Further information about Bolsena, past and present

Bolsena can trace its origins back as far as the 7-6C BC when it became the main Etruscan stronghold until it was destroyed by the Romans in 264 BC, taking its name from the Latin "Volsinii" which in turn came from the Etruscan “Velzna”. Then in 1263 an extraordinary event occurred in Bolsena: a doubting priest named Pietro da Praga was celebrating mass in the Basilica of Santa Cristina, built in honour of the Saint who was born and lived her short life in Bolsena until being tortured to death because of her Christian beliefs during Roman domination, when actual drops of blood fell from the host he was blessing and fell onto the linen altar cloth and onto the marble altar. This was proclaimed a miracle and some relics are on display in Santa Cristina’s Basilica. Such was the importance of this event that in 1290 work was started on the magnificent Duomo in nearby Orvieto specifically to house part of the relics.

Bolsena has many restaurants and bars which offer delectable local dishes and notable wines, many small shops selling fresh local produce, clothes, leathergoods and jewellery, three supermarkets, two petrol stations and two banks (with 24 hr cash machines), plus it has a market every Tuesday morning which people flock to from miles around.

Lake Bolsena offers a variety of leisure activities, such as swimming, water-skiing, diving, snorkelling, sailing, windsurfing, boat trips and paragliding, and the beaches are quiet, clean and perfect for families.

Sunset over Bolsena marina

Boat trips on Lake Bolsena

Boat trips on Lake Bolsena and more information on Bolsena

Holiday rentals