Castel Viscardo

Water, Earth, Air and Fire

Castel Viscardo was founded in 1263 by Guiscardo da Pietrasanta, a relative of Pope Urban IV. Thanks to its towers (the Castle and the tower of Vitiano), for centuries it was an important outlook point defending Orvieto and the entire upper and middle Valley of the Paglia. The land around Castelviscardo is rich in clay and favored the development of kilns, active as far back as the construction of the Castle (13th cent.).

The Springs of Tiberio
The sulfur-rich springs of Tiberio have been known since Roman Imperial times (and have been used as a spa since then). A project for opening them to the public again is under study.

Wine, Oil and "Winemakers"
Since 1292 the "wine lands" of Monterubiaglio have been a source of pride for the inhabitants of these lands. Currently an excellent Orvieto Classico and Red IGT of great character are produced with international types of grapes (Merlot, Pinot, Cabernet. Riccardo and Renzo Cotarella, two of the greatest "winemakers" in the world, were born in Monterubiaglio. The "Guida Gastronomica d'Italia" of the Touring Club (1931) mentions the Vin Santo of Monterubiaglio as a paragon of the Umbrian variety, describing it as alcoholic, "the color of gold, sweet and harmonious in taste and with a pleasant fragrance". The extra-virgin olive oil (also produced as DOP Colli Orvietani) is also excellent.

Airfield of the Alfina
The Airfield of Alfina is an airport built in 1936 designed by Pier Luigi Nervi. During World War II it was used as a base for bombers. It is now used for ultra-light aircraft.

The Kilns
The clay-rich lands around Castel Viscardo favored the birth, in the Middle Ages, of a flourishing production of terra-cottas (bricks, roof and floor tiles and also ceramics). Currently there are numerous kilns working in traditions handed down from father to son and their product are used in prestigious restoration work (Pantehon, Colosseum, Aurelian Walls, Piazza Campo di Fiori in Siena)

TO SEE
Etruscan necropolis in loc. Caldane
Roman piscina in loc. Torricella
The Parish Church
Documentation center on the kilns
The wine cellars of Castel Viscardo
The "relict beechwood" of the glacial period
Monterubiaglio, Viceno and Pianlungo

TO TASTE
"Orvieto Classico" wine
Rosso Umbria IGT
Extra-virgin olive oil
Fave dei morti (traditional almond cookies)
Vin Santo of Monterubiaglio
Easter Breads
Chick pea and chestnut soup
"Chianti" wine of Viceno

EVENTS
"La Cannelletta"
Saint Anthony of Padua
The "Bigonzone" (wine tub) of Monterubiaglio
"In search of the lost dish"
The "Vecchiarella" ("Old Lady", January 5)