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Grotte di Castro: an Etruscan village in the Volsini Mountains overlooking Lake Bolsena
Situated in the Volsini Mountains, a short distance from Lake Bolsena, Grotte di Castro is built upon an ancient volcanic tuff cone. It was built on top of an Etruscan city, Civita, which once dominated the territory between Vulci and Volsinii. In the old town centre, Palazzo del Vignola stands out: designed by Jacopo Barozzi da Vignola, it now houses the Civita Museum, dedicated to the Etruscan civilisation, with the grave goods from local necropolises.
The museum and the necropolises
The museum spans two floors: the first floor looks at Etruscan daily life, while the ground floor explores the afterlife, featuring a full-scale reproduction of a chamber tomb and an original monolithic tuff sarcophagus. The Necropolis of Pianezze contains twenty-four monumental tombs, the most famous being the Tomba Rossa (Red Tomb). The Necropolis of Centocamere is older and more labyrinthine; its tombs are connected by tunnels carved into the tuff, some of which were made by tomb raiders in search of artefacts.
The village, the fountain, and local dishes
The historic centre boasts the Basilica of Santa Maria del Suffragio (St Mary of Intercession, 1625) and the Fontana Grande (Great Fountain) in Via Roma, restored in 2013. In August, the town celebrates the Festival of the Alto Viterbese Potato (PGI): the local potato grown at altitude. Along the High Tuscia Wine Route, Colli Etruschi Viterbesi DOC wines are produced. Another significant product is Tuscia DOP olive oil.
