The two sacred temple areas date back to the Etruscan era but the city flourished during the Roman period, thanks to the efficient road system (an example of this is the Via Cassia, built between 170 and 150 BC). In the Middle Ages the centre, together with its small fortress, began to gain strategic importance. In 1058 Pope Stefano IX was in Montefiascone and in June 1074 Pope Gregory VII met his precious allies the Countess Matilde and her mother Beatrice. The fortress was besieged in 1093 by Enrico IV, but the Farnese, Ildibrandini and Bisenzio Counts defended it vigorously. Later, emperor Fredrick I, aware of the strategic importance of the fortress, reached Montefiascone (1185).In the following years Montefiascone became one of the most important centers of the church. Pope Martino IV often visited the Rocca, and embellished it so much that it became a palace. Montefiascone was defined by many as the ‘pearl of Upper Lazio’, and was a popular holiday destination during the first decades of the ‘900. Since 1958 the annual Wine Fair takes place in August, one of the main summer events in Montefiascone celebrating the historic vineyards and its renowned wine d.o.c. Est! Est!! Est!!!

FOTO DELLA ROCCA DA TROVARE