Gradoli
Gradoli is a town found in the province of Viterbo, located in the wonderful territory of the Alta Tuscia and seen as one of the most important and beautiful centres in the southern area of Lazio.
The village is situated on the western coast of the striking Bolsena Lake, boasting an extraordinarily enchanting and fascinating environment and territory.
The wonderful centre of Gradoli is surrounded by the impressive peaks of the Volsini Mountains, between landscapes, sweet hills and plains characteristic for the long stretches of beautiful vineyards and ample valleys.
The town itself is famous for the production of a high quality wine, known as DOC Aleatico di Gradoli. Well known and appreciated, this wine is made with grapes cultivated within the territory.
The town provides visitors with a splendid jewel of art and ancient culture, in fact it is impossible to walk down the streets and alleys of Gradoli and not admire the beauty of its monuments, the extraordinary unique works of art and the charm of its historical churches; all of which have an incredible cultural and artistic value and importance.
Not to miss:
La Collegiata di Santa Maria Maddalena (The Collegiate of St. Maria Maddalena): a wonderful building of medieval origins, which was designed by artist Antonio da Sangallo. A splendid ancient construction, it is custodian of a baptismal font designed in the Baroque style, as well as numerous religious themed paintings and frescoes.
Church of St. Pietro: a truly beautiful ancient building constructed between the streets of the historic centre of Farnese. Originally the structure was dedicated to the Madonna and only in recent centuries was changed to honour St. Pietro.
Church of St. Michele Arcangelo: a charming religious building located amongst the alleyways of the oldest part of Farnese and was originally built to celebrate St Angelo.
Church of St. Magno: an ancient building located just outside the town dating back to the Middle Ages. Found on the shores of the Bolsena Lake, the church was built for the Ordine dei Cavalieri di Malta (Order of the Knights of Malta).
Church of St Vittore: whose construction, dating back to the Renaissance, is tied to a legend that tells of the attempted invasion of the town by Saracei. The invasion was thwarted by the intervention of the saint in which the church is named, who bought on a snow storm so heavy it forced the invaders to stop and saved the city. The population, saved by the snow, supposedly saw the image of St. Vittore in the snow and decided to build a church in that exact spot.
Palazzo Farnese: probably the most important construction in the town, it was designed by Antonio da Sangallo and originally served as the residence of the Pontiff Paolo III. Inside you can find rooms elegantly decorated with various frescoes.
Museum of the Customs of Farnese: a fascinating display of objects, utensils, arms and instruments dating back to the Renaissance. Various exhibitions also retell the history and the life of the people of Gradoli.
The National Centre of the Study of the Farnese Family: an interesting and intriguing visitor centre which tells of the history of this famous family, who dominated the territory of Alta Tuscia Laziale.
History:
Of what we know, the history of Gradoli begins some time during the Middle Ages, when the original town was constructed. During the 13th century the town was proclaimed a Free Comune, but quickly had to submit to the domination of the city of Orvieto.
In the following centuries the town fell under the control of the Farnese family, then the Dukedom of Castro and the Papal States; before becoming part of the new Kingdom of Italy in 1871.