Perched on the cafe’s terrace, gazing out over the expansive 1483-acre Lake Albano, she savors the beginning of her vacation in the Lazio region of Italy. The glass of white wine in her hand is refreshing and chilled, while the air carries the delightful aroma of ripe peaches and juicy strawberries. Lake Albano embodies all the allure she had envisioned about Italy. Nestled in the Alban Hills at the base of Monte Cavo, Lake Albano is a charming volcanic crater lake known as Lago Albano and Lago di Castel Gandolfo in Italian. With a maximum depth of 560 feet, this 2.2-mile-long and 1.4-mile-wide lake—once known to the Romans as Albanus Lacus—is the deepest in the region of Lazio. An elevated ridge reaching 230 feet is evidence of the juxtaposed craters forming the lake. Fed by underground springs, Lake Albano historically experienced periodic overflow until a drainage tunnel was constructed in the 4th century BC to manage water levels. This ancient tunnel, still operational today, runs nearly a mile underground. As a result of seismic activity in the area, water levels in Lake Albano have depleted by almost 13 feet since the 1960s. Approximately 12 miles southeast of Rome, Lago Albano has long been a favored summer destination for Roman locals. The lovely town of Castel Gandolfo, situated on the southern edge of the crater, serves as the Pope’s summertime residence. Originating from a 12th-century castle owned by the prominent Roman family Gandolfi, Castel Gandolfo began its papal occupancy during Pope Urban VIII’s reign from 1623 to 1644 and remains used today. Besides the papal quarters, the compound includes sprawling gardens and the prestigious Vatican Observatory. Lake Albano’s shoreline has eateries, markets, holiday homes, and rental accommodations. The central square, Piazza della Liberta, showcases a church with an architectural touch by Bernini. Legend has it that Ascanius, son of Aeneas, established Alba Longa, the oldest capital of the Sabine League, near the tranquil waters of Lake Albano. One of the picturesque settlements of the Castelli Romani, Castel Gandolfo, is among the villages nestled in the fertile volcanic region. These “Castles of Rome” are known for their rich agricultural produce, including grapes for wine, luscious strawberries, and succulent peaches. Slightly southeast of Rome, Lake Albano shares the limelight with another nearby lake, Lake Nemi. Lake Albano boasts a sandy beach on its western shore, inviting visitors to partake in sunbathing, swimming, boating, and fishing activities. The lake served as the venue for canoeing and rowing events during the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, and its crystal-clear waters are perfect for kayaking enthusiasts. Anglers will find a bounty of fish species, such as chub, black bass, tench, pike, carp, eel, and rainbow trout, challenging their skills in the deep waters of Lake Albano. Set against the backdrop of vineyards and peach orchards, Lake Albano emerges as a stunning summer escape, with its proximity to Rome making it a favored spot for extended vacations or quick weekend getaways. As a destination with timeless appeal, Lake Albano will continue to draw visitors to its serene waters for years.