Salong the old Via Francigena stands the temple of S. Flaviano . The temple is a treasure trove of paintings linked to the world of pilgrimage and of fanciful capitals bearing witness to an unexpected sense of humour. From the stronghold dominating the lake and the houses you can enjoy a fully encompassing view from Cimini to the sea the same view that left popes and papal legates spellbound. The same is quite likely to have happened to Johann Defuk, drunk with Est Est Est..
Walking along the high lake banks, you will eventually come to the old town on the eastern shore, where you can admire the highly original collegiate church of St Christina. The complex includes three intercommunicating churches. You may also see the 4 th -century catacombs where miraculous events led to the establishment of the Corpus Domini festivity. The steep alleys winding through the houses lead up to the imposing castle of Monaldeschi della Cervara ; from the top of the castle you can discover the intense blue of the lake’s waters and its two little islands, Martana & Bisentina. Boat rides to Bisentina are available in spring and summer.
The renowned “Dying City”. It springs out of the blue, all huddled up on the terribly steep tuff spur rising out of the barren valley of the Calanchi, eroded into shape by the elements. The tuff is on clay ground the cause of the spur’s ephemeral state and of the relentless and unavoidable crumbling of the built-up area. The modern entrance ramp leads into Civita, an almost dream place for the lack of asphalt and cars. A town that has remained intact and uninhabited since the late-16 th century.
