Bolsena Lake

Also known by the nickname “Lago che si Beve” (Lake where one Drinks), for the transparency and cleanliness of its waters.

Lago di Bolsena (Bolsena Lake) is located in the high Tuscia Laziale and is seen as one of the most intriguing territories in the province of Viterbo. A volcanic lake, or more preciously the largest lakes of volcanic origins in Europe, Bolsena Lake was formed around 300,000 years ago.

The celebrated location in the centre of Italy is situated in an absolutely splendid and extremely fascinating environment, very close to the Mountain Monte Volsini and the impressive Monte Amiata, between landscapes and natural scenery of profound interest and extraordinary beauty.

Extremely close to the lake lie many small villages which are unquestionably unique and can boast an incredible richness in artistic monuments and ancient churches, all of which have earned great fame and profound importance. On the waters of Bolsena Lake you can admire two splendid islands: the Bisentina and Martana, named after the nearby town Marta, which according to legend, is the location of the murder of the queen of Goti, Amalasunta, at the hands of her cousin.

The waters of the Bolsena Lake are home to a great number of ichthyic species and is therefore one of the most appreciated and famous natural environments in the territory.

In fact you can admire many unique species, including the white lake fish, the fresh water crab, the rock bass and the mullet, as well as many species of bird, including the seagull, the little grebe, grey heron and the cormorant.

The territory of Bolsena Lake is also characteristic for the unique beauty of its countryside, fields of olive trees and vineyards, famous for the production of wine and oil of the highest quality.

This area of Lazio is also very famous for the production of castagne (chestnuts), which are celebrated in a great number of festivals and local fetes.

The island of Bisentina is seen as the most important and grand island of the Bolsena Lake, it boasts an amazing presence of architecture and monuments of great artistic and cultural interest, which enrich, without the doubt, the importance and relevance of the lake, Lago della Tuscia.

Not to miss:

Church of Saints Giacomo and Cristoforo: the principal building of the island, it was built over an already pre-existent religious structure dating back to the middle of the 16th century. Famous for its lead dome, it has hosted some very important people in the past and is decorated with some splendid frescoes.

Oratorio della Santa Concordia (Oratory of the St. Concordia): built on the hills of Zingara, it is completed by a portal with a sloping ceiling and an ancient architrave.

The Covent: dating back to the first half of the 15th century, this convent was home to some fascinating cloisters. Fitted with a kitchen, pantry and cellar; the corridors of this amazing building are incredibly beautiful and lead off into the small cells of the monks.

Oratorio di San Gregorio (Oratory of St. Gregory): an ancient construction of which today there remains only a few ruins.

Oratorio di San Francesco (Oratory of St. Francesco): today only the ruins of this building, built in 1450, remain. Recognised as the oldest building on the island, its raised position provided, for centuries, proection to fisherman.

Oratorio del Monte Tabor (Oratory of Monte Tabor): also known as the Oratory of Transfiguration, its construction dates back to the 1460’s and is custodian to many frescoes depicting “ La Transfigurazione” (The Transfiguration).

Oratorio del Monte Calvario (Oratory of Monte Calvario): a wonderful building, it is the only one of the oratories not to be deconsecrated and was built in the southern part of the Island of Bisentina. Inside you can find many splendid frescoes, including one depicting the “Quattro Doti della Chiesa” (Four Dowries of the Church) and the “Quattro Evangelisti” (Four Evangelists).

Church of St. Caterina: also known as ‘Rocchina,’ due to its ottagonal shape, reminiscent of the fortress of Capodimonte. Rising on a small rocky hill it is one of the most beautiful buildings in the area.

La Malta: a sort of tuff well, accessed by entering a corridor at least 45 metres long. In the past it was used as an ecclesiastic prison, in fact it was such a terrible place that it was even mentioned by Dante in his works. Inside many important people were imprisoned, including the Abbot of Montecassino, a Great Maestro of the Knights of the Templar and eleven priests condemned for heresy.

Giardino all’Italiana (Italian Garden): a typical example of Renaissance culture, realized extremely close to the Church of the Sacred Cristoforo and Giacomo.

History:

Of the history of the Lago di Bolsena, we know that the town was already inhabited during the Neolithic period and existed throughout the Iron and Bronze Ages.

During the following centuries the progress of the town was assisted by the Etruscans and the Romans, who built settlements here. In the Middle Ages the dominion of the territory of Bolsena fell under the dynasty of the Lombards and the Saraceni, before passing into the hands of the city of Orvieto, Viterbo, the Papal States and finally the Kingdom of Italy.