Local religious belief was dedicated to a female goddess of fertility and it was in this zone that women used to gather for special lustral rites connected with childbirth.

It was widely held that all expectant women should go and bathe in the lake to improve their chances of healthy childbirth.

Recent studies now confirm the wisdom of this custom as there is a notable level of magnesium in the water. We now know scientifically that the mineral is very beneficial to pregnant mothers.

The area in pre-Roman times became considered sacred to the Goddes Rhea. Later still it was chosen the site for the Temple of Diana, who, apart from being huntress and defender of wild nature, was also protectress of childbirth and midwifery.

The presence of Artemidian cults around the Nemi lake were made famous by Frazer’s Golden Bough. Frazer describes how Diana’s Forest, its guardian and priest, used to challenge all passers by in single combat.

Later still in this same area there flourished the christian cult of St. Anna, the mother of the Holy Virgin, who was three breasted according to local belief.

In the area of the Roman castles, the custom is still continued by creating a three breasted female figure out of bread dough once a year.

This female cookie is also mentioned by Goethe in his “Italienische Reise” and was re-interpreted into a flour and honey biscuit by a local pastry bar owner in Frascati.

See also the Strawberry spring festival in Nemi