Top 12 Castles around Montefiascone

Viterbo lived its period of major splendor and power in the 13th century when it was chosen as the seat of the papacy instead of Rome, where powerful warring families made life too dangerous. Eight different popes lived in Viterbo making it is similar to Vatican City and Avignon in France. The longest papal conclave in history happened here from 1 December 1268 to 1 September 1271. Following Pope Clement IV's death, infighting between cardinals and political pressure led to a 34-month deadlock. The cardinals were locked up cum clave (hence the word conclave) inside the palace’s large Conclave Hall. In desperation the town’s population, who were feeding them and their entourages, eventually reduced the cardinals’ food and wine supplies, trying to speed up the election. Time wore on and they finally decided to remove the roof of the palace: in order to help the Holy Spirit come down and illuminate them, it was quipped. That worked.

The Papal Palace in Viterbo served as the Vatican for the 24 years of the thirteenth century when the papacy moved there due to ongoing unrest in Rome.

Beautiful village

The Rocca Farnese, located in Tuscia, is an imposing 16th-century structure built around a medieval tower, which dominates the historic center of Ischia di Castro. The palace, unfinished for centuries, was recently restored by the new owner, bringing to light ancient forms and a walled Renaissance loggia. Originally built in the 13th century as a fortress, it was transformed into a palace in the 16th century, perhaps designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger. It was the residence of the Farnese, lords of the Duchy of Castro, and, after the end of the duchy in 1649, it passed to the Apostolic Chamber and various families.

Past the old monastery you will arrive at the old borgo. The elevated old village has been depopulated since the 19th century and has become a real ruin due to erosion and earthquakes. In 1951 it was completely abandoned. Only the old market square and the castle are accessible, the old houses are completely dilapidated and overgrown with plants over the years. The Orsini castle at the entrance of Celleno antico is the most beautiful building in the borgo. It has a large watchtower and the castle is surrounded by a deep moat. It was recently restored and inhabited by the artist Enrico Castellani. This artist was internationally known (he also studied in Brussels) and died on 1 December 2017. On the old market square you can see a beautiful rectangular bell tower, in 3 layers and made of tuff. Only the walls of the old church San Carlo (17th century), left of the castle, remain. Close to the market square is the church of San Donato from the year 1000 in Romanesque style, with a very beautiful portal in basalt stone.

Recent archaeological discoveries have confirmed the Etruscan origins (4th-3rd centuries BC) of Celleno Vecchio, a settlement that enjoyed a great position, i.e. the ancient communication route between Orvieto, Bagnoregio and Ferento. Ancient sources provide evidence that this medieval settlement is one of the fortified villages built by the Counts of Bagnoregio between the 10th and 11th centuries. At that time, the village must have consisted of a number of dwellings at the end of the tuff, protected by cliffs on three sides, surrounded by walls and a small fortress, which is now the Orsini Castle, to protect the only access route. At the end of the 12th century, after the destruction of Ferento, the municipality of Viterbo began a rapid expansion in the Tiber Valley, also acquiring Celleno, which in 1237 was one of the castles of the Viterbo area governed by a Podest (high official) appointed by the local government. At the end of the 14th century, the city center fell into the hands of the Gatti family, one of the most powerful families in Viterbo. During this period, the medieval fortress was completely renovated and converted into a fortified stately home that can still be seen today. The Gatti family ruled Celleno until the last heir, Giovanni Gatti, who was killed on the orders of Pope Alexander VI (Borgia) for refusing to return the castle. At the beginning of the 16th century, the municipality fell into the hands of the Orsini family. Interestingly, the castle still bears the name of this family. Only towards the end of the 16th century was the church able to incorporate Celleno into its possessions until the unification of Italy. In modern times, Celleno Vecchio was often affected by earthquakes and landslides, until it was finally abandoned in the 1930s. Today it is a small, charming and evocative ghost village, characterized by ruins and vegetation, with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

The Palace of the Popes, or Palazzo dei Papi, in Viterbo is a masterpiece of medieval architecture. Built in the 13th century, it served as a residence for the popes. The palace is an example of Gothic architecture and features beautiful vaulted halls, courtyards and an impressive tower that offers panoramic views of the city. The National Museum, with an extensive collection of medieval works of art, is housed in the beautiful spaces of the palace.

Benvenuti a Bolsena, the town to which Lago di Bolsena owes its name. With just over four thousand inhabitants, it is a relatively small city. The old medieval center is located on the hill overlooking the water. The main city on the lake shines with its simplicity and modesty. Here you will not find a large shopping center with all the well-known chains, but one long street runs from east to west on which you will find countless small shops from local entrepreneurs who sell authentic products. At the end of that long street is the Rocca Monaldeschi, a beautiful castle from the fourteenth century. In the castle you will find the municipal museum, where you can discover the history of the lake and the city of Bolsena through archaeological finds. An entrance ticket also gives access to the castle's roof terrace, where you can enjoy beautiful views.