My Cart

You have no items in your shopping cart.

Cart Subtotal: €0.00
Proceed to Checkout

View Cart

Bolsena

The city of the Lake between history, art and tourism

  • Discover Bolsena

    If you desire a holiday full of relaxation in a beautiful medieval village, come to Bolsena and stroll on the banks of its picturesque lake Located along the north-eastern shore of the namesaked lake, Bolsena is a charming town located about 350 meters above sea level.


    Among the major attractions of this country, we find immediately the Bolsena lake, one of the cleanest in Europe with its crystal clear waters and the marina, site of a famous sailing school. The lakefront is one of the most beautiful and romantic, with its shady path surrounded by tall pine trees. It is the perfect place to take a walk in the open air, in the company of a stunning view.


    The facilities and the services offered in Bolsena, are manifold: tasty restaurants, romantic holel and B&Bs as well as comfortable camping, everything to offer tourists a holiday of relaxation and nature. There are also many organized events, including the infiorate of Corpus Christi and the Feast of hydrangeas, which fill the streets of the city with many colors and perfumes.


    The real history of Bolsena focuses mainly on the Middle Ages, although there are some Etruscan testimonies related to their presence all over the territory. Instead the whole town of Bolsena is dating back to medieval times, with the ancient Monaldeschi's fortress, which -situated on a hill- it dominates the entire old village. The premises of the Fortress currently house the Territorial Museum of Lake Bolsena, area in which the history of the lake and the various civilizations that have developed on its shores over the years is reconstructed.


    Of great interest, both historical and architectural, is also the Church of San Francesco, dating from the thirteenth century. Initially it was built according to the Romanesque style, however, over the centuries increasingly it took on a gothic look with the most sophisticated style, tangibily testimonied by the finely decorated main door. Bolsena is the ideal destination for a vacation to discover ancient worlds, tradition and culture.

  • What to see in Bolsena

  • Video of Bolsena

  • History of Bolsena

    Bolsena is a beautiful medieval town situated on the foothills of Volsinii mountains and on the shores of the volcanic lake that shares its name. Etruscan of origins, it seems to be dated back to the third century A.C.

    After the longombarde raids, during the fourth century, the population left the old city and settled on the rock that now houses the medieval Castle District and that will be the first settlement of the actual Bolsena.

    Then, between the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, periods of possession of pontifical nature -and not- alternated in this city.

    During the Renaissance Bolsena became a favorite of the likes of: Leone X De Medici, Pius II and Paul III Farnese. Characterized by many ancient remains from the Etruscan and medieval times, Bolsena is a combination of history and tradition, in which to find the magical atmosphere of the past.

    The waters of Lake Bolsena caress the shores of the city, giving the landscape a romantic and melancholy atmosphere.

    By the waters of the lake there are two islands: Bisentina and Martana, both private.

    The first one, whose name comes from the Monte Bisenzio, stands at short distance from the coast. It hosts a naturalistic habitat of rare beauty in which Etruscan and Roman remains are setting.

    Martana instead is well known to the public due to the tragic fate of Amalasunta, the Queen of the Goths, who was killed in this place from her own husband Theodatus.

  • Events Bolsena

    • The mysteries of Santa Cristina: one of the most spectacular religious events is the representation of the Mysteries of Santa Cristina. On this occasion the statue of the saint is moved from the namesaked Basilica, up to the Castle District.
    • Flower Festival of Corpus Domini: on this occasion, all the land of Bolsena is a riot of colors coming from the hundreds of thousands of petals and flowers, gathered in beautiful floral tapestries.
    • Festival of Hydrangeas: During the last weekend of June the town celebrates the Hydrangeas with an event that transforms the village into a beautiful flowered garden for over 3 days.
    • Fish Festival: The second weekend of July the appointment is in Bolsena to savor the extraordinary perch fillets, lattarini, eels, pike and whitefish, with music and food stands.
    • Sant Antonio Abate's Day: January the 17th of each year do not miss the celebration of the Saint with a rich display of events and parties.
    • San Rocco Festival: on the occasion of celebration of San Rocco, every August 16, there are so many events including music, games and tastings of typical products.
    • Medieval Festival: the event takes place the first days of August, and on this occasion you can watch a suggestive historical re-enactment, with historical parade, the contention of the Palio and the opening of the medieval taverns.

    Scopri gli eventi in corso

  • Typical Products of Bolsena

    • Wine: many DOC wines including the Canuleio. As an accompanying wine, it fits perfectly with the products and regional recipes.
    • Vegetables: the large amount of water present in the territory favors the cultivation of several vegetables, including tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, onions, peppers, cucumbers and the famous “boxed” tomato.
    • Oil: extra virgin olive oil, deriving from multiple olive groves that cover the territory of Bolsena. Oil of excellent quality, it has an intense color and flavor that resembles the freshly picked fruit.

    To discover other typical products of this land click here