Montefiascone, Medieval hilltop town in Viterbo Province, Italy
Montefiascone is a commune in Viterbo Province, sitting about 15 kilometers north of Lake Bolsena on a volcanic hill. The historic center consists of narrow lanes lined with stone houses, small piazzas, and medieval archways that spread around the raised dome.
The settlement began as a Faliscan fortress before Roman times and later served as a papal residence during the 13th and 14th centuries. Several popes and cardinals stayed here, leading to the construction of large religious buildings.
Locals are known for their Est! Est!! Est!!! wine, named after a legend about a bishop and his servant dating back to 1111. Visitors will find the name on bottles in small wine shops and on handwritten signs outside trattorias.
The center can be explored on foot, with steep stairs connecting the upper and lower sections. During late July and early August a wine festival takes place with tastings and historical parades that do not require advance booking.
The Chiesa di San Flaviano holds two churches built one above the other with different orientations. The lower level preserves frescoes from the 13th century, while the upper one was added later.
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