Forte Sangallo & The Museo dello Sbarco, Nettuno: The Perfect Day Trip from Rome

If you’re living in Rome like I am, you know that as much as we love the Eternal City, sometimes you just need to escape the chaos of the Vespas and the endless crowds. I’m always on the hunt for a solid day trip—something that doesn't require a three-hour drive or a massive dent in my bank account.

Recently, we found the perfect solution. Since we have relatives living in Anzio, we decided to meet up with them and head one stop further down the line to explore Nettuno. It turned out to be one of the best low-cost, high-reward days out we've had in ages.

Here is why Forte Sangallo and the Museo dello Sbarco should be at the top of your "Rome Escape" list.

Getting There: The Stress-Free Route

One of the best things about this trip is how easy it is to get to from Rome. We actually decided to head down by car this time, which is a great option if you want a bit more flexibility—the drive is straightforward and takes just over an hour.

However, if you don't fancy driving, the train is just as easy. You can hop on the regional service from Roma Termini (the FL8 line); it’s only about an hour’s journey and costs less than a fancy cocktail in the city centre! Plus, Nettuno is the very last stop, so you don't even have to worry about missing your station. Whether you drive or step off the train, that fresh sea air hits you immediately—which, let’s be honest, is exactly what every Roman resident needs once in a while.

Stepping into History at Forte Sangallo

From the station, it’s a short, breezy walk to the coast where the massive brick walls of Forte Sangallo loom over the water. Built in the early 1500s for the Borgias, this place is a fortress in every sense of the word.

We were pleasantly surprised to find that entry was completely free when we visited.

• The Architecture: Walking through the drawbridge and into the courtyard feels like stepping back into the Renaissance. The brickwork is incredibly well-preserved.

• The Views: Make sure you head up to the ramparts. Looking out over the Tyrrhenian Sea with the wind in your hair is the perfect antidote to a busy week in the city. You can see all the way back towards Anzio and the sweeping coastline.

A Moving Tribute: Museo dello Sbarco

Tucked inside the fortress is the Museo dello Sbarco (The Allied Landings Museum). Since my relatives live in Anzio, they’re very familiar with the history of "Operation Shingle," but seeing the artefacts housed right inside the fort's thick walls added a whole new layer to the story.

Like the fort itself, the museum was free to enter during our trip, which is amazing considering the quality of the collection.

• The Collection: It’s a very intimate and moving museum. You’ll see original uniforms, helmets, telegrams, and photographs from the 1944 landings.

• The Personal Touch: It’s not just a dry history lesson; it focuses on the human side of the soldiers and the local Italians caught in the middle. It’s a quiet, reflective space that really makes you appreciate the ground you’re standing on.

A Surprise Find: Sezione di Paleontologia e Preistoria

While we were exploring the fortress, we stumbled upon the Sezione di Paleontologia e Preistoria (part of the town's Antiquarium). Honestly, I didn't expect to find mammoth teeth and prehistoric tools just a few steps away from a Renaissance courtyard, but it was a brilliant addition to the day.

• What’s inside: This section is packed with local fossils and prehistoric artefacts found right here in the Lazio region. It covers everything from the Palaeolithic to the Iron Age. It’s fascinating to see what this coastline looked like thousands of years before the Romans or the Borgias arrived.

• Great for Kids: If you’re travelling with family, this part is a winner. It’s small enough that it won't bore them, but cool enough (who doesn't love prehistoric animals?) to keep them engaged.

• The Best Bit: Just like the rest of our visit to the fort, this section was free to enter when we went. It really makes you appreciate how much culture you can soak up in Nettuno without spending a single Euro.

The Verdict: Why You Should Go

If you’re a Rome local looking for a day trip that is cheap, culturally rich, and incredibly easy to manage, Nettuno is a winner. You get the medieval charm, the WWII history, and the sea views all in one afternoon. Plus, having Anzio just next door means you can easily combine the two for a full day of coastal exploring.

Useful Information

Forte Sangallo opening hours:

9:30-12:30

17:00-21:00 (summer time)

15:00-19:00 (winter time)

Mondays closed.

For more information email ufficio.turismo@comune.nettuno.roma.it 

You might also like: How To Visit Rome on a Budget

Looking for more ideas for day trips from Rome? Check out Ostia Lido - Easy Beach Day Trip From Rome

Travel Rome

Ostia Lido - An Easy Beach Day Trip From Rome

Ostia Lido is the easiest beach to get to from Rome. It's quick and cheap to get to and offers the perfect escape from the city on hot summer days.

How to get to Ostia Lido from Rome

One of the easiest ways to get to Ostia Lido from Rome is to take the metro. 

There are two main metro lines in Rome, the orange A line, and the blue B line. You'll need to get to the Piramide stop on the B line and then take the Roma-Lido line (Porta San Paolo) from there. This line uses the same metro tickets you use in the centre so you can get a one way ticket for €1,50 or if you need to take other metro's or buses during the day opt for the day pass for €7,00 which gives you unlimited use of all public transport in Rome for 24 hours (metro, bus and trams).

The Roma-Lido line is mainly above ground and will take 20-30 minutes to take you from the Porta San Paolo stop at Piramide to Ostia. The time difference depends on which stop you choose to get off at. 

For the beach the best stops are Ostia Lido Nord, Ostia Lido Centro, and my personal favourite Stella Polare. 

SafetyWing provides affordable travel medical insurance tailored for digital nomads and remote workers. It covers unexpected medical expenses, travel disruptions, and emergencies worldwide. With flexible monthly payments, no long-term contracts, and global support, it’s perfect for those living and working abroad. Stay secure and enjoy peace of mind wherever your journey takes you with SafetyWing.

You might also like: A Guide to Musei Capitolini, Rome

Stella Polare

The reason I prefer to get off at Stella Polare is that the beach is a shorter walk from the metro and it tends to be less packed (keep in mind that all the beaches along the Ostia strip are general quite full during the summer months regardless of what day you go. 

On leaving the station you just need to walk straight down the street in front and you'll soon see the sea. It should only take you about 5 minutes on foot. 

On the street you'll also find a mini market, a few coffee shops, and a chemists.

When you arrive at the beach you'll have a choice of paid establishments, where you can rent a sunbed and umbrella, or the free public beach. 

There are public beaches that have free showers, changing rooms, and toilets you can use. My personal favourite is beach 43. It's always kept clean and has everything you need. There is also always a lifeguard on duty.

The only negatives are the aforementioned crowds, and the rocks. On the beach you'll find warning signs about the large rocks along the coast. The beach itself is sandy though and once you get past the initial metre or two of pebbles (taking care to avoid the larger rocks too) you'll find sand under your feet once again.

The water is perfect for a refreshing swim to cool off in the summer heat.

It's common to find people selling things on the beach. From iced drinks, coconut, and corn on the cob to swimsuits and clothing. You'll also have to option to get a massage whilst you relax in the sun. 

There are also a lot of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs along the beach strip.

Whilst Ostia Lido isn't great compared to other beaches in Italy, it is a nice option for those looking for an easy beach day a stones throw from Rome.