Monterosi between volcanic lake, history and local festivals

Monterosi reveals its special combination of volcanic landscape, paths and history at Lago di Monterosi. The circular lake is one of the smallest volcanic lakes in Italy, measures just over 600 metres in diameter and has a circumference of two kilometres. Monterosi is one of the municipalities in the Parco di Bracciano; several species of migratory birds use the lake as a resting place. It was formerly known as Janula, and on 9 June 1155 Frederick Barbarossa and Pope Adrian IV met on its shores.

Paths for pedestrians and cyclists

The paths around Monterosi offer different highlights. The CAI 177A Trail can be accessed from Monterosi via the Via Cimina or from the Via Sutri Vecchia and leads to the Laghetto di Monterosi and the Fontana di Papa Leone; it can be used on foot or by bicycle. The CAI 177B Trail – Via Strada Cupa – Link to Laghetto di Monterosi is a short unpaved path. It connects the route from Monterosi to Trevignano, does not pass through the built-up centre of Monterosi and can be used as part of a walk on a circular route. Monterosi is also one of the important stages of the Via Francigena in Lazio.

Churches, palaces and places of remembrance

The parish church of Santa Croce, a Baroque church from the 16th century with a bell gable on its left side, houses the relics of Saints Vincenzo and Anastasio, the patron saints of Monterosi. It also contains the Trittico del Salvatore from the Viterbo school. The Chiesa di San Giuseppe was designed and built in 1797 by Francesco Bettini and has an octagonal dome. The Chiesa Madonna della Neve was built in 1474 on the foundations of an earlier building, commissioned by Cardinal commendatario Berardo Eroli.

The former, now deconsecrated church of Madonna della centura may have been built on foundations dating from the 10th century. The Palazzo Del Drago-Altieri was commissioned and built by Alessandro Farnese (1520–1589) on the site of a former abbey, presumably built by Cistercian monks. Ippolito Aldobrandini resided there in 1588 and later became Pope Clement VIII. The former stables of Palazzo Altieri have been renovated and now house the Casa dell'Artista, a cultural association dedicated to promoting and protecting all forms of art. The Sacrario militare was built in 1965 and preserves the remains of fallen Italian soldiers. The monumental Fontana di Papa Leone X is associated with Pope Leo X.

Festivals and specialities from Monterosi

The Festa dei Borghi has been held in Monterosi for several years in the second half of June. On the main street, it includes a historical re-enactment of the history of the Borghi from the 16th to the 19th century, with a traditional procession in historical costumes. The festival also includes gastronomic offerings from the various Borghi, where local specialities can be sampled.

The Festa dei Patroni Vincenzo e Anastasio takes place in January. On this occasion, you can enjoy Pizzantiella, a thick, sweet or savoury filled crêpe. The Bighero Festival is held over a weekend at the end of July and features a special type of homemade pasta with tomato sauce. These dates combine local cuisine with the religious and historical traditions of the town.

Religious traditions and special displays

The wooden image of the Madonna della Neve is carried in a procession on 5 August, the feast of the Madonna della Neve. Admission to the Chiesa Madonna della Neve is free. Another striking display is Monterosi’s large crocheted wool nativity scene, with eight figures, five animals and a Christmas tree. The individual elements are between 50 centimetres and 2.50 metres high and are displayed over an area of 20 square metres.

This means that choosing accommodation in Monterosi can combine different interests: Lago di Monterosi and its natural surroundings, paths for pedestrians and cyclists, churches and historic buildings, as well as seasonal festivals featuring local specialities. You can therefore tailor the focus of your stay to the topics you particularly want to explore in Monterosi.

Further places for travel planning

Vignanello, Acquapendente Torre Alfina, Sutri, Nepi, Canepina, Bagnaia, Graffignano and Roccalvecce

For the higher-level travel overview: Viterbo.