Montefiascone: Culture, Trails and Wine

Holiday apartment in Montefiascone for culture, trails and wine

Montefiascone is situated on the highest hill of the Monti Volsini and offers panoramic views of Lake Bolsena. The town lies along the ancient Via Cassia and has been documented since the 10th century as the seventh mansio (station) on the Via Francigena. The medieval significance of the town becomes tangible at the Rocca dei Papi: Pope Innocent III chose it as the seat of the rector of the Patrimonium Sancti Petri in Tuscia; it was an important political and institutional centre.

Churches, museums and distinctive buildings

The Cattedrale di Santa Margherita has a lead-covered dome built according to a design by Carlo Fontana, with a diameter of 27 metres. The ticket for the Rocca dei Papi includes admission to the Museo di Antonio da Sangallo il Giovane. This study and documentation centre is dedicated to the Florentine architect Antonio da Sangallo il Giovane. The Torre del Pellegrino offers panoramic views of Lake Bolsena and the surrounding landscape. The Basilica di San Flaviano is open from Monday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm; its crypt contains the 14th-century fresco "L’Incontro dei tre vivi e dei tre morti". The Chiesa di Sant’Andrea is one of Montefiascone’s oldest churches and has been documented since the 9th century.

Panoramas and trails around the town

The Giardini della Rocca dei Papi are designed in the style of Italian gardens and feature a fountain as well as shady, tree-lined paths. They are located at the highest point of the town and overlook Lake Bolsena. Stage 3 of the Via Romea Germanica in the Lazio section, from Montefiascone to Viterbo, begins immediately behind the Monumento al Pellegrino. In the Valle Perlata, there are nature trails suitable for hikers, trekking enthusiasts, mountain bikers and Nordic walkers; the Valle Perlata has the circular shape of an ancient volcanic crater. The Chiesa Madonna della Valle can be reached via Via Verentana in the Località Le Mosse and then via Strada Santa Maria. The Chiesa di San Pancrazio can be reached near the Località Le Coste via Strada Valle Rosceta.

A wine tradition with a festive character

The traditional Fiera del Vino takes place every year in Montefiascone during the first half of August. It celebrates the town’s wine tradition with tastings, meetings with producers and historical re-enactments. Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone is a DOC wine produced in the Montefiascone area. The wine cellars of Montefiascone offer opportunities for wine tasting and purchasing wine.

More places for planning your trip

Ischia Di Castro, Castel Sant’Elia, Lubriano, Montecalvello, Tre Croci, Tarquinia, Acquapendente, Carbognano

For the main travel overview: Viterbo.