Ischia di Castro

The wonderful town of Ischia di Castro is located in the southern part of the fascinating territory of the Viterbo province, a short distance from the famous Bolsena Lake, in an area between Tuscany and Lazio.

The village is a small commune rich in artistic and natural beauty that never fails to amaze visitors with its uniqueness and particularity.

Much of this town is in fact, part of the Riserva Naturale del Lamone (Natural Reserve of Lamone), one of most beautiful and interesting protected parks in Lazio, as well as one of the more famous, hosting the Tiburzi brigand during the 19th century.

Walking down the streets of the town is a particularly pleasant opportunity to appreciate  a clear example of medieval art, as demonstrated by the oldest buildings, historic structures and churches; all of which manage to give this town the charming feeling of stopped time and a history that continues to live through all the splendid monuments.

Not to miss:

Church of St. Rocco: a Romanesque building splendidly made and custodian of wonderful works of art and frescoes.

Church of St. Ermete: dating back to the second half of the 18th century, it is a church realized in the Baroque style with wonderful frescoes adorning the inside walls depicting, for example, “La Madonna del Popolo” (Madonna of the People), as well as extraordinarily works of art originally housed in the ancient Duomo di Castro, built in the 9th century, including a 16th century Baptismal font.

Church of the Madonna del Giglio: one of the most precious sacred buildings in the town, home to a painting depicting “La Crocifissione” (The Crucifixion), the Sienese school and some wonderful 15th century frescoes.

Palazzo Ducale: a historic building of Ischia di Castro, built by Antonio Sangallo as an impressive fortification that can only be accessed through a door and arch, next to the ancient Fortress and a grand bell tower.

Santuario della Madonna del Giglio (Sanctuary of the Madonna del Giglio): the patron saint of Ischia di Castro, it is located just outside the town, immersed in the countryside and home to some precious frescoes and extremely beautiful works of art, including the two 14th century frescoes, “La Madonna con il Bambino” (The Madonna with the Baby) and “Crocifissione” (Crucifixion).

Civic Archaeological Museum “Pietro and Turiddo Lotti”: an interesting exhibition of ruins which retell the ancient history of the town of Castro and narrates the most significant events that have occurred in the past, as well as the various civilizations which have inhabited the surrounding territory.

History:

The territory of today’s Ischia di Castro was already inhabited in a very ancient age, as indicated by the various ruin found in the surrounding countryside.

During the following centuries the centre became an important possession of the Etruscans and Roman Empire. Beginning from the Middle Ages the town was dominated by the Farnese family, the Dukedom of Castro and the Papal States, before being annexed by the Kingdom of Italy during the second half of the 1800’s.