Vignanello
Vignanello is a beautiful Medieval town, surrounded by castles, vineyards, hills and hot springs. It is just 50 minutes from Rome by car and an hour and a half from Florence. It is within easy reach of the coast and the Etruscan archaeological treasures of Tarquinia and it is surrounded by a host of local attractions.
Archaeological finds show it was inhabited as long ago as the seventh century BC.
The beautifully preserved Castello Ruspoli fortress was erected in the middle of the ninth century. It took on its present form in the 16th century, when Beatrice Farnese, a relative of Pope Paul III, ordered it be reconstructed.
The town’s 4,600-odd population are served by an array of lovely historic churches, including Santa Maria della Presentazione (18th century), San Giovanni, S. Angelo Custode and San Francesco (all 17th century). You can take a look at these monuments on the local town council’s website.
In August the town plays host to a fabulous wine festival, which attracts enthusiasts and top producers from all over Italy.
Vignanello is in the province of Viterbo, which is famous for its culinary delights, fine wines and olive oils.
Specifically it is in the Monte Cimini, a densely wooded range of hills, which is also home to Lake Vico, a large volcanic crater lake.
Locals are friendly and always ready to give foreign visitors a hand.