The gently undulating hilly landscape of Italy is replete with majestic landmarks. From the dramatic mountain cliffs of Seceda in the Dolomites to an underrated island with historic churches and legends of dragons, the sights of Italy will take your breath away. But you don't have to travel that far from Rome to discover the country's hidden gems. Just about an hour's drive from the Italian capital, situated on a forested bluff above a serene blue lake, is a small town called Nemi. 

An idyllic commune of romantic cobbled streets, Nemi's history stretches back thousands of years: ancient villas from Rome's late Republican period (roughly between 200 and 27 B.C.) have been excavated in the area, and dominating the town's skyline is the Palazzo Ruspoli, an imposing medieval fortress. You probably won't see many other tourists here, so it will be a peaceful interlude to the hectic activity of Rome.