Visitors who are passionate about archeology and wine tourism can set off to explore the area between Frascati and Monte Porzio Catone, where wine has been celebrated since ancient times and where, to this day, a strong bond between local identity and wine-making culture remains. The common theme of this itinerary is, in fact, the secular history of the beverage sacred to the god Dionysus.

From the moment tourists reach G.Marconi Square, the beating heart of Frascati, they are surrounded by historical buildings. At the very center stands the spectacular  Monumento ai Caduti della Grande Guerra (a monument to the victims of WW1), and a short distance away is the majestic Villa Aldobrandini, a luxurious aristocratic residence designed by the renowned architects Della Porta, Maderno and Fontana, for Pope Clemente VIII’s nephew. Overlooking the square are the Aldobrandini Stables, a service facility to the villa of the same name, already visible in an engraving by Matheus Greuter from 1620. The structure  has been modernized by the world famous architect Massimiliano Fuksas and is now home to the Museum Tuscolano, a multifunctional space designed to host archeological collections, temporary art exhibitions, educational workshops, multimedia spaces and an auditorium. The focal point of the collection are the archeological finds from the Tusculum site.  Among these stands out a pentelikon marble female statue, originally from the thermal baths of Adriano and brought to light in 2023, which could be interpreted as a maenad. This figure was linked to the worship of Dionysus, god of wine, and was said to accompany him dancing in an inebriated state, caused by the consumption of the intoxicating beverage and psychoactive plants.

Following the dionysian parade led by the maenad in the Museo Tuscolano, visitors can reach the Tuscolo Archeological and Cultural Park to explore the remains of the ancient town of Tusculum. The roman agronomist and scholar Marco Terenzio Varrone recounts that, on the city gates, was a sign that reminded and encouraged all roman winemakers not to bring wine into the city before the celebration of the Vinalia, festivals dedicated to grape harvest and wine. This very wine was also used by Ortensio, according to Macrobio, to water the famous sycamore trees he had planted on the Tuscolane slopes, so that the trees could flourish and thrive.

Visitors will explore the remains of the ancient settlement, starting from the evocative theater,  and then diving into the unique history and atmosphere of the location, which offers a series of scenic routes that cross the surrounding park.

According to the myth, Tusculum was founded by Telegonus, son of Ulysses and the enchantress Circe. Archeological data confirms that the area of the acropolis has been populated since the Iron Age. In contrast, the territory below the monumental area has only been occupied starting from VII-VI century b.C. Thanks to its strategic position, Tusculum has always had a dominant role on the surrounding territories, both in Roman and medieval times, becoming a privileged place of residence for the Roman nobility and then for the Conti of Tuscolo clan. During the conflicts between the Papacy and the Empire, the city became a dangerous rival to Rome and was therefore completely destroyed on April 17th 1191.

From Tuscolo, visitors can enjoy a special view of the Vulcano Laziale. It’s these fertile vulcanian soils that give the wines harvested in this region the distinctive traits, appreciated by wine lovers everywhere.