Maccarese: Cultural History and Agricultural Landscape

Maccarese can be explored from different perspectives: the history of the Roman countryside and agriculture sits alongside the architectural past of Castello San Giorgio. At the same time, the Vasche di Maccarese, with their rich variety of waterbirds, and the surrounding agricultural landscape shape the destination. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Maccarese, these themes can help you plan your visits according to your cultural or landscape interests.

Cultural History and Buildings

The Polo ecomuseale di Maccarese focuses on the history of the Roman countryside stretching towards the sea, as well as land reclamation and agricultural work over the past two centuries. It is located on the ground floor of Castello S. Giorgio. This places the landscape and agricultural development at the heart of a site that is also connected to the history of the castle.

Castello di San Giorgio was built around the year 1000 as a fortified outpost on the foundations of an existing Roman tower. Castello San Giorgio features a large spiral staircase, a music room, a tower, a garden and the Chapel of the Suore. The castle is also used for conferences, cultural events and exhibitions. These details offer different insights into the building: its origins as a fortified outpost, its architectural features and its current uses.

The Museo del Saxofono offers a different cultural focus. It opened in 2019 in Maccarese’s former 1930s bag factory and displays more than 600 instruments. The building’s former purpose and the museum’s collection are two distinct aspects of its history and present-day character.

Agricultural Landscape and Waterbirds

The artificially created Vasche di Maccarese are home to a very rich variety of waterbirds. The artificial origin of the ponds and the diversity of the waterbirds found there give the site a different focus from the history of its buildings and agriculture. The Vasche are open on Sundays by prior email reservation; check the visitor arrangements in advance, as access conditions may change.

Borgo di Maccarese is also connected to the surrounding agricultural landscape. Land reclamation, canals, rows of trees and extensive cultivated fields shape this landscape. Together with the Polo ecomuseale’s focus on agriculture and land reclamation, this creates a link between the historical themes and the surroundings described here. The Vasche offer a separate focus on waterbirds.

Opening Hours and Visit Planning

The Polo di Maccarese can be visited Monday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 18:00. Reservations are required for individual visitors, groups and school classes. The municipal visitor information was last updated on September 26, 2024; check the arrangements before setting out.

The Museo del Saxofono is closed on Mondays and has different opening hours depending on the season. From October to April, it is open Tuesday to Friday from 15:00 to 19:00, and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 19:00. From May to September, it is open Tuesday to Friday and Saturday and Sunday from 16:00 to 19:00. Opening hours may change, so it is advisable to check again before your visit.

When planning your visit, note that the places mentioned have different access requirements: reservations are required for the Polo, while access to the Vasche on Sundays requires prior registration by email. For the Museo del Saxofono, take note of its closing day and the opening hours for the relevant season. This will help you include Maccarese’s cultural and landscape highlights in your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Cecchina, Fiumicino, Torre Gaia, Fonte Nuova, Albano Laziale, Ardea, Cineto Romano, Gerano.

For the main travel guide: Rome.