The journey to discover the 6 most beautiful lakes in Italy ends in beauty on the blue water of Lake Bolsena, fifth largest in Italy, located in Northern Lazio, between Umbria and Tuscany. It covers 114 square kilometers and has a perimeter of 43 kilometers. Moreover, it is the largest volcanic lake in all of Europe.
Fonte: italia.it
Lake Bolsena, in fact, is located in the caldera of Vulsinio, a volcanic complex that, after several eruptions, has first emptied and then filled with water. Through a mini boat trip, you can reach the two islands that belong to the lake, namely Bisentina and Martana, remnants of two underwater eruptive cones.
What to see on Lake Bolsena
Lake Bolsena is about an hour’s drive from Rome so, starting from the capital, you can visit many nearby places of extraordinary beauty. Here are the main ones:
Montefiascone
Montefiascone is a village located about 600 meters above sea level, which allows visitors to have a complete view of the entire lake. Its historic center houses the Rocca dei Papi, a fortress built at the behest of Pope Innocent III as a strategic point, which now houses the Museum of Architecture of Antonio da Sangallo the Younger.
Fonte: visitarelatuscia.it
In the historic center there is also the Basilica of Santa Margherita, whose construction is assumed to have also participated Bramante, while outside you can admire the Basilica of San Flaviano.
Bolsena
Along the lake you reach Bolsena, the village that takes its name from the homonymous lake, characterized by a typically medieval urban structure. Arriving on the site, in fact, you immediately notice the Rocca Monaldeschi della Cervara, an ancient fortress that currently houses the Territorial Museum of Lake Bolsena.
Fonte: visitbolsena.it
Of great historical and cultural interest are also the Palazzo del Drago, also known as Palazzo Cozza Crispo, and the Fountain of San Rocco whose waters, according to legend, would have miraculous powers.
Steps
Gradoli is a small medieval village dominated by the majestic Palazzo Farnese built in the sixteenth century that now houses the Farnesian Costume Museum and the National Center for Studies on the Farnese Family.
Fonte: e-borghi.com
Not to be missed are the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Maddalena, the Church of San Pietro in Vinculis and the Church of San Magno.
Capodimonte
On a panoramic rocky promontory stands Capodimonte, a small medieval village dominated by the imposing Rocca Farnese, where the members of the homonymous noble family often stayed.
Fonte: siviaggia.it
The other attractions to visit are the Collegiate Church of S. Maria Assunta, the Palazzo Borghese (now the town hall) the Palazzo Poniatowski (also known as the Palazzaccio) and the Museum of Navigation in the Inland Waters.
What to eat at Lake Bolsena: typical dishes and wines
The various municipalities overlooking Lake Bolsena are linked by a very similar gastronomic tradition and, of course, by typical recipes absolutely unmissable. The surrounding area offers raw materials of the highest quality, especially legumes and vegetables; not to mention the vineyards, which allow the production of white and red wines known and loved all over the world.
Fonte: wips.plug.it
Who is visiting this heavenly place, must categorically taste:
- coregone: fish native to the waters of the lake, can be prepared following different recipes, such as miller, stewed with tomato or boiled and then seasoned with green sauce;
- eel: another fish particularly appreciated, is usually served at Christmas after being roasted on a skewer with laurel or cooked stewed, to the hunter or fried;
- hare and wild boar: Tuscia is a land of game, so you can not miss dishes based on game such as the famous hare and wild boar, a tasty dish and super caloric;
- IGP potatoes of Alto Viterbese: they are distinguished from other varieties for their intense and pleasant taste, which allows them to be tasty fried, baked or used for the preparation of mashed potatoes and croquettes;
- lentils: called De.Co and members of the Slow Food presidia, are super tasty and are suitable for the preparation of soups and soups or as a side dish for main courses based on game.
These delicious dishes deserve to be accompanied by a glass of good wine that, near Lake Bolsena, is certainly not lacking. Among the labels to try absolutely include Gradoli, a red that is also suitable for the production of an excellent passito, and Cannaiola di Marta; as for white wines, instead, here is Castrense Bianco, a blend of Malvasia del Lazio, Malvasia di Candia, Greco and Trebbiano Toscano, and the famous East! Est!! Est!! from Montefiascone, made from Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia bianca Toscana and Trebbiano Giallo grapes. Drink responsibly and wait for the sunset on the shores of the lake in the company of those you love.
Copertina: estateromana
