amomontefiascone's VirtualTourist Home Page

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Almost there!

Arriving at Montefiascone and seeing the Cathedral of Santa Margherita surrounded by some of the original buildings of the town. S Margherita has the third largest dome in Italy and is beautiful inside. Inside the door and to the left you will find some stairs that take you down to the crypt of Santa Lucia Filippini, also buried there is Cardinal Marco Antonio Barbarigo, whose beatification and cononization is in progress.

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Town gate

The main entrance to the historical centre. There is a stone seat at either side of the entrance where you will usually find some of the older residents having a chat...be prepared for their scowls if you are sitting in their place!

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Piazza

Go through the gate and walk up Corso Cavour to Piazza Vittorio Emanuele where you will find a couple of bars where you can have your cappucino and cornetto whilst watching the comings and goings. Unfortunately the fountain in the centre serves as a roundabout for the cars at busy times! I would love to see the streets within the historical centre free from cars....

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Onward and upward!

Through the Piazza and up even more steps towards La Rocca....it's all uphill, I don't think there is a level piece of ground in Montefiascone!

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Gardens

After the climb you will likely need a rest....you're at the top of the hill now so enjoy the views! The beautiful Lago di Bolsena is one side and the valley leading to Viterbo at the other.

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La Rocca dei Papi

During the period of Papal exile in Avignon (1309 - 1377) Montefiascones' fortress was the political centre of the entire dominion of St Peters' and was also the summer residence of Pope Urban IV, now it is a venue for many musical events (usually classical or jazz). There is also a small museum.

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Exit to lake

Another of the gates of the historical centre, this one is below La Rocca and leads to a view of the lake

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So many steps!

Within the walls of the historical centre are many lovely old streets with original old homes, well cared for by the proud residents. But so many steps....keeps one fit though!!