Lago di Montefiascone Hill Climb

A historic climb in the heart of Tuscia

The Lago di Montefiascone Hill Climb is one of the most renowned hill climb competitions in the Lazio region. It takes place in the municipality of Montefiascone, in the province of Viterbo, along a stretch of the Lake Bolsena Provincial Road that connects the lakeshore to the historic town center perched on the hill. The track, spanning from km 5+150 to km 0+400, alternates fast curves, tight hairpins, and elevation changes: a technical course that drivers consider one of the most selective on the national calendar.

The event dates back to 1961, when the lake road hosted its first timed races. Revived and relaunched by the Automobile Club Viterbo, the hill climb has now reached its twenty-ninth edition and has become a permanent fixture in the Italian Historic Car Hill Climb Championship, attracting enthusiasts from all over Italy and an international audience thanks to live streaming coverage.

How the race works

The format follows the classic style of Italian hill climbs and spans three days. Friday is dedicated to technical and sporting inspections: cars are presented to the stewards and the paddock begins to bustle with activity. On Saturday afternoon, two official practice runs take place, which are essential for memorizing the track and fine-tuning vehicle setups. On Sunday morning, the action kicks off with two race heats, timed individually: the winner is the driver who records the fastest time in their class.

Two worlds coexist on the track. On one hand, there are the historic cars, ranging from 1960s berlinettas to 1970s and 80s sports prototypes, categorized according to regulations. On the other, there are modern vehicles, single-seaters and sports prototypes that offer pure performance and impressive times. It is this very blend of vintage charm and contemporary technology that gives the event its most distinctive character.

The paddock and the atmosphere

Beyond the race, the hill climb is a true local festival. The parc fermé set up along the provincial road and towards Piazzale Roma is open to spectators, who can get up close to the cars, chat with drivers and mechanics, and witness the preparation process. Over the weekend, Montefiascone fills with enthusiasts, and the bars, restaurants, and wine cellars of the historic center enjoy one of the most lively weekends of the year.

• Technical and sporting inspections on Friday
• Two official practice runs on Saturday afternoon
• Two race heats on Sunday morning
• Paddock and parc fermé open to the public
• Award ceremony at the end of the race, near the starting line

Montefiascone, the lake, and the wine

The event is inseparable from its landscape. Montefiascone overlooks Lake Bolsena, the largest volcanic lake in Europe, and the track offers drivers and spectators views that few other circuits can boast. The town is famous throughout Italy for its Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone wine and for the Rocca dei Papi, which overlooks the water: a combination of sport, heritage, and gastronomy that makes the weekend interesting even for those who are not motor racing fans.

Why it's worth the trip

For motorsport enthusiasts, the Lago di Montefiascone Hill Climb is a rare opportunity to see cars that rarely leave private collections. For those visiting Lazio, it is a unique way to discover the Tuscia Viterbese: a territory of medieval villages, thermal baths, Etruscan necropolises, and authentic cuisine, which for one weekend a year lets itself be crossed by the roar of engines.