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If you have done the things to do in Italy, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Civita Castellana.
Nestled in the heart of Italy like a precious jewel, Civita Castellana beckons with an irresistible charm that exudes a timeless beauty.
As you wander through its labyrinthine streets and alleys, you will discover a myriad of hidden treasures that capture the essence of this seductive town – from its ancient fortresses and fountains to its picturesque piazzas and panoramic vistas.
Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an adventurer at heart, there’s no shortage of things to do in Civita Castellana that will leave you enchanted and mesmerized for years to come.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Civita Castellana:
1. Forte Sangallo
Forte Sangallo is a Renaissance-era fortress located in Civita Castellana, Italy.
What to see or do: Visitors to Forte Sangallo can explore the fortress’s interior and exterior, including its impressive walls and towers. The fortress also contains a small museum, dedicated to the history of the site and the surrounding area.
Don’t miss: Be sure to climb to the top of Forte Sangallo’s towers for stunning views of Civita Castellana and its surroundings.
Insider travel tips: The best time to visit Forte Sangallo is during the summer months, when the fortress hosts a number of cultural events and exhibitions.
Visitors should also take care to wear comfortable shoes, as the fortress grounds can be steep and uneven.
2. Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore
A stunning cathedral in the heart of Civita Castellana, Italy.
What to see or do: Admire the beautiful Romanesque architecture of the building, which dates back to the 12th century. Look for the intricate carved details on the exterior and the stunning frescoes inside.
Take a moment to appreciate the tranquility and peacefulness of the interior.
Don’t miss: The chapel of the Holy Crucifix, which contains a miraculous crucifix that is said to have saved Civita Castellana from destruction during a siege in 1527.
Also, be sure to check out the crypt, which is home to the remains of St. Restituta, the patron saint of Civita Castellana.
Insider travel tips: If you have time, climb the bell tower for stunning views over the city and surrounding countryside. Also, be aware that the cathedral is closed for a few hours during the afternoon, so plan your visit accordingly.
Finally, don’t forget to dress appropriately – this is a religious site, so shoulders and knees should be covered.
3. Church of San Francesco
The Church of San Francesco is a historic church located in Civita Castellana, Italy.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the beautiful façade of the church which dates back to the 14th century. Inside, there are several beautiful frescoes and paintings, including the “Madonna and Child” by Sebastiano Conca.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to see the beautiful cloister attached to the church, which is famous for its impressive columns and arches.
Insider travel tips: – Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as the area around the church is quite hilly.
4. Palazzo Comunale
Palazzo Comunale is a historic building located in the heart of Civita Castellana, a medieval hilltop town in central Italy.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the impressive structure and marvel at its beautiful architecture. One of the most notable features is the clock tower, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Inside the building, there are several rooms filled with interesting art and artifacts that offer a glimpse into the town’s rich history.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the Sala del Governatore, a grand hall with a beautiful painted ceiling and intricate frescoes.
Also, make sure to visit the Sala della Ragione, which was once used as a courtroom and features a stunning wooden coffered ceiling.
Insider travel tips: To fully appreciate the beauty of Palazzo Comunale, it’s recommended to take a guided tour. These tours offer a deeper understanding of the building’s history and significance and are available in both English and Italian.
Additionally, plan to visit during the quieter hours of the day to avoid crowds and have a more peaceful experience.
5. Palazzo Valentini
Palazzo Valentini is a historic palace located in the heart of Civita Castellana, a beautiful town in the province of Viterbo.
What to see or do: Take a guided tour of the palace to discover its fascinating history and beautiful architecture. Walk through the ornate rooms and marvel at the intricate details of the frescoes on the ceilings and walls.
Don’t miss: The stunning underground archaeological site beneath the palace, where you can see the remains of ancient Roman and Medieval buildings. The multimedia show that accompanies the visit is a real highlight.
Insider travel tips: – Book your tour in advance, as visits are limited in order to protect the delicate frescoes and other treasures.
6. Ponte Clementino
Ponte Clementino is an ancient Roman bridge located in the town of Civita Castellana, Italy.
What to see or do: The bridge is a stunning example of Roman engineering and architecture. Visitors can walk across the bridge and admire the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to see the inscriptions on the bridge, which provide insight into the history of the area.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as there is a steep climb to get to the bridge.
Additionally, consider visiting during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and make the most of the beautiful views.
7. The Civic Museum
The Civic Museum is a historic museum situated in the charming town of Civita Castellana, Italy.
What to see or do: The museum houses a vast collection of archaeological and medieval artifacts that date back to the Roman and Etruscan periods.
Visitors can marvel at the exhibits that document the history of the area through the ages, including the town’s former role as a regional center for brick-making.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is the rich collection of Etruscan pottery, glassware, and metalwork, which offer great insights into Etruscan art and culture.
The museum also houses an extensive collection of sculptures and frescoes from the Romanesque and Gothic periods.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes as the museum has several floors and stairs to climb.
8. Fontana delle sette cannelle (The Fountain of the Seven Spouts)
The Fontana delle sette cannelle is a beautiful and historic fountain located in the town of Civita Castellana in central Italy.
What to see or do: Take a stroll to this picturesque and iconic fountain, and enjoy the intricately designed facade and the sounds of water spouting from each of the seven spouts.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to take photos of the awe-inspiring fountain, especially at sunset when the surrounding sky takes on various colors, creating a magical backdrop.
