Montefiascone,590 m. above sea-level rises on the top of the highest Volsini mountains' col, dominating the southern Bolsena lake's shore, 17 km. NW far from Viterbo. It rises in the beginning of the Middle Age; it was under the church's rule from VIII century becoming its important centre.
The church dedicated to S.Floriano (XI-XII century), with two superposed floors is an interesting example of the romanic architecture. The Cathedral, began in 1519 and finished at the end of the seventeenth century is Renaissance art. Montefiascone is a Cassia's road junction and the centre of wine and oil firms.
To make it a summer holiday's centre, it helps the climate, the history and the lake's amenity. Many treaties has been written to identify the Montefiascone origins but no one managed to establish them for a certainty, yet. There are a few prooves of the Etruscan presence but probably it was the col where the "Lucumoni" of the twelve etruscan confederated towns met.
The name "Montefiascone", according to some researchers, originates from "Mons faliscorum", because the Falisci people came to this area after their towns' destruction by the Romans. In any case, the real first inhabitants came at the time of the barbarian invasions when the people living in the lowlands took refuge on the high grounds. At the end of the first century, together with Viterbo, it became a church's property.
Due to the strategic position, more and more disputed, it was fortified and, in 1207 settled to protect the Innocenzo III property's lands. In 1353, when the cardinal Albornoz came to reaffirm the church's authority, the Rocca's Castle became the operative central, the most dangerous of the pontifical army. In 1369 the pope UrbanoV granted Montefiascone the rank of "city" and endowed it with a diocese.
Later on lived here many popes, governors and artists, then slowly came the decline that ended in '600 when the far-seeing cardinal Barbarigo brought it back to its old splendour. From the castle's gardens we can admire an unbelievable and spectacular 360° panorama on the whole Tuscia including Cimini and Tolfa mountains, Amiata, Argentario, Viterbo and the lake through the gold hollow of Montefiascone.
It is worth visiting many monuments like: Duomo (the church dedicated to Santa Margherita) with its imposing dome, second for dimensions only to S.Pietro in Roma; Rocca dei Papi, built on the highest village's area after a period of abandonment, it has been recently restored and it's nowadays the centre of expositions and cultural manifestations; S. Flaviano church is a masterpiece, it was built on two floors in different ages, the below one, built on a previous temple's remains, is of uncertain art, it was then rebuilt in 1032 after the destruction due to the Barbarian invasions; the upper floor with nave and two aisles like downstairs, has got a separate entrance.
The romanic S.Andrea church, built in XI century attracts attention because of its simplicity and also Porta Aldrovandi is worthy of being visited, throught that we can walk to the ancient village's centre and to the Municipal Palace. Besides the history and the enviable position, the city is noteworthy because of the excellent wine and extra virgin olive oil's business.
Montefiascone is a gastronomical appreciated destination with numerous restaurants. In August there is an important wine festival with expositions and sales of the whole area's best products; some examples are the wines: Est!Est!Est!,Aleatico from Gradoli, Cannaiola from Marta.During the festival there are many shows and open-air concerts. Furthermore there is an historical procession. A beautiful panoramic road leads in a few km.to 305 meters above-sea level from the lake where we can find summer campings and the best known restaurants.
The lake shore is suitable to have some nice walking. This area is delightful for horse-riding and mountain bike as well, while the lake's lovers can practise all the aquatic sports like sailing, windsurfing, fishing and swimming further than boat's excursions.
