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Watching Emily in Paris and looking for Solitano, Italy? Unfortunately that town doesn't actually exist but these 5 quaint towns near Rome do.
I have a love/hate relationship with Emily in Paris but here I am, just a day after the rest of season 4 dropped, bingeing my way through it. I only paused to check if Solitano, Italy actually exists because if it does, why hadn’t I heard of it before
It doesn’t.
Before I dive further in, there are some small spoilers ahead. Not many though because I haven’t actually finished the season because I stopped to write this article.
In season 4 of Emily in Paris, Emily meets wealthy Marcello, an Italian from Solitano who claims to come from a family of goat herders but actually owns one of the most luxurious Italian fashion brands out there…because of course. Anyways, Solitano is described as a small village on the outskirts of town that’s a “must-visit” for those in Rome. So, like any good Italian resident, I immediately looked it up, only to be met with crickets.
While you might be disappointed not to find your Marcello Muratori in this quaint town, I do have some alternative towns near Rome that can easily substitute, including the town that was used for filming the scenes set in Solitano.
Fear not traveler, these 5 quaint towns near Rome are the perfect backdrop from your Italian getaway.
Short on time? Here's the quick guide:
Unfortunately, Solitano or Marcello Muratori don't exist outside of the confides of Emily in Paris but if you're looking for small town charm near Rome, these 5 towns will do the trick:
Ostia Antica
Anzio & Nettuno
The Castelli Romani
Subiaco
Palombara Sabina
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We're Kat, from the US, & Raf, from Colombia. We've been traveling the world and living abroad for the past decade but now call Italy home.
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Can't Miss: Ostia's Theatre: Built in the 1st century BC, it's an impressive sight to behold
Ostia Antica is a small town really close to the Rome International Airport, making it a really convenient pit stop before or after your trip to Rome. According to The Journal, Ostia Antica is where the show filmed scenes set in Solitano. The archway Emily strolls through as Solitano’s entrance is right here in Ostia Antica. You'll also recognize the Castle of Julius II in the background at the family lunch.
Other than to snap a picture or two at the archway, the rest of the “town” is full of ancient Roman ruins. Ostia Antica was the Roman Empire’s most important port and to this day is filled with well-preserved artifacts, temples, and other ruins.
For fans of history and Emily in Paris alike (there’s a phrase I never thought I’d put together), Ostia Antica is worth a visit.
Can't Miss: Nero's Caves and the ruins of his villa above
Anzio and Nettuno are two small coastal towns farther south than Ostia Antica but still just a short trip from Rome. Since they’re side-by-side most people visit both as a combined day trip.
Like Ostia Antica, Anzio was a favorite coastal destination with the Romans but more recently, Anzio and Nettuno have their fair share of WWII history.
While you certainly can’t miss a visit to Nero’s Caves, called so thanks to Emperor Nero’s villa that perched atop them, to soak up your best Emily in Paris vibes, you’ll do best swapping the war museums and cemeteries for a beachfront cafe and an Aperol Spritz.
The Castelli Romani isn’t actually a town but a regional park that includes: Castel Gandolfo, Albano, Ariccia, Genzano, Marino, Rocca di Papa, Grottaferrata, Frascati, and more! So while I’m cheating and putting 15 towns in 1, the entire region is worth a mention.
Most of the towns sit perched on lovely Lago Albano and Lago di Nemi, which look as though they belong near Lake Como rather than south of Rome.
While I myself would have a hard time narrowing down which of these ancient yet still lively towns to visit, Italia.it recommends these 6:
Can't Miss: The walk through town up to the abbey
Of all of the towns on the list that actually look like Solitano, Subiaco has my vote. The archways, small alleys, stone homes…check, check, check.
The town sits on a hill so even from afar it’s impressive and only gets better as you hop out of your car and start wandering. The main attractions here are the monasteries and other historical sights from the Catholic church.
The villa you see sitting atop the Subiaco hill is actually an abbey that was once a fortress and residence of the Popes.
Given the long religious history in Subiaco, it might not be where you’ll want to enjoy an aperitivo or two but it is a stunning town near Rome to get to know.
Can't Miss: The walk through town up to the the castle
Italy loves hilltop fortresses and Palombara Sabina is no exception. Atop their hill is an 11th century castle surrounded by a down flow of stacked buildings and winding alleys. 12,000 people still call this quaint town home so while it’s certainly quiet, it’s still worth a day trip for someone looking to see what Italy is like off-the-beaten-path.
If you visit, you’ll want to walk up and back down from the castle to get the best views and the most charming Solitano-esque vibes you can muster up, billionaire pending.
Which Town Will You Swap for Solitano?
While you can’t actually visit Solitano, you can either visit the site of the filming, Ostia Antica, or one of these other small towns a short drive or train ride from Rome. Just leave the stilettos at home, there’s no way you’re making it through the cobblestone in them.
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