Bolsena

Bolsena is one of the most characteristic villages in northern Lazio, overlooking the shores of Lake Bolsena, the largest volcanic lake in Europe. Its medieval historic centre, perched on a hill, dominates the harbour and the lakeside promenade, creating a striking contrast between stone, water, and sky.

Bolsena is famous throughout the Catholic world for the Eucharistic Miracle of 1263: in the Basilica of Santa Cristina, a Bohemian priest on pilgrimage to Rome doubted the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist and, during Mass, drops of blood flowed from the consecrated host, staining the corporal and some altar stones. This event led to the institution of the feast of Corpus Domini by Pope Urban IV in 1264. Every year, on Corpus Domini, the streets of the historic centre are decorated with flower carpets (the “Infiorata”) and a solemn procession of the “Sacred Stone”, a relic associated with the miracle, takes place.

In the upper village, Rocca Monaldeschi della Cervara and Palazzo Monaldeschi house the Territorial Museum of Lake Bolsena, with archaeological sections, underwater finds, medieval ceramics, and an aquarium dedicated to the lake’s fauna. Nearby are the Etruscan walls of Volsinii, the ancient Etruscan-Roman city from which Bolsena originates, and the Archaeological and Natural Park of Turona.

The lakeside promenade offers walks, restaurants, lidos, and water sports, while the historic centre invites visitors to wander among alleys, artisan shops, and small squares. For guests staying at Casetta di Pitigliano, Bolsena is an ideal destination for a day trip: it combines history, spirituality, nature, and relaxation on the shores of one of Italy’s most beautiful lakes, just a short drive from the Tuscan Maremma.