Review of the Bar del Molo, 1 Piazza del Molo, Anguillara.
From March20-on the Covid-19 pandemic that impacted Italy (and the entire world) brought a measure of realization of just how quickly existing social networks that had once seemed so reliable could quickly become fragile and no longer available. The issue becomes one of making an effort to get out, to explore, to share and to enjoy. Reflections of this kind provided us with a holiday break at Anguillara on Lago di Bracciano for the second year in succession. It was August – everyone celebrates the Ferragosto holiday!
Anguillara then. What’s not to like about this delightful, friendly and accommodating community – the traditional 15th C. Centro Storico on the small peninsular that juts into the lake, and the modern rural/urban hinterland that stretches along the Via Anguillarese – heading south to Rome.
Wherever you are on the lake there are these gorgeous images of the tree-covered hills surrounding the depression that was left following volcanic activity in the region more than half million years ago. There are three urban centres on Lago di Bracciano – Bracciano Town and two smaller communities Trevignano and Anguillara Sabazia. A ferry boat connects them across the lake.
On the western side of Anguillara’s Centro Storico is the Piazza del Molo (i.e. ‘Wharf/Jetty Square’) – on two sides are buildings and the others open on to the 57 km2 of Lago di Bracciano. At the corner of the piazza where the boat jetty extends 50 m into the lake is the Bar del Molo. The bar/gelateria has a world class view of the lake and the surrounding hills.
You can’t miss the place – it’s where the Via del Molo exits the piazza and extends around the peninsular – pedestrians and vehicles - be aware. It’s bright inside the bar/gelateria with large windows overlooking the lake and the piazza. As you enter turn left and the counter is on the right with a wide choice of gelati beneath the counter behind glass. Prices on the wall board mid-year were E2.00-3.50/cone or coppetta. The place was clean, and service was prompt and friendly. There were six of us – we had earlier been joined by friends and their two children from La Storta just 20 minutes away by train - we ordered a mix of coni/coppette.
Gelati in hand we wandered outside and took a seat by the jetty. If the weather is warm, you’ll only have minutes in which to enjoy (or lose) your gelato. Alternatively, you can stay inside to eat. The gelati was creamy with great taste - it was a pleasure to eat. And, it follows, if you are arriving in Anguillara by ferry boat, then the Bar del Molo is down from the jetty steps and 6 m across the road. You can’t go wrong.
There have only been 23 reviews during the past six years – mixed reviews with 10 negative and 13 positive. Only three reviews for 2023! Here’s where you need a wall sign inviting the clientele … to make comment. Our review is firmly positive – location, environment, services, etc. very good, and some fine-tasting gelati.
Whilst daylight remains get a sense of the ancient town around you - climb the stairways, follow the alley ways, foot paths and narrow streets to the highest point in the Centro Storico – Santa Maria Assunta in Cielo. Alternatively, take the Via del Molo about 600 m to the northern point of the peninsular where the road stops. Across the water you can see Trevignano on the north shore. Plenty of time? Do both.
Then, early evening, return to the Piazza del Molo to catch the sunset over the lake with the westering sun slipping beneath the dark hills about 6 km away. The ... images … are … spectacular – unforgettable/memorable.
As the sky darkens, the bright lights in the piazza dominate your surroundings and you can no longer see the stars. Now is the time to wander along the lake shore and take in the handful of summer/open air restaurants located above the beach (with menus posted outside). There was free entertainment from a small kiosk - live singing to recorded music with a seated audience of perhaps a dozen people during our time there. The was also a small carousel for little kids.
Small traditional rural town at the edge of an Italian lake, a tasty gelato in the afternoon and in the evening music, lights and many people dining in the restaurants nearby. It was delightful. There was, however, no one dancing, but where would you rather be?
Peter Steele
06Dec23
Peter S
.
08 Dicembre 2023
8,0
Google
TripAdvisor