Discover Lake Bolsena – one of the largest volcanic lakes in Europe
Formed in the main caldera of the “Vulsinio” volcanic complex. Lake Bolsena is the largest in Italy, it is home to two islands: the Bisentina island and the Martana island, remnants of volcanic craters, it is the largest lake of volcanic origin in Europe.
In the lake there are many fish of various species: whitefish, pike, perch, carp, tench and lather. The boats used for fishing in these parts are very particular and almost unchanged since ancient times.
Being very large (114.5 km2 of surface and 43 km of perimeter) the lake bathes eight municipalities (Bolsena, Montefiascone, Marta, Capodimonte, Valentano, Gradoli, Grotte di Castro, San Lorenzo Nuovo), ancient villages each to be visited both from historical-landscape point of view and for the beaches, to enjoy a swim in the lake. Furthermore, on the shores of Lake Bolsena and in the villages listed, numerous trattorias have sprung up, often originating from old fishermen’s huts (these especially on the eastern side of the lake in the municipality of Gradoli), where you can taste fish-based dishes, local products and the wines of the area. All countries are perfect for a culinary experience. Fish certainly, but also excellent wines (Est!Est!Est! in Montefiascone, Cannaiola in Marta, Aleatico in Gradoli) and oil (in this area of Lazio there are numerous oil mills and farms that process food products such as potatoes from Grotte di Castro or Onano lentil).
What to See at Lake Bolsena
Discover the countries and what to see around Lake Bolsena
Bolsena
Located on the slopes of the Volsini mountains on the north-east side of the lake is the city that gives it its name. A very fascinating medieval village home to the Romanesque style Collegiate Church of Santa Cristina, built in the 11th century on ancient and partly unexplored Christian catacombs and a chapel built in 1693 in memory of the Eucharistic miracle of 1263. The Castle, visible even from afar, is located in the upper part of the town and is home to the lake’s territorial museum. The whole historic center is worth a visit as is the lakeside for a nice walk. Among the events of the town, the famous Corpus Domini flower display and the Feast of Santa Cristina (24 July) are famous.
Montefiascone
We are on the south-east side of the lake a few kilometers from Viterbo.. Montefiascone is certainly the most suitable town on the lake for enjoying the view. Founded in the early Middle Ages, it entered the dominions of the Church in the 8th century, of which it became an important centre. The church of S. Flaviano is of Romanesque architecture (11th-12th centuries), while the cathedral, completed in the 17th century, is Renaissance.
Montefiascone is also famous for the production of an important wine, the DOC “Est! East! East!” to which a curious legend is also linked. A festival that takes place in August is also dedicated to this wine, the so-called Wine Fair. This event, deeply felt in the town, is much more than a simple popular festival dedicated to wine.
Martha
It is the southernmost municipality of the lake, the main port still active today, born from an ancient fishing village. A small medieval village with alleys and small squares from which the clock tower “emerges”. The town has always been influenced by the dominion of the Church like this entire area of Lazio. Famous for another typical wine of these areas, the DOC “Cannaiola”, for the lattarino, a small fish to be eaten mainly fried which is also celebrated during the month of May and for the Barabbata festival (also in May, on the 14th) a popular festival/parade of very suggestive ancient origins. Marta is perfect for those who love the beach or a nice walk along the lakeside shaded by imposing plane trees. One of the two islands of the lake, the Martana island, is part of the municipality. It is the smaller of the two islands and cannot be visited except with special permits
Capodimonte
Located on a promontory on the southern side of the lake, Capodimonte is an interesting tourist village built on a small peninsula. The Rocca Farnese (name that derives from the family of the same name that owned these areas in ancient times) which stands out over the town is its main monument but the whole village is worth a visit. The lakefront is very welcoming with a large beach shaded by plane trees. Furthermore, a real gem of this town is the Bisentina island (one of the two islands on Lake Bolsena) which can be visited with excursions that depart from the town’s port or by motorboat.
