Castel Viscardo between Etruscan Heritage and Cotto Tradition

Castel Viscardo combines Etruscan history, long-standing craft traditions and a landscape where archaeological and natural features exist closely alongside one another. A particularly impressive glimpse into the past is provided by the Caldane Necropolis. It dates largely from the second half of the 6th century BC. Painted ceramics from Orvieto, Bucchero pottery and metal objects were found in the tombs, including an Etruscan bronze mirror engraved with mythological scenes.

Archaeology and the Landscape of the Paglia Valley

The Caldane Necropolis is located in the Parco Archeologico e Ambientale dell'Orvietano, in a wooded area northwest of Castel Viscardo and in the valley of the Paglia River. The municipality itself is also included in the STINA area. The local study area comprises the Paglia Valley, the Caldane archaeological zone and the Faggeta nature area. For your travel planning, tangible evidence of history and different landscapes thus come together here.

Cotto, Bricks and the MUSEC

The artisanal production of bricks in Castel Viscardo has been continuously documented since the 16th century; the oldest reference to a brickworks dates back to 1541. Artisanal Cotto production continues to this day. Modern technologies are used, while traditional manufacturing methods are preserved.

The MUSEC is housed in a former well house and collects, preserves and presents the cultural and historical heritage of Castel Viscardo relating to Cotto and brickmaking. Explanatory panels and installations document episodes from the history of the brickworks; reproductions of local ceramics, which have been produced since the 16th century, are also displayed. Upon request, the MUSEC organizes workshops on working with clay for adults and children.

Castle, Church and Historic Routes

The medieval Castello dei duchi di Montevecchio, also known as Castello di Madonna, has an irregular polygonal layout, a wide moat, a bridge, a Baroque entrance and imposing perimeter walls made of local stone. The castle was central to the development of Castel Viscardo. Together with its towers and the Torretta di Vitiano, it long served as a lookout point for the defense of Orvieto and the upper and middle Valle del Paglia.

The Church of Maria SS. Annunziata dates back to 1682. Its nave contains four chapels with paintings by Carlo Maratta, Wernle and Bernabei from Perugia. The MUSEC is also part of the Sentiero della Creta, a route connecting neighboring towns with a centuries-old tradition of brickmaking. The Allerona–Castel Viscardo railway station is located in the Pianlungo district of Castel Viscardo.

Festivals and Living Traditions

The Sagra della Cannelletta was established in August 1966. It takes its name from the cannelletta, a tap fitted to a wine barrel that allows its contents to be served. The Sagra della Cannelletta also continues the tradition of an opening procession in traditional dress. In Castel Viscardo, the Pasquarella is performed and sung in the streets and courtyards of the town exclusively on the night of Epiphany.

Olive Oil and Wine from the Surrounding Area

Local olive varieties include Leccino, Muragliolo and Frantoio; they are used to produce extra virgin olive oil. There are several wineries in the Castel Viscardo area. In Monterubiaglio, there is also a family cellar carved into tuff, featuring high-relief sculptures depicting the individual stages of winemaking.

More Destinations for Reference

For further orientation: Rosaro, Canonica, Narni Scalo, Attigliano, Corbara, Allerona, Casigliano, Cecalocco.

For the higher-level travel overview: Terni.