Lago di Bracciano, about an hour from the capital, constitutes a peaceful country getaway that is much prized by Romans. Formed by a volcano, this lake is Italy's eighth largest in terms of surface area (57.5km2) and is as deep as 160m in places. Previously known as Lacus Sabatini, it played a major role in supplying Rome with drinking water. At nightfall, a magical silence reigns over the lake, disturbed only by the wind in the bullrushes and the lapping of the water.