The Italian Gems You Didn’t Know About 1. Bracciano Vacationing like a Roman Emperor in Bracciano What do ancient volcanoes, Roman emperors, Popes, Cardinals, and WW1 fighter aircrafts have in common? Bracciano, Italy. Bracciano is an old town just 18 miles to the North and West of Rome, making her perfect for day trips around Rome. Bracciano’s origins are set alongside her greatest attraction, Lake Bracciano, ancient Rome’s private lake of the Emperors. 40,000 years ago, an ancient volcano gave out, collapsing and creating the lake that is now known as Lake Bracciano. Crystal clear and having the most startling indigo blue, the waters around this lake are today a…