Alban Lake The

Alban Lake, The, a lake occupying the hollow of an extinct volcanic crater a little to the N.E. of the town of Albano and about 14 miles S.E. of Rome. The lake itself, which is about 7 miles in circumference, and the surrounding country possess great natural beauty. A tunnel cut through the rocks in obedience to an oracle at the time when the Romans were laying siege to Veii (396 B.C.) keeps the water always at a height of 920 feet above sea-level. Mons Albanus (Monte Cavo) rears itself to the height of 3,000 feet on the E. side of the lake.