Montefiascone: Culture, Panoramas and Wine Tradition

Montefiascone lies on the highest hill of the Monti Volsini and offers panoramic views of Lake Bolsena. If you would like to combine culture, landscapes and regional wine culture, you will find a compact combination of historic buildings, viewpoints, trails and wine tradition here.

Churches, Fortress and Architecture

One of the prominent buildings is the Cattedrale di Santa Margherita. Its lead-covered dome was built to a design by Carlo Fontana and has a diameter of 27 metres. The Rocca dei Papi gained particular importance in the Middle Ages after Pope Innocent III selected it as the seat of the rector of the Patrimonium Sancti Petri in Tuscia. It therefore became an important political and institutional centre.

The churches also tell the story of the town's long history. The Chiesa di Sant'Andrea is one of Montefiascone's oldest churches and has been documented since the 9th century. In the lower church of the Basilica di San Flaviano, there is the 14th-century fresco L'Incontro dei tre vivi e dei tre morti. The Basilica di San Flaviano is open to visitors from Monday to Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Museums and Viewpoints

The Museo "Antonio da Sangallo Il Giovane" is a study and documentation centre dedicated to the Florentine architect Antonio da Sangallo il Giovane. Due to its central location, the Museo dell’Architettura di Antonio da Sangallo il Giovane is considered a possible starting point for excursions to individual works by Sangallo in the surrounding area. The ticket for the Rocca dei Papi also includes admission to this museum.

There are several places from which to enjoy views of the surrounding area. The Torre del Pellegrino offers panoramic views of Lake Bolsena and the surrounding landscape. The Monumento al Pellegrino is located on the belvedere of the Rocca dei Papi and offers views of the lake and the landscape around Montefiascone. The Giardini della Rocca dei Papi are designed in the style of Italian gardens; they include a fountain and shady, tree-lined paths. They are located at the highest point of the town and also overlook Lake Bolsena.

Trails and Quiet Excursion Destinations

Montefiascone is connected to historic trails. Stage 3 of the Via Romea Germanica in the Lazio section from Montefiascone to Viterbo begins immediately behind the Monumento al Pellegrino. The stage offers views of the surrounding landscape and Lake Bolsena. Montefiascone also lies along the ancient Via Cassia. In the 10th-century travel diary of Bishop Sigeric, Montefiascone is recorded as the seventh mansio (station) of the Via Francigena.

For nature-oriented activities, the Valle Perlata offers nature trails suitable for hikers, trekking enthusiasts, mountain bikers and Nordic walkers. The Valle Perlata has the circular shape of an ancient volcanic crater. Two smaller churches can be reached via specific access roads: the Chiesa Madonna della Valle is located on the Via Verentana in Località Le Mosse and can then be reached via the Strada Santa Maria. The Chiesa di San Pancrazio is located near Località Le Coste and can be reached via the Strada Valle Rosceta.

Wine and Local Tradition

Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone is a DOC wine produced in the Montefiascone area. The town's wine cellars offer opportunities for wine tasting and wine purchases. The traditional Fiera del Vino takes place every year in the first half of August. It celebrates Montefiascone's wine tradition with tastings, meetings with producers and historical re-enactments. If you plan your trip around this date, the event combines regional products with an insight into local festival culture.

You can discover further destinations via Capraccia, Soriano nel Cimino, Pian Di San Martino, Collevecchio, Cellere, Pescia Romana, Civita and Ischia Di Castro.

For the overview of destinations: Viterbo.