Capodimonte
Capodimonte is a splendid little village located on the shores of the Bolsena Lake and is an enchanting location rich in history and art.
The town itself is extraordinarily interesting and captivating for its artistic and cultural beauty, for the presence of very old churches, historic palazzi and for its absolutely fascinating and splendid monuments, which never fail to amaze visitors.
Walking down the streets of this town is an absolutely magical and unforgettable experience, full of emotion and the beauty of a very ancient history and an undoubtedly unique art form.
The town of Capodimonte is found on the southern bank of the wonderful Bolsena Lake, surrounded by an absolutely splendid territory, completed by the clear waters of the lake, the impressive Volsini Mountains in the distance and the splendid hills covered in vineyards and olive trees.
The town is immersed amongst a strikingly beautiful natural landscape, rich in forests of mostly chestnuts; as well as small streams and ample valleys; all of which give this wonderful town a truly magical and enchanting aura.
Not to miss:
Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta in Cielo (Collegiate of St. Maria Assumed in Heaven) a splendid structure dating back to the Middle Ages, custodian of works of art and paintings of absolute beauty depicting “L’Assunzione di Maria Santissima in Tiepolo” (Assumption of Saint Maria in Tiepolo) and “La Maria Santissima delle Grazie” (Saint Maria of Grace).
Palazzo Poniatowski: a wonderful ancient building originally known by the nickname “Palazzaccio”
Palazzo Farnese: with medieval origins, this building was the historic residence of many important religious figures, including Pontiffs Alessandro IV and Gregorio XVIII, as well as important artists of past centuries.
Palazzo Borghese: a splendid ancient construction dating back to the Middle Ages, which is today the seat of the Municipality of Capodimonte.
Rocca Farnese (Farnese Fortress): a fascinating building constructed in the height of the Middle Ages. Styled in an octagonal shape and surrounded by impressive defensive walls, the fortification was erected in the highest part of the town and was the residence of many important religious and political figures of the age.
Religious Historical Museum: an intriguing exhibition of objects and religious items, as well as clothes, books, sacred scriptures and religious manuscripts of great importance and relevance. The centre also houses many rooms which narrate and describe the religious traditions of the territory.
Presepe Subacqueo (Underwater Crèche) an interesting exhibition which deserves to be visited and appreciated. Located in the Public Gardens.
History:
Regarding the history of Capodimonte, we know that the territory surrounding the city was already inhabited during the Neolithic period.
In the following centuries the village was populated by the Etruscans and the Roman Empire, becoming the Municipium under the name Visentium. During the Middle Ages the town of Alta Tuscia fell to the power of the Lombards, who constructed much of the ancient part of Capodimonte.
From the 12th century the village assumed the rule of the Parrocchia, then the Bisenzio Counts, the City of Orvieto, the City of Montefiascone, the Farnese family and the Dukedom of Castro; before finally becoming part of the Kingdom of Italy during the 19th century.