GRADOLI
Gradoli is an attractive medieval village situated high to the northwest of Lake Bolsena in a hilly position from which it slopes gently towards the shore of Lake Bolsena. The fertile lowland has allowed local
agriculturists to cultivate grapevines and selected olives from which the wines Aleatico and Grechetto as well as grappa and the finest extra virgin olive oil are produced.
n Potted History
The principal monuments situated in the ancient village are the Church dedicated to Maddalena and the imposing Farnese Palace of the XVI century. The Church, with its Baroque façade, has a beautiful sixteenth- century fresco representing the Madonna with the Child. Construction of the Palace began in 1515
and was entrusted by the Cardinal Alessandro Farnese (then Paolo III) to Anthony da Sangallo the Younger. It followed the fates of the illustrious family, and when the Dukedom of Castro fell, it gradually deteriorated. Now, after recent restoration, its ancient shine has returned and it has become the municipal seat.
Gradoli.. home to a wonderful collection of authentic traditional costumes and artefacts housed within its magnificent museum. Well worth a visit!
nInteresting Facts Gradoli was named because of a castle that was built there; the difficult to access castle could only be reached via a series of steps (in Latin, gradus), hence it was named, Gradoli. Lake Bolsena is a crater lake of volcanic
Steeped in history.. Nestled in some of the most eye-pleasing positions around the circumference of Lago di Bolsena you will discover that the historic towns possess a delightfully eclectic mix of architecture spanning many centuries in time. So, why not take a little time yourself to visit them!
CAPODIMONTE
Capodimonte sits on the south-west shore of Lake Bolsena, partly upon a promontory and partly on the flat plains on the northern side of the peninsula.
nPotted History
Whilst the historic past of this captivating peninsula provides evidence of human presence dating as far back as the Palaeolithic period and further evidence of habitation in the villanovian, Etruscan and Roman ages, the newer section of town dates from medieval times onwards. Along with its modern day additions around the beachfront area it has a great deal to offer.
nBisentina Isle
The Island covers 0.17 square km of surface area and provides an interesting excursion with a ferry service and guided tour operating daily. There are delightful views and numerous monuments, for example the church of Santi Giacomo
e Cristoforo of Vignola, the Franciscan convent and the valuable Rocchina, Santa Caterina temple. In the mid 1200’s, the island became
property of the Bisenzio family who burnt it out because of disputes then, in 1261 Pope Urbano IV conquered the isle again. However, in 1333 Ludovico il Bavaro destroyed it again. From 1400 it was property of the Farnese family and it enjoyed a period of prosperity.
nInteresting facts
In the Viterbo region, there are many natural spas’ that produce perfectly warm and stable water temperatures all year round. These thermal spa’s are likely to
have been used from the dawn of human population in the area, and records show that they were popular with the Etruscans, long before any Roman habitation of the area.
origin, formed 370,000 years ago following the collapse of a caldera of the Vulsini volcanic complex. Roman historic records indicate activity of the Vulsini volcano occurred as recently as 104 BC, since when it has been dormant.
MARTA
Located on the south-western shore of Lake Bolsena, Marta has a pleasant ‘seaside resort’ feel to it, possibly due the presence of the many colourful boats belonging to the Lake’s professional fishing fleet.
n Potted History
The earliest record of the village’s history dates from 726 when its name appears for the first time in a deed. There are some very interesting monuments to visit, in addition to the Clock Tower there is the Renaissance Palace of the Farnese family’s period and the Romanic Madonna del Monte Sanctuary, restored at the end of the fifteenth century.
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