Bolsena – A delightful medieval town
Bolsena – A delightful medieval town, is situated on the north-eastern slope of Bolsena lake. Bolsena is a touristic town with many elegant hotels and restaurants that will make your stay interesting and pleasurable.
The history of Bolsena town
The origins of Bolsena town date back to the 3rd century B.C.
At that time, here was an Etruscan settlement named Velzna. The Romans conquered Velzna and become a Roman settlement. The latin name for the town, Volsini, refers to the Etruscan Velzna.
The population of Volsini deserted the Roman settlement during the invasion of the Longobards. They went where today is the medieval quarter of the Castle of Bolsena.
At the end of the Longobardic rule, Bolsena became part of the territory that belonged to the Church. In 1398, Pope Boniface IX gave Bolsena to the Monaldeschi della Cervara family.
Bolsena has important remains from Roman period. The remains consist in religious buildings, the amphitheater, the old Roman city center. There is also a large basilica, private houses with valuable frescoes and mosaic flooring and the thermal bath.
Monaldeschi Castle
Between 11th and 14th century Monaldeschi Family built the Monaldeschi Castle that houses Lake Bolsena Territorial Museum. In the museum you can admire the archeological findings that document the history and culture of different civilizations in the lake Bolsena area.
The main tower of the Castle which overlooks Bolsena, built in 1295, had the function of garrison for the troops defending the territory against the attacks from Orvieto. Monaldeschi family carried out the restauration of the Castle’s fortifications, and built the other 3 towers of the Castle.
In the 14th century, when the soldiers of the Holy Roman Empire attacked Bolsena, they damaged the Castle. Governor Tiberio Crispo restored the Castle in the 17th century and transformed it into prison and store.
In 1973 the restauration works revealed decorated ceramic objects discovered at the base of the tower consisting of: plates, mugs, pots and basins. These findings demonstrate the commercial activity of Bolsena and the exchange of products with towns in Lazio, Umbria and Tuscany.
Basilica di Santa Cristina
The Basilica di Santa Cristina is the most important monument of Bolsena. Santa Cristina is the Patron Saint of Bolsena. The Romans martyrized Santa Cristina for her Christian faith when she was only 11 years old.
The Basilica was built in the 11th century and the bell tower that is three floors high was built in the 13th century.
The construction of the Basilica brings together 4 churches of different eras: Grotta di Santa Cristina, the Romanesque building, the Capella del Miracolo and the Capella di S. Leonardo.
The Eucharistic Miracle happened in the Basilica in 1263, during the period when the Church held control over Bolsena. A consecrated host begun to bleed over the corporal. The Eucharistic Miracle formed the origins of the religious festival Corpus Domini, established by Pope Urban IV.
What to do in Bolsena town
Bolsena – A delightful medieval town, has charming streets, palaces and piazzas full of history and art that you can visit. I recommend you to take a walk in the beautiful quarter of the Castle where you can admire the medieval buildings admirably well preserved. In the old town center you can enjoy shopping in the little boutiques with beautiful clothes, leather items and typical products of Bolsena region.
Bolsena – A delightful medieval town, has beautiful beaches at the lake where you can relax in the sun or shade and you can enjoy swimming in the clear blue water of this magnificent lake.
