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Valentano
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Valentano |
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The village we can now see complete with all modern amenities, is of mediaeval origins and still conserves its original
splendor. Pizzerias, restaurants and
basic shopping are all to be found here. Lake Bolsena with its delightful
islands is a mile away for swimming and
boating. Valentano Village
Map
The area is known as "Alto Lazio", "Tuscia" and "Etruria" and was in part made famous to British travelers of the last century by the likes of D.H.Lawrence and George Dennis who traveled here largely to witness the remains of the Etruscan civilisation first hand.
Valentano is built
up high on ancient foundations, remnants of the Volcanic activity around lake Bolsena.
Valentano's geographical position places it within
reach of the beautiful Bolsena Lake and its activities, the Mediterranean coast and Montalto
di Castro are 30 minutes drive away, Florence, Rome, Arezzo, Viterbo,
Perugia, Siena, Orvieto, Tarquinia
(unique Etruscan
frescoes and tombs), Bomarzo, Capodimonte,
and...and...and...
The volcanic nature of the local geology means that the area is full of mineral water springs of different kinds. Hot, cold, Sulphuric (smelly), Iron and so on abound so much so that the Romans were known to come for curative purposes.
The area has been inhabited since the bronze age and
perhaps as far back as 20,000 years ago as demonstrated by Paleolithic findings
in a nearby lake. It was an active centre during the Etruscan
era, during which period it is said to have been a
site of council and meeting amongst the various
populations of that area. The surrounding Etruscan settlements of Tarquinia,
Vulci, and the stunning Ancient
Etruscan burial grounds Norchia and
Cerveteri further down the coast, 
are
a particular attraction given
the enormous wealth of archeological treasures still being found there. In subsequent
periods, Valentano was submitted to the
influence of the growing Roman
empire.
The castle
was erected on the highest point of Valentano in the 15th century by Pier Luigi
Farnese for his wife, utilising an existing fourteenth century manor house. The castle which dominates virtually
everything in the area was hence the focus of the Duchy of Castro's capital after
Castro's destruction by the Papal forces. The south facing brick arches are
pretty impressive, the lower tier being made of the reddish-mauve local stone.
The facade and the brick portal are worthy of particular note. The castle has been recently restored and now houses an entertaining museum spanning two floors. The first of these houses numerous medieval and Farnese family remains. The second houses more ancient remains found in the area dating all the way back to the Paleolithic and Etruscan and includes artefacts dating as far back as 2000BC.
The village has two medieval towers which being situated at such height are clearly visible from all around. The village is noted for its dominance and particularly beautiful panoramic views of the valley below.
The church in the high up piazza is worth a visit. The bells are apparently a remnant of Castro's cathedral left over by from the Papal forces' destruction of the latter.
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written by Giovanni Milani-Santarpia for www.mariamilani.com