Montefiascone overlooks Lake Bolsena from the top of a hill in the Monti Volsini. Its elevated position has shaped the town's history, turning it in the Middle Ages into a strategic point along the Via Cassia and a place closely tied to the popes. The old town climbs toward the Rocca dei Papi (Popes' Fortress) and the Cathedral of Santa Margherita; the lake keeps appearing in the background among the lanes and terraces.
The Rocca dei Papi
The fortress occupies the highest point of the town and recalls the period when Montefiascone served as a residence and refuge for popes and church officials. Today the Rocca area is above all a grand viewpoint: from its gardens, the view stretches to Lake Bolsena and much of Alta Tuscia.
Santa Margherita and San Flaviano
The Cathedral of Santa Margherita is recognisable from afar thanks to its large dome, designed by Carlo Fontana in the 17th century. Further down, along the old Via Cassia, San Flaviano is one of the town's most important monuments, made up of two churches stacked one atop the other.
The town and its wine
Montefiascone is also historically tied to winemaking and the famous Est! Est!! Est!!! wine. The visit pairs well with the lakefront of Bolsena or with Marta.
