Valentano

Immersed in the fantastic scenery of the Alta Tuscia, in an environment characteristic for the presence of grand forests and the cultivation of grapes and olives, the town of Valentano is, for anyone who sees it, a wonderful and simply stunning town, extraordinarily rich in beautiful architectonic elements and ancient monuments that serve as a testimony to the truly ancient and interesting past of the area.

Walking down the streets of the city is an occasion to appreciate the enchanting beauty of Valentano and admire the great culture and exceptional art which is immersed throughout the territory.

The town is located in the province of Viterbo, in the northern part of Lazio and the western banks of clear waters and white sandy beaches of the splendid Bolsena Lake.

The landscape and panoramas of the area are characteristic for their extraordinary beauty and for their great variety, managing capture the environment of the lake, the peaks of the Volsini lake and the enchanting hills and plain in a perfect harmony.

Not to miss:

Santuario della Madonna del Monte (Sanctuary of the Madonna del Monte): dating back to the 19th century, it is located just outside of the town, immersed between the wonderful panoramas of the countryside and was originally known as the Church of the Madonna della Pietà. Inside is adorned with a painting depicting “La Madonna con il Cristo Morto” (The Madonna with the Dead Christ), painted in the last decade of the 1800’s.

Santuario della Madonna della Salute (Sanctuary of the Madonna della Salute): a 14th century building, it was constructed in the place of the exile of the brigand Francesco Portici. The building itself, is very simple but embellished on the inside with some splendid frescoes.

Church of the St. Maria: built in the 15th century, it is a wonderful late medieval construction decorated with some precious works of art, including a fresco depicting “La Madonna della Rosa” (The Madonna of the Rose) and a statue of the Madonna della Coroncina.

Church of the Annunciation: a construction of 19th century origins, it is located outside Valentano and is a modern religious structure completed by protected frescoes and works of art that are absolutely extraordinary and wonderful.

Church of St. Croce: possibly the oldest building in the city, its construction dates back to the first period of the Middle Ages. Inside its walls are decorated with some very interesting frescoes, including “La Madonna con il Bambino” (Madonna with the Baby), painted in the 14th century.

Collegiate Church: dedicated to St. Giovanni Battista, the church is the most important religious building in Valentano and was built in the Renaissance style during the year 1000. Today the church carries some very interesting architectonic and artistic examples, including the wonderful wooden statue of the Madonna.

Church of Sancta Maria ad Templum: an extraordinary religious structure that today has been desconsecrated. Originally the church boasted great importance in both religion and politics during the fight against the Templar Knights. On its portal is a list of names, whilst inside you can find a fresco of Madonna con il Bambino (Madonna with the Baby).

Church of the Madonna della Pietà: a deconsecrated building that was once custodian of precious works of art and absolutely extraordinary and exceptional frescoes but today has been transformed into an oven.

Ex- Church of St. Eschio: once extraordinarily beautiful and rich in paintings and frescoes, today it has long since fallen into disuse.

Porta Magenta (Magenta Door): dating back to the last ten years of the 1700’s, it is a structure built over the ruins of an already pre-existent Roman door, which originally served as the link between the fortified city and everything outside the city walls.

Palazzo Comunale: dating back to the 1500’s, the frontage is embellished with the state coat of arms, that of the Colonna and Farnese family and that of Pope Martin V. Today the building is the seat of the Municipality.

Museum of Prehistory: located in the Farnese fortress, it is an interesting and fascinating exhibition of archaeological ruins dating back to the Paleolithic period and the successive eras that have been found in the archaeological sites located in the surrounding countryside. The centre spread across various rooms retells the history of the territory from the Paleolithic to the 19th century, recounting the evolution and development of the area.

History:

The territory of Valentano was already inhabited in a prehistoric age, as indicated by the archaeological ruins discovered in nearby necropolises and historical sites.

The town then became an important dominion of the Etruscan population and the Roman Empire.

During the Middle Ages it fell under the powerful Farnese family, who governed for another three centuries before handing control to the Dukedom of Castro, followed by the Papal States, who exercised power until Valentano was annexed by the Kingdom of Italy.