Fregene
Let's discover Fregene: a small gem a few kilometers from Rome
If you're looking for a seaside destination just a few kilometers from Rome, then Fregene might be the place for you! This seaside resort located on the Tyrrhenian coast, about 30 kilometers from the Eternal City, has a lot to offer in terms of history and natural beauty.
The history of Fregene: a significant ancient Etruscan relevance
Fregene has not always been part of the municipality of Fiumicino, in fact, before the Lazio regional law no. 25 of 6/3/1992, it was part of the municipality of Rome. It was separated following a popular referendum when the XIV district, which included that area of Rome, fell within the territory of Fiumicino.
But the history of Fregene goes back to the Etruscan era, when it was the seat of a port at the mouth of the Arrone River and an important salt mine. Its memory was obliterated, until settlements of fishermen began to develop in the area. It was only in 1928, after the hydraulic reclamation of the swampy area of Maccarese, that Fregene emerged as a center for seaside summer residences.
Anthropological geography: the three different areas of Fregene
Urbanistically, Fregene appears clearly separated into three areas, which follow each other in a north-south direction along the central road axis that runs parallel to the waterfront about 600 meters from the beach.
In the northernmost part of Fregene Nord, near the beach, is the characteristic "Fishermen's Village", which was born spontaneously with the construction of huts directly on the beach by fishermen at the end of World War II.
Starting in the 1950s, this area was transformed illegally with the construction of villas and small buildings built next to or very close to each other, in a way that is totally different from the urbanistic character that characterizes the other areas of Fregene.
Fregene Nord is characterized by the presence of almost exclusively single-family villas surrounded by large gardens and the almost total absence of commercial activities; Fregene Centro, where the size of the lots is on average less large and there are, in addition to single-family villas, also semi-detached villas and, sporadically, low buildings with multiple housing units. In this area, there are many commercial activities.
Fregene Sud, on the other hand, has a higher density of buildings with multiple housing units than Fregene Centro and a lesser presence of commercial activities.
South of Fregene is the nature reserve of the Macchiagrande oasis, a peaceful oasis where you can admire numerous species of birds and animals.
What to do and see in Fregene
The coast of Fregene, characterized by a beach of golden sand, offers the possibility of spending days at the beach in a relaxing and fun-filled atmosphere. But Fregene is not just the sea and a beach holiday.
The town offers numerous points of cultural interest, such as the archaeological remains of the ancient city of Portus Traiani, the Castle of Julius II in Ostia, the Necropolis of Porto, the Basilica of Sant'Ippolito, the village of Fiumicino, and numerous churches.
If you're a lover of greenery, you can't miss a visit to the WWF Natural Reserve of Macchiagrande, where you can admire the fauna and flora of the area.
Where to stay and where to eat in Fregene
Fregene offers numerous accommodation options, from a wide variety of B&Bs, hotels, and resorts located on the beach. There are also many options for dining, from seafood restaurants where you can taste specialties made with fresh fish, to places that offer typical Roman cuisine.
Conclusions
Fregene is a beautiful seaside resort just a few kilometers from Rome, where you can spend days in a relaxing and fun-filled atmosphere amidst the sea, beach, and nature. It offers numerous accommodation options and many points of cultural interest, as well as unmissable food and wine proposals. What are you waiting for to come and discover Fregene?
