In the heart of the Selva del Lamone Nature Reserve, along the North Via Francigena, Grotte di Castro still bears many proofs of its ancient origins, such as the Etruscan tombs from the 7th and 6th centuries BC in the necropolis of Pianezze and those in the necropolis of Cento Camere.
The village is located 45 km from Viterbo and 145 km from Rome, in the northern part of an ancient volcanic cone of the Monti Volsini chain. In this village nestled among the mountains, you can admire the 1625 Basilica of Santa Maria del Suffragio, with its unique Antiquarium, Palazzo Innocenzo Iuzzi, and Palazzo del Vignola, seat of the Civita Museum, which preserves from the Vignola project the portal, the five first-floor windows made of Nephrite, and the striking spiral staircase. Also of interest are the 11th-century Church of San Pietro apostolo and the Fontana Grande.
The two thousand hectares of the Selva del Lamone Nature Reserve (1994) are immersed in one of the wildest forests of Tuscia, rich in archaeological remains dating back to the Bronze Age, the Etruscan era, and the Middle Ages.
Excellent for preparing gnocchi with ragù, the IGP Alto Viterbese potato is a typical product with a curious purple colour, celebrated at the festival in August. Along the Alta Tuscia Wine Route, the characteristic Colli Etruschi Viterbesi or Tuscia DOC wines are perfect companions for pecorino cheese bundles, polenta with lamb and pork stew and wild boar pappardelle. The production of Tuscia DOP extra virgin olive oil is also noteworthy.
The patrons SS. Flavio and Faustina are celebrated on May 7th, the same month as the Tortello Festival.