Italy, Nemi

The area of Lake Nemi was considered sacred and its forests were placed under the protection of Diana. To achieve this beside the lake stood the great temple dedicated to Diana Nemorense, goddess of forests and fertility. In medieval times a thriving farming community formed around Lake Nemi, according to Massa Nemus, which community produced mainly fruit and wine and in the ninth century the Tusculo counts began construction of their castle that, for some years, has also been used by Cistercian monks. During the centuries Nemi has passed under the control of many papal families: Frangipane, Teblano Annibaldi, Colonna, d'Estouteville, Borgia, Cesarini, Piccolomini, Cenci, Braschi and finally Orsini. The last family to own it and to do development works was that of Ruspoli. Nemi was an important stop on the Grand Tour.