Castel Viscardo

Castel Viscardo combines a long tradition of Cotto and brickmaking with Etruscan finds, medieval architecture and local customs. These themes offer different ways to shape your stay.

Etruscan Traces and Landscape

The Caldane Necropolis dates mostly from the second half of the 6th century BC. Painted pottery from Orvieto, Bucchero pottery and metal objects have been found in the tombs. These include an Etruscan bronze mirror with mythological scenes. The necropolis lies in a wooded area northwest of Castel Viscardo, in the valley of the River Paglia, and is part of the Parco Archeologico e Ambientale dell'Orvietano.

The municipal area is also included in the STINA area. The local study area described there includes the Paglia Valley, the Caldane archaeological zone and the Faggeta nature area. As a result, archaeological and landscape themes converge around Castel Viscardo. The location of the necropolis also provides a direct connection to the wooded Paglia Valley.

Cotto and Bricks as Local History

Craft brick production has been continuously documented since the 16th century; the oldest reference to a brickworks dates to 1541. Cotto production continues to this day using modern technologies while preserving traditional methods. MUSEC is dedicated to this cultural heritage: housed in a former well house, it collects, preserves and presents the history of Cotto and brickmaking.

Explanatory panels and installations at MUSEC document episodes from the history of the brickworks. Reproductions of local ceramics, produced since the 16th century, are also on display. The museum is part of the Sentiero della Creta, a route connecting neighbouring places with centuries-old brickmaking traditions. MUSEC organises clay-working workshops for adults and children on request.

Castle, Church and Art

The medieval Castello dei duchi di Montevecchio, also known as Castello di Madonna, was central to the development of Castel Viscardo. Its irregular polygonal ground plan, broad moat, bridge, Baroque entrance and imposing enclosing walls of local stone feature in descriptions of the building. Together with its towers and the Torretta di Vitiano, the Castello served for a long time as a lookout point for the defence of Orvieto and the upper and middle Valle del Paglia.

The church of Maria SS. Annunziata is also part of the town's history; it dates from 1682. Its nave contains four chapels with paintings by Carlo Maratta, Wernle and Bernabei of Perugia. The castle and church represent different historical connections: the Castello was linked to the development of the town and the defence of the Valle del Paglia, while the chapels draw attention to the artworks and their creators.

Customs, Olive Oil and Wine

The Sagra della Cannelletta began in August 1966. Its name comes from the Cannelletta, a tap on a wine barrel through which its contents are dispensed. The festival tradition includes an opening procession in traditional costumes, presented annually. Another local tradition is the Pasquarella: in Castel Viscardo, it is performed and sung exclusively on the night of Epiphany in the streets and courtyards. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these customs, check the specific event dates.

Local olive varieties include Leccino, Muragliolo and Frantoio, which are used to produce extra virgin olive oil. There are also several wineries in the Castel Viscardo area. In Monterubiaglio, a family cellar carved into tuff features high reliefs depicting the various stages of winemaking. If you are planning a visit, confirm visiting arrangements directly in advance.

Travel Planning Information

The Allerona–Castel Viscardo railway station is located in Pianlungo, a hamlet of Castel Viscardo. If you are planning to travel by train, check connections for your travel dates and bear in mind that the station is in Pianlungo. When choosing a hotel, you can first decide whether local history, crafts, landscape or a local custom should shape your stay. Then compare the specific information each hotel provides about its location, amenities, price and availability.

Discover more destinations: Melezzole, Attigliano, Vasciano, Visciano Di Narni, San Marino, Gualdo, San Venanzo, Montecastrilli.

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