served as the Americans' military headquarters.

It's a shame Villa Borghese, or "Bello sguardo," is open to the public only on a few scheduled days. It's a real treasure of beauty and culture.