Discover Monterosi: Holiday Rental, Volcanic Lake and History

Monterosi between Volcanic Lake and Local History

Monterosi combines Lago di Monterosi with churches, Palazzo Del Drago-Altieri, processions and regional festivals. Monterosi is also one of the municipalities within Parco di Bracciano.

Lago di Monterosi and Trails for Active Days

Lago di Monterosi is one of Italy’s smallest volcanic lakes. Its shape is circular, its diameter is slightly more than 600 metres, and its circumference is two kilometres. Several species of migratory birds use the lake as a resting place. The landscape is therefore associated not only with a distinctive natural setting, but also with a specific subject of interest for keen observers.

Sentiero CAI 177A can be reached from Monterosi via Via Cimina or from Via Sutri Vecchia. It leads to Laghetto di Monterosi and Fontana di Papa Leone and can be used on foot or by bicycle. Sentiero CAI 177B – Via Strada Cupa – Collegamento per 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 form part of a walk on a circular route.

Monterosi is also one of the important stages of the Via Francigena in Lazio. This allows you to consider nature trails, local history and pilgrimage traditions as different focal points when planning your stay.

Churches, Palaces and Historic Memorial Sites

On the shores of Lago di Monterosi, formerly known as Janula, Frederick Barbarossa and Pope Adrian IV met on 9 June 1155. Fontana di Papa Leone X is a monumental fountain associated with Pope Leo X.

Chiesa di San Giuseppe was designed and built by Francesco Bettini in 1797 and has an octagonal dome. Chiesa Madonna della Neve was built in 1474 on the foundations of an earlier building, at the request of Cardinal commendatario Berardo Eroli.

The parish church of Santa Croce is a Baroque church dating from the 16th century and has a bell gable on its left side. It houses the relics of Saints Vincenzo and Anastasio, the patron saints of Monterosi. It is also home to the Trittico del Salvatore from the Viterbo school.

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

Festivals, Processions and Regional Specialities

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 food offerings organised by the various Borghi, where local specialities can be sampled.

At the Festa dei Patroni Vincenzo e Anastasio, held in January, you can enjoy Pizzantiella, a thick, sweet or savoury filled crêpe. The Bighero Festival takes place over a weekend at the end of July and features a special type of homemade pasta served with tomato sauce. On 5 August, the feast of Madonna della Neve, a wooden statue of Madonna della Neve is carried in procession. Another special feature is Monterosi’s large crocheted wool nativity scene, with eight figures, five animals and a Christmas tree. The elements are between 50 centimetres and 2.50 metres high and are displayed over an area of 20 square metres. Entry to Chiesa Madonna della Neve is free of charge.

Choose a Holiday Apartment in Monterosi Based on Your Interests

When choosing your holiday apartment or holiday house in Monterosi, you can use your preferred focus as a guide: Lago di Monterosi represents volcanic landscapes and migratory birds, the Sentieri CAI walking and cycling, the Via Francigena pilgrimage history, and the churches, Palazzo Del Drago-Altieri and fountains culture. The festivals add processions, historical costumes and regional cuisine to these themes. This makes it possible to choose the location of your accommodation according to the experiences you would like to discover during your stay.

You can find other places in the surrounding area here: Civitella Cesi, Villa San Giovanni In Tuscia, Orte, Fabrica, Fastello, Acquapendente Torre Alfina, Gallese and Castiglione In Teverina.

To the higher-level travel overview: Viterbo.