Gradoli

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. The food and wine itineraries winding through the village streets offer the opportunity to taste not only Aleatico and Purgatorio beans, excellent extra virgin olive oil and Grechetto wine, but also a variety of typical dishes prepared according to recipes handed down from generation to generation. Local trattorias and restaurants, often family-run, welcome visitors with dishes such as homemade pasta with meat and fresh vegetable sauces, and fish specialities from the lake, such as pike and tench, that capture the unique flavour of the area's culinary tradition. There is also no shortage of gastronomic events, such as festivals and fairs, dedicated to local products that celebrate the richness and variety of Latium cuisine. During your visit, the fragrant air of the kitchens and the vibrant colours of the local market, where farmers and producers offer their fresh produce, create a welcoming and lively atmosphere, inviting you to explore and savour all that Gradoli has to offer. Concluding a day of cultural visits with a dinner that expresses the warmth and welcome of the village will make the experience unforgettable. Therefore, do not hesitate to plan a visit to Gradoli: the village awaits you with its history, traditions and an authentic gastronomic experience that will not disappoint.