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Largo Salvo D’Acquisto, 01023 Bolsena, Italy (September 2019)
Bolsena
Bolsena is a charming town in central Italy, nestled on the shores of Lake Bolsena in the northern part of the Lazio region. Known for its stunning scenery, historical richness, and tranquil atmosphere, it is often described as one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. The town lies along the ancient Via Cassia, a Roman road that once connected Rome to Tuscany, and still retains traces of its medieval character with narrow cobbled streets, stone houses, and panoramic views of the lake and surrounding hills.
The heart of Bolsena is its magnificent lake, the largest volcanic lake in Europe. Formed thousands of years ago from the collapse of a volcanic crater, Lake Bolsena is renowned for its clear, clean waters and peaceful environment. It is a haven for swimming, sailing, kayaking, and fishing. The shoreline is dotted with small beaches, charming fishing boats, and lakeside restaurants serving freshly caught fish such as coregone and persico, prepared with olive oil and local herbs. At sunset, the reflection of the sky on the lake creates a breath-taking spectacle that has inspired artists and travellers for centuries.
Bolsena’s history stretches back to Etruscan times. The area was once part of the powerful Etruscan city-state of Volsinii, which later became a Roman colony. Throughout the Middle Ages, the town flourished under papal influence and became an important stop on the Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrimage route leading from Canterbury to Rome. Its most famous event occurred in 1263, when a miracle took place in the Basilica of Santa Cristina. According to tradition, a Bohemian priest who doubted the doctrine of transubstantiation saw the consecrated host bleed during Mass. This event led to the establishment of the Catholic feast of Corpus Christi and made Bolsena a destination for pilgrims from around the world.
The town’s architecture reflects its layered history. The Rocca Monaldeschi della Cervara, a medieval fortress overlooking the lake, now houses a museum that tells the story of the region through archaeological finds, religious artifacts, and exhibits on local traditions. The historic centre, with its stone walls and flower-filled balconies, invites visitors to stroll and discover hidden courtyards, artisan shops, and small trattorias serving traditional dishes. Today, Bolsena combines authenticity and serenity. It is a place where time seems to move slowly, where nature and history coexist harmoniously, and where visitors can experience the essence of rural Italy while enjoying the timeless beauty of the lake and its surroundings.
Worth a Visit
Via Porta Romana in Bolsena is one of the town’s most historically significant streets, offering a glimpse into the medieval soul of this charming lakeside community in central Italy. Situated within the region of Lazio, Bolsena is known for its deep Etruscan and Roman roots, as well as for its scenic setting along the shores of Lake Bolsena. Via Porta Romana serves as a symbolic and physical link between the ancient past and the present, as it leads directly from one of the original gateways, Porta Romana, into the historic centre of the town. As the name suggests, Via Porta Romana once marked the entrance into Bolsena for travellers coming from the south, particularly from Rome.
The Collegiata di Santa Cristina in Bolsena is a remarkable religious complex that stands as a testament to centuries of devotion, artistry, and architectural evolution in the heart of central Italy. Located in the picturesque lakeside town of Bolsena, in the province of Viterbo, the church is dedicated to Saint Christina, a young martyr whose legend has been central to the town’s spiritual and cultural identity since the early Christian era. The site is not only revered for its connection to the saint but also for its association with the Miracle of Bolsena, an event that played a crucial role in the institution of the Catholic Feast of Corpus Christi. The Collegiata, with its origins tracing back to the 11th century, is built over the catacombs believed to house the tomb of Saint Christina, a Roman girl martyred during the reign of Emperor Diocletian.
Piazza Matteotti is the vibrant heart of Bolsena, a charming lakeside town in the Lazio region of central Italy. Located just a short walk from the shores of Lake Bolsena, this lively square serves as the main gathering place for locals and visitors alike. It is the social, cultural, and commercial centre of the town, where history and modern life come together in a uniquely Italian atmosphere. Framed by a mix of medieval buildings, Renaissance facades, and bustling cafes, Piazza Matteotti captures the essence of Bolsena’s enduring appeal: a place where the past is never far from the present. Named after Giacomo Matteotti, the Italian politician and anti-fascist martyr, the piazza has played a central role in the town’s civic life for centuries.
The Chiesa di San Salvatore in Bolsena is a hidden gem of religious and historical significance, offering a quiet yet profound glimpse into the town’s ancient Christian roots. Located in the upper part of Bolsena near the medieval Rocca Monaldeschi, this church is one of the oldest in the area and stands as a powerful symbol of continuity between the early Christian era and the medieval development of the town. Though often overshadowed by the more famous Collegiata di Santa Cristina, San Salvatore is no less important in the religious and architectural landscape of Bolsena. The origins of the church date back to the early Middle Ages, possibly as early as the 8th or 9th century, built on or near the site of earlier Roman structures.
The Museo Territoriale del Lago di Bolsena is a cultural and historical treasure nestled within the walls of the Rocca Monaldeschi della Cervara, the medieval fortress that overlooks the town of Bolsena and its stunning volcanic lake. Established in the 20th century and expanded over the years, the museum offers a comprehensive exploration of the natural, archaeological, and historical heritage of the Lake Bolsena area. Through its diverse collections and thoughtfully curated exhibits, it serves as a gateway to understanding the rich layers of human and environmental history that have shaped this unique region of central Italy. Occupying several levels of the restored fortress, the museum is divided into thematic sections that guide visitors through a chronological and geographical journey.
Photo Gallery of Walk 1 – Largo Salvo D’Acquisto to Porto di Bolsena, Viale Armando Diaz
Approximately 1.31 km – 0.81 miles
The walk starts in Largo Salvo D’Acquisto – Via Acqua della Croce – Via IV Novembre – Via Porta Romana – Piazza Santa Cristina – Collegiata di Santa Cristina, Via Giuseppe Mazzini – Corso della Repubblica – Piazza Matteotti – Via Roma – Viale Nord Colesanti – Piazzale Dante Alighieri – Viale Armando Diaz – Porto di Bolsena, Viale Armando Diaz
Photo Gallery of Walk 2 – Viale Armando Diaz to Via Etruria
Approximately 1.42 km – 0.88 miles
The walk starts in Viale Armando Diaz – Viale Cristoforo Colombo – Via Cassia Nord – Via Cassia Vecchia – Piazza S. Giovanni – Via Porta Fiorentina – Piazza S. Rocco – Corso Cavour – Via del Castello – Via Etruria
Photo Gallery of Walk 3 – Via Guglielmo Marconi to Piazza S. Rocco
Approximately 0.36 km – 0.22 miles
The walk starts in Via Guglielmo Marconi – Piazza Monaldeschi – Chiesa di San Salvatore – Piazza Monaldeschi – Piazza della Rocca – Passaggio da Piazza Monaldeschi a Piazza S. Rocco – Piazza S. Rocco
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