The largest volcanic lake in Europe, with two islands and a miracle
Lake Bolsena, in northern Lazio, fills the crater of the ancient Vulsini volcano: it is the largest lake of volcanic origin in Europe, with clear water, two islands, Bisentina and Martana, and shores lined with beaches, reeds and villages. Its fish, especially the coregone and the eel, have been famous since the Middle Ages: Dante put in Purgatory a pope who died from eating too many Bolsena eels.
The town of Bolsena, overlooked by the Rocca Monaldeschi, is famous for the Eucharistic Miracle of 1263, when a host bled during a mass in the basilica of Santa Cristina: the event led to the institution of the feast of Corpus Domini and the construction of Orvieto Cathedral. Around the lake, the villages of Capodimonte, Marta and Montefiascone offer views and lakeside walks.
Tip: in summer boats leave from Bolsena and Capodimonte for the island of Bisentina, with its Farnese villa and chapels; the sunset over the lake is spectacular.
Where it is
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Where to stay near Bolsena
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