Historical notes
Gradoli, formerly known as Castrum Gradolorum, has its origins in the distant past. The first evidence dates back to 1113 when the territory, before being donated to the Papacy, belonged to Matilde di Canossa. Over time, the village became the scene of countless conflicts and stability was only achieved with the arrival of the Farnese family.
Moreover, Gradoli owes its current name to the castle built in the "Pergola" area and reachable only through a steep staircase called "gradus".
What to see in the village
The jewel in the town's crown is, without a shadow of a doubt, its historic centre where the Palazzo or Rocca Farnese stands. The 16th century building was designed by Antonio da Sangallo il Giovane and used as the summer residence of Pope Paul III and the Farnese family.
The interior of the palace features elegant frescoes and houses the Museo del Costume Farnesiano, which displays weapons, utensils and clothing of the period.
The tour continues to the nearby Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Maddalena which, after a fire, was rebuilt in Baroque style and consecrated in 1708.
Leaving the old town centre, on the road to Latera, you come to the Church of San Vittore, which stands on the remains of a Roman palace along the road that joined Bisenzio and Sovana. Also worth a visit is the Church of San Magno, located on the shore of Lake Bolsena, built at the request of the Order of the Knights of Malta in the 14th century.
Of the ancient castle, on the other hand, built in the 'Pergola' area, only a few traces can be seen today, such as a round defensive tower, the entrance arch and part of the walls.
Gradoli in celebration
The village hosts two very suggestive events: the Purgatory lunch and the Tentavecchie. On Shrove Tuesday, not only the traditional Carnival masks, but also hooded men dressed in black parade through the village streets. The Incappucciati, members of the Confraternita del Purgatorio, remind everyone of the end of Carnival and the entrance to Lent, accompanied by penance and fasting. The Incappucciati also knock on house doors to collect offerings (salami, cheese, sausage) to be auctioned off in the town square. The proceeds are used to organise the Purgatory Lunch, which is held on Ash Wednesday and during which mercy is asked for the souls in Purgatory.
The event of the Tentavecchie is held in the first days of January and young people parade through the village streets making a tremendous noise with lids, pots, cowbells and so on. According to an old legend, they want to wake up the befana to remind her to bring gifts to the children. The noise, according to other tales, was useful to hide Jesus' tears so that he would not be found by Herod.
Typical products of Gradoli
If you go to Gradoli you must try the Aleatico, a sweet wine with which the Etruscans fell in love. Then there are the tender white Purgatory beans, an excellent extra virgin olive oil and Grechetto wine.
BY CAR
BY TRAIN
To get to Gradoli by train, the nearest station is:
BY AIR
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