Located in Lazio Alto, in the province of Viterbo, a two-hour drive from Rome, Acquapendente is a compelling destination. The most famous religious building is the cathedral of the Santo Sepolcro, one of the oldest churches in Lazio dating back to the mid-10th century, so called because it contains a blood-stained stone that is said to have come from the Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
Also worth a visit is the church of San Francesco where visitors can admire a valuable wooden crucifix and 17th century frescoes, the church of Santo Stefano which preserves a fresco of the Sienese school and the church of Sant’Agostino with its 13th century convent. Also interesting are the towers that characterize the city such as the Torre Julia de Jacopo, today used as an exhibition space, the Torre dell’Orologio, and the historic buildings such as Palazzo Visconti and the Palazzo Comunale with its beautiful neoclassical portico. Worth visiting nearby is the fabled Castle of Torre Alfina in the homonymous village, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, and the Flower Museum, a small nature museum in the woods of the Monte Rufeno Nature Reserve.
Don’t miss one of the most popular popular and visually striking traditional festivals in Lazio. It winds through the streets of the medieval village and is called the “I Pugnaloni” festival. Colourful panels are designed and then covered with flower petals and leaves to celebrate the Madonna del Fiore every third Sunday of May.
Don’t forget the delicious local products of the Viterbo area to be found in the Food & Wine section.