Montefiascone

Travel Guide

Montefiascone featuring 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
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (40 reviews)
"Beautiful place and confortable. The check in process was definitely a disappointing experience to me and I lost 1 night since I tried to communicate in every way possible with the hotel with ZERO success. I tried the number Expedia shared, I tried the number THEY share, Whatsapp, email… I asked ..."

Reviewed on Jun 4, 2025

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 laundry facilities. Popular attractions Lake Bolsena and San Flaviano ...
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 Oct 10, 2024

Villa with enchanting view of the lake, private swimming pool and whirlpool
Hotel Duomo
Hotel Duomo
3 out of 5
Vicolo Di Maurizio 7, Orvieto, TR
The price is ¥16,246 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
¥16,246
¥18,658 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Orvieto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (716 reviews)
"Very accommodating and helpful reception. Great location. Comfortable room … beautiful town!"

Reviewed on Jun 9, 2025

Hotel Duomo
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (40 reviews)
"Beautiful place and confortable. The check in process was definitely a disappointing experience to me and I lost 1 night since I tried to communicate in every way possible with the hotel with ZERO success. I tried the number Expedia shared, I tried the number THEY share, Whatsapp, email… I asked ..."

Reviewed on Jun 4, 2025

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 laundry facilities. Popular attractions Lake Bolsena and San Flaviano ...
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 Oct 10, 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! (166 reviews)
"Fantastic historic property in amazing 14th century city center. Highly recommend. Food was great. They coordinated a driver (Alessandro) to drive us to a winery and some area attractions. Highly recommended."

Reviewed on Jun 6, 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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