Montefiascone Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Montefiascone which includes a city
Montefiascone showing a city
Photo by Paolo Poggi
Photo "Montefiascone" by 84billy (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Admire the sweeping views of the hills and lake, explore historic churches and ruins or come to this Papal city to sample the famous Est! Est!! Est!!! wine.

As a summer residence of popes and a place once considered sacred by the Etruscans, Montefiascone has an impressive and varied history. The city stands in a commanding position on the highest point of the ridge surrounding Lake Bolsena and is situated just 65 miles (105 kilometers) to the north of Rome.

Take a walk up to the ruined Rocca Dei Papi, perched on the highest point of the hill. The fortress was a summer residence for Vatican popes. You can see for yourself why it was so attractive and safe to them, with its cool breezes and commanding views.

Below, the Montefiascone Cathedral, or Basilica of Santa Margherita, dominates the city center with its vast dome. Head inside to discover its treasure trove of frescos and sculptures. Make sure you don’t miss the crypt hidden away below.

Don’t forget to try the famous Est! Est!! Est!!! wine. During the 12th century, Canon Johannes Defuk of Augsburg, instructed his aid Martin to travel ahead of him to sample the local wine. Martin was instructed to write Est, short for “vinum est bonum,” on the doors of the places that served the best wine. The lackey rated the Montefiascone wine so highly that he wrote it not once but three times.

One of the legends goes on to tell that Canon Defuk drank himself to death. To see his grave, visit the crypt in the twin church of San Flaviano. What makes this 11th-century church so special is that it was topped with another church in the 14th century, the one that is visible today. The result is an unusual structure that will delight history and architecture buffs. San Flaviano's interior frescos are well worth seeing too.

Drive down along the panoramic road to the lakeshore of Lake Bolsena. It offers views across the lake to the islands and surrounding hills. Have a meal at one of the lakeside cafés or take a stroll along the shore. To really immerse yourself in the scenery, take a boat trip around the lake.

Montefiascone may be small but it packs a punch with its history, architecture and beautiful vistas and it is easy to see why popes chose to live here. Just make sure you don’t drink too much Est! Est!! Est!!!, or you too might never leave.

Antico Borgo La Commenda
Antico Borgo La Commenda
Località Commenda 98, Montefiascone, VT
The price is AU$141 per night from 14 Mar to 15 Mar
AU$141
includes taxes & fees
14 Mar - 15 Mar
Stay at this vacation home in Montefiascone. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Bagnaccio Hot Springs and San Flaviano Church ...
9/10 Wonderful! (37 reviews)
"The property is amazing great view and large rooms. It is very romantic. You are away from the city and you can hear the birds."

Reviewed on 22 Feb. 2020

Antico Borgo La Commenda
Villa with enchanting view of the lake, private swimming pool and whirlpool
Villa with enchanting view of the lake, private swimming pool and whirlpool
Montefiascone
Book a stay at this family-friendly villa in Montefiascone. Enjoy private pools, a garden, and furnished patios. Popular attractions Lake Bolsena and San Flaviano ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (14 reviews)
Wonderful in every way!
"We spent a week with friends and family at I Gigli del Belvedere and it was magical in every way. The owners, Antonio and Sabrina, were the most accommodating and hospitable owners we have ever worked with from organizing events, quickly answering our every question and sharing tips and advice about ..."

Reviewed on 10 Oct. 2024

Villa with enchanting view of the lake, private swimming pool and whirlpool
Altarocca Wine Resort Adults Only
Altarocca Wine Resort Adults Only
LOC. ROCCA RIPESENA 62, Orvieto, TR
The price is AU$229 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
AU$229
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
Book a stay at this spa country house in Orvieto. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (269 reviews)
"I would come here again!"

Reviewed on 16 Nov. 2024

Altarocca Wine Resort Adults Only
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Antico Borgo La Commenda
Antico Borgo La Commenda
Località Commenda 98, Montefiascone, VT
Stay at this vacation home in Montefiascone. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Bagnaccio Hot Springs and San Flaviano Church ...
9/10 Wonderful! (37 reviews)
"The property is amazing great view and large rooms. It is very romantic. You are away from the city and you can hear the birds."

Reviewed on 22 Feb. 2020

Antico Borgo La Commenda
Villa with enchanting view of the lake, private swimming pool and whirlpool
Villa with enchanting view of the lake, private swimming pool and whirlpool
Montefiascone
Book a stay at this family-friendly villa in Montefiascone. Enjoy private pools, a garden, and furnished patios. Popular attractions Lake Bolsena and San Flaviano ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (14 reviews)
Wonderful in every way!
"We spent a week with friends and family at I Gigli del Belvedere and it was magical in every way. The owners, Antonio and Sabrina, were the most accommodating and hospitable owners we have ever worked with from organizing events, quickly answering our every question and sharing tips and advice about ..."

Reviewed on 10 Oct. 2024

Villa with enchanting view of the lake, private swimming pool and whirlpool
Palazzo Catalani Resort
Palazzo Catalani Resort
4 out of 5
Via Montecavallo 26, Soriano nel Cimino, VT
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Soriano nel Cimino. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Palazzo Chigi-Albani and Castello ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (155 reviews)
"Great place, recommended."

Reviewed on 14 Jan. 2025

Palazzo Catalani Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Montefiascone

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Top destination
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5/5 - Excellent

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One of the best hill towns

Cities near Montefiascone