Grotte di Castro

Grotte di Castro is a village located on a tuffaceous spur on the Volsini Mountains overlooking the north-western side of Lake Bolsena. A country with a marked medieval origin, whose birth according to some historians is linked to the destruction of the ancient città di Civita.The territory of Grotte di Castro has very ancient origins as evidenced by the innumerable archaeological finds, in fact various necropolises have emerged in the territory which confirm that the territory was also inhabited in Etruscan times.

Not to be missed

Grotte di Castro has an ancient history and within the town there are many places to visit. Among the most interesting monuments we suggest:

Santa Maria del Suffragio

Necropoli Pianezze

Fontana Grande

Museo di Civita

Where to eat

Grotte di Castro has a gastronomic culture of ancient tradition mainly linked to its proximity to Lake Bolsena which offers it many raw materials. In the town of Grotte di Castro it is possible to eat both in the historic center and in the surrounding countryside.

Ajo Ojo e Peperoncino is a typical Lazio cuisine restaurant. All the dishes on the menu are part of the local culinary tradition and made with local products.

Il Palm Beach - Ristorante Pizzeria Bisteccheria is a typical Lazio cuisine restaurant. The pizzeria is located along the shores of Lake Bolsena on the beach of Grotte di Castro

Il Chiosco is a lake fish restaurant. The restaurant is located in Val di Lago in the municipality of Grotte di Castro. The menu offers traditional dishes with typical local products.

Where to sleep

In Grotte di Castro it is possible to stay either in the structures inside the historic center or in the hotels and agritourisms located just outside the town.

With city views, 108 b & b is located in Grotte di Castro and has free WiFi. The accommodations come with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bidet, shower and hairdryer, while the kitchen features a dishwasher, fridge and oven. There is also a stove, kettle and coffee machine. An Italian breakfast is served each morning. Orvieto is 29 km from 108 b & b, while Viterbo is 47 km away. The nearest airport is Perugia San Francesco d'Assisi Airport, 106 km from the property.

Surrounded by the Lazio countryside and immersed in a large and green garden with swimming pool and tennis court, the Castello di Santa Cristina organizes excursions on horseback and produces spelled and lentils. Housed in a building located below the 18th-century castle, the rooms and apartments overlook the garden and feature a rustic style, antique furniture and a private bathroom with free toiletries. The apartments feature a living area with flat-screen satellite TV, fireplace and kitchen. You can enjoy the buffet breakfast in a breakfast room or outdoors during the summer. The restaurant, open every day by reservation, specializes in typical local cuisine.

Situated in Grotte di Castro, 36 km from San Casciano dei Bagni, Agriturismo Pianezze features a garden and free WiFi. The private bathroom has a shower, hairdryer and free toiletries. A buffet or Italian breakfast is served each morning. At Agriturismo Pianezze you will find a terrace. Orvieto is 32 km from the property, while Viterbo is 41 km away. The nearest airport is Perugia Airport, 101 km from the property.

Located in Grotte di Castro, Villa degli Olivi offers air-conditioned rooms with a balcony and free WiFi. Villa with garden and free private parking. The villa features 4 bedrooms, a TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, a washing machine, and a bathroom with a spa bath. The villa has an outdoor swimming pool and terrace. Orvieto is 26 km from Villa degli Olivi, while San Casciano dei Bagni is 33 km away. The nearest airport is Perugia San Francesco d'Assisi Airport, 103 km from the property.

Located in Grotte di Castro, 33 km from San Casciano dei Bagni. Azienda Agricola Pian del Grano offers a shared lounge and free WiFi. The farm offers a garden, barbecue and terrace. Orvieto is 32 km from Azienda Agricola Pian del Grano, while Viterbo is 47 km away. The nearest airport is Perugia San Francesco d'Assisi Airport, 106 km from the property.

Events

Grotte di Castro presents a rich calendar of annual historical events, all linked to the traditions of this land. The main manifestations are:

passione di cristo

i sapori del borgo

sagra della patata

presepe vivente

Festa s. maria del suffragio

Reviews

Grotte di Castro is an interesting medieval village on Lake Bolsena. The country offers many interesting places to visit, my favorite is the necropolis of Pianezze, where you can take long walks through history. I recommend everyone to visit it!

I was on holiday at Lake Bolsena in August. On that occasion I visited Grotte di Castro and I was amazed. The village with a typical medieval appearance is really very nice, plus at that time there was the Potato Festival, a fun party. I recommend everyone to visit it!

Grotte di Castro is a delightful village. From the panoramic terrace you have a breathtaking view of Lake Bolsena. Really romantic!

History

On the hill, called Civita , a few hundred meters from the current town of Grotte di Castro , stood a thriving Etruscan town named Tiro . It is assumed, as there are many theories about it, that this village was destroyed in 280 BC. at the hands of the Romans, little is known about the subsequent period. During the early Middle Ages, the comments of Lake Bolsena suffered the invasion of the barbarians who came down from the north in the direction of Rome. At that juncture, Tire was again destroyed by the Lombards. As evidence of this remains the name of a nearby locality of Grotte di Castro which is called “valle muje “or” valley of screams “, which took this name following a bloody fight.

How to reach Grotte di Castro

Grotte di Castro is easily accessible by car, alternatively you can use the Cotral bus line. The town is about 148 km from Rome.
By car:
With the A1 motorway, exit at Orvieto, then follow the signs, first for Bolsena then for Castel Giorgio, S. Lorenzo Nuovo and Grotte di Castro.
From Siena you can take the SS2 Cassia, exit at S. Lorenzo Nuovo and continue to Grotte di Castro.

LAGO DI BOLSENA