of all the Alban towns, is most frequented, on account of its
proximity to Rome, from which it can be reached by rail in
half-an-hour. The town itself is uninteresting. In the cathedral is a
monument to Prince Charles Edward, erected by his brother, the
Cardinal York, who was bishop of this diocese.
The beautiful villas in the vicinity are well worth visiting,
affording cool retreats in summer. These are, Villa Montalto; Villa
Pallavicini; Villa Conti; Villa Borghese; Villa Ruffinella; Villa
Muti, long the residence of Cardinal York; Villa Sora; Villa
Falconieri; Villa Angelotti; and Villa Mondragone.
_On the road to_ Monte Porzio, _viâ_ Manara, under the town, is the
pretty little Villa Sansoni, once the residence of the Chevalier S.
George, the would-be King James III. of England and VIII. of Scotland.
The antiquities of Frascati are few. _In walking up from_ the station,
opposite the hospital, in a garden, is a grotto called the NYMPHÆUM OF
LUCULLUS; and in a piazza, where the donkeys are usually mounted for
Tusculum, is a circular tomb called the Sepulchre of Lucullus.
Lucullus distinguished himself in the Social War. He was consul 74
B.C., and for seven years conducted the war against Mithridates. He
died 56 B.C., and was buried by his brother on his estate at
Tusculum,--the offer of a public funeral in the Campus Martius being
declined. "Lucullus had the most superb pleasure house in the country
near Tusculum; adorned with grand galleries and open saloons, as well
for the prospect as for walks" (Plutarch). _Opposite_ the house of the
Chevalier S. George are some remains of a villa of the time of
Augustus.
_In ascending the hill from_ Frascati, we pass along by a shady road,
passing through the Villa Ruffinella (the property of Prince
Angelotti, who has made a new road up to it). Under the porch are some
remains brought from Tusculum.