Insider travel tips: If you’re really into history, you can learn about the fountain’s origin and its significance to the town’s water supply. Also, take note of the surrounding area, strolling through ancient streets lined with historic buildings, cafes, and restaurants.
9. Piazza Matteotti
Piazza Matteotti is the main square of Civita Castellana, a charming hilltop town in the Lazio region of Italy.
What to see or do: Take a stroll around the square and admire the beautiful buildings, including the Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall) and the 16th-century Palazzo dei Priori.
You can also sit and relax at one of the cafés that line the square while enjoying a refreshing drink or a gelato.
Don’t miss: Make sure to visit the Rocca, a medieval fortress overlooking the town that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The entrance is located on the corner of the square.
Insider travel tips: Visit on Saturdays to check out the weekly market that takes place in the square, offering a variety of local products and street food.
Also, explore the narrow streets and alleys that lead from the square to discover hidden gems and picturesque corners of the town.
10. Corso Umberto I
Corso Umberto I is the main street of the medieval town of Civita Castellana in Italy.
What to see or do: Walking along Corso Umberto I, visitors can admire the beautiful medieval buildings and architecture, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore and the Palazzo Comunale.
The street is also lined with local shops, cafes, and restaurants where visitors can enjoy traditional Italian cuisine and shop for souvenirs.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to climb the staircase to the top of the Palazzo Comunale for stunning views of Civita Castellana and the surrounding hills.
Also, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore is a must-see with its beautiful frescoes and paintings.
Insider travel tips: If you have the chance, visit Corso Umberto I during the annual Infiorata di Civita Castellana, a festival where the street is covered with flower decorations.
Additionally, try some of the local delicacies such as “biscotti di Civita” from the local bakeries. Finally, be prepared for some steep hills and steps as Civita Castellana is nestled on a hilltop.
11. Parco del Treja
Parco del Treja is a nature reserve located in the Lazio region of central Italy, near the town of Civita Castellana.
What to see or do: The park is known for its beautiful river, which runs through a deep gorge and forms several waterfalls and natural pools that are perfect for swimming.
Visitors can also hike the many trails throughout the park, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of Parco del Treja is the Cascata delle Marmore, a stunning waterfall that drops over 150 meters into a deep pool below.
It’s definitely worth taking a detour to see this natural wonder.
Insider travel tips: – Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip, as some of the trails can be steep and rocky.
12. The Catacomb of Santa Sperandia
The Catacomb of Santa Sperandia is an ancient Christian cemetery located in the town of Civita Castellana, Italy.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the underground catacomb, which features several chambers with frescoes and inscriptions dedicated to the saints buried there.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the Chapel of the Ark, which contains frescoes depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments.
Insider travel tips: It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and bring a flashlight for the visit. Photography is not allowed inside the catacomb.
Visitors should also be aware that the catacomb is only accessible by a steep staircase and may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.
13. The Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum in Civita Castellana is located inside the historical Palazzo Vescovile in the city center.
The museum houses a wide array of Etruscan and Roman artifacts that tell the story of the local area’s ancient history.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the museum’s many exhibits, which include an impressive collection of ceramics, sculptures, coins, and other everyday items that were used by the Etruscan and Roman peoples who once inhabited the area.
The museum also features a series of multimedia installations that bring the exhibits to life and provide historical context for each of the objects on display.
Don’t miss: One of the standout exhibits at the Archaeological Museum is the collection of Etruscan funerary urns and tomb decorations, which provide a unique glimpse into the ancient culture’s beliefs and customs surrounding death and the afterlife.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to allow plenty of time to explore the museum’s many exhibits and take in all of the fascinating ancient artifacts on display.
It’s also worth checking ahead to see if there are any special events or guided tours taking place during your visit, as these can provide valuable insights and context that will enhance your overall experience.
14. Museo Civico Archeologico di Nepi
Museo Civico Archeologico di Nepi is a museum located in Civita Castellana, Italy, dedicated to showcasing archaeological artifacts from the ancient Etruscan civilization.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore a wide range of exhibits and collections from the Etruscan, Roman, and medieval periods. The museum features ancient pottery, sculptures, inscriptions, and necropolis.
Don’t miss: One of the most impressive exhibits in the museum is the famous “Marte di Nepi”, a bronze statue of the god Mars that dates back to the 3rd or 4th century BCE.
Also, don’t miss the small but charming Renaissance garden located just outside the museum.
Insider travel tips: The museum is closed on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly. It’s also advisable to check the opening hours before you go.
The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable, so don’t hesitate to ask any questions. Lastly, bring your camera to capture the amazing collection of ancient artifacts.
15. Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie
A beautiful sanctuary located in the town of Civita Castellana in central Italy.
What to see or do: The sanctuary is known for its stunning frescoes painted by the renowned Italian artist, Benozzo Gozzoli in the 15th century. Visitors can admire these artworks depicting scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary.
Moreover, visitors can explore the beautiful interior and exterior of the sanctuary, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Don’t miss: The stunning frescoes painted by Benozzo Gozzoli are the highlight of the sanctuary. Make sure to take a good look at each one of them, and appreciate the intricate details and vibrant colors.
Insider travel tips: The sanctuary can get crowded during peak tourist seasons, so it’s best to visit early in the day or during weekdays.
Also, be sure to dress appropriately as it is a religious site. If you have time, explore the town of Civita Castellana for its beautiful architecture and quaint charm.