Montefiascone
Montefiascone: A Charming Town in Viterbo’s Tuscia
Situated atop a hill overlooking Lake Bolsena, Montefiascone is one of the most enchanting villages in the Viterbo area of the Tuscia region.
This city, rich in history and traditions, offers breathtaking panoramic views that stretch from the Tyrrhenian Sea to the central Apennines, passing through the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago and the mountains of Maremma. The heart of Montefiascone is its historic center, a labyrinth of cobbled streets winding between ancient houses and historic palaces. Among them, the Palazzo dei Papi stands out, the summer residence of the popes in the 13th century, which still preserves frescoes and decorations from that era.
What to See in Montefiascone
One of the city’s symbols is the Rocca dei Papi, a medieval fortress that offers panoramic views of Lake Bolsena and the surrounding countryside. Not to be missed is a visit to the Cathedral of Santa Margherita, one of the most important examples of Gothic architecture in Lazio, famous for its dome, visible from kilometers away. In the surroundings of Montefiascone, you can visit the Terme dei Papi, a thermal complex of Etruscan origin, and the Natural Park of Bisentina Island, an oasis of peace and tranquility in the middle of Lake Bolsena. Montefiascone is also known for the production of the wine Est! Est!! Est!!!, whose legend dates back to the 12th century. According to the story, a German bishop traveling to Rome sent a servant ahead to signal the presence of good wine with the word “Est.” Upon reaching Montefiascone, the servant was so impressed by the quality of the local wine that he wrote “Est! Est!! Est!!!” on the tavern’s door.
How to Get There
To reach Montefiascone, you can take the A1 motorway to the Orte exit, then follow the signs to Viterbo and finally to Montefiascone. If you are traveling by train, the nearest station is Viterbo, from where you can take a bus to Montefiascone.
Local Products
Once you arrive, don’t forget to taste the typical dishes of local cuisine, such as lake fish soup, eel stew, and, of course, a glass of Est! Est!! Est!!! wine.
