Monti Vulsini

The volcanic eruptions which millions of years ago involved the volcanic network under the Vulsini mountains, due to the structural collapse of the surface which enclosed the magmatic halls under the various vulcanoes, led to the formation of the largest and most spectacular volcanic -born lake in Europe. Its millions of years has seen historic events harking back to the protovillanovian and villanovian periods (X-VIII-I centuries B.C.), ranging through the Etruscan (VIII-I centuries B.C.) and Roman eras up to the times of the sumptuous residences of popes and cardinals. Thanks to its limpid waters and the luxuriant and unspoiled nature which surrounds it, this area represents a diamond set in a territory, almost entirely still to be explored.

More informations on: Avetruria Tour Operator

Lago di Bolsena (30 Km)

At an altitude of 305 metres above sea-level, the lake covers 114 square kms with a 43,175 km perimeter, a width of little more than 13 kms and a maximum depth of 151 ms. The surface temperature or ‘scilla’, ranges over the Seasons, between 25°C and 8°C, whereas at 130-140 ms deep it remains at a constant 8°C throughout the year. A natural oasis for migratory and non-migratory birds such as coots, tufted ducks, mallards, great-crested grebes, loons and seagull colonies, the Bolsena is also called the peasant lake because of the tilled fields all around it. Its abundant fish-life numbers various species including the extremely tasty whitefish, eels, pike, perch, trout and whitebait, a small fish typically used for frying. Environmentally fascinating, the Bolsena lake is rendered even more authentic by the cordial hospitality of its people, together with the opportunity to practise water sports or bask in the relaxing sun. Thanks to its public water transport, with landings both in Bolsena and Capodimonte, visitors can circumnavigate the lake and its islands with guided tours over the extraordinary Bisentina island, a natural, botanic garden bearing witness to its grandiose papal history under the Farnese family, counselled and assisted by their favourite architect and engineer Antonio da Sangallo.

Montefiascone (25 Km)

This well-know tourist spot, situated at 640 ms above sea-level, offers to its visitors a breath-taking view stretching 360 degrees as far as the Tyrrenean sea, ranging over nearby Tuscany, the Appennines and Viterbo at the foot of the Cimini mountainSt. Famous for its home-grown wine Est! Est! Est! Montefiascone sets aside for this product, from 1-15 August a variety of festivals, all unique, with a wealth of typical folklore.

Bolsena (30 Km)

Travelling on to the North, flanking the right bank of the lake, after 13 kms we reach Bolsena, celebrated for its Eucharistic Miracle. In this very place, in the year 1263, the miracle took place giving birth to the celebrations known in the entire Christian world as ‘Corpus Domini’. In the St. Cristina Basilica besides viewing the altar, where the miracle occurred and a fragment of the marble stained with the blood which dripped from the consecrated Host during the Mass, the visitor can also tour the impressive catacombs. The Etruscan origins of Bolsena also invite visits to other particularly beautiful and interesting sites, such as the Museum of the lake at the Castello Monaldeschi or the archeological digs in Poggio Moscini.

Orvieto (44 Km)

Built for defence on a tufa cliff, also of volcanic origin, Orvieto offers visitors a welcoming historic centre geared up for tourism with is Majestic Orvieto cathedral whose mosaic facade stands out kms away while they travel along the road leading to the town. The Cathedral houses Relics and other fragments of the floor, blood-stained during the Eucharistic Miracle which took place in Bolsena in 1263. Another site of great tourist attraction is the ‘St. Patrick’s Well’ explorable to its maximum depth by means of a double, spiral stairway, illuminated by 72 windows (designed by Sangallo the Younger). Shopping enthusiasts will find more than just interesting the hand-painted pottery or the D.O.C. wine and many other gastronomic specialities.

Civita di Bagnoregio (27 Km)

Arriving from Orvieto, on the return journey, we come very close to another jewel of the Tuscia territory. A tufa cliff leaning over a valley surrounded by splendid white gullies, linked to the ordinary road network by a spectacular, modern bridge, passable only on foot with an sloping incline easily accessible to all. On reaching the cliff itself you enter a scenario taking you back in history. Despite restoration, ‘the dying city’, thus defined because of the few residents left (around 12), presents itself in a splendour totally dedicated to the numerous tourists who visit, with just two small bars, two tiny trattorie, an oil and wine tasting venue, a church and many, unique and picturesque scenes to gaze at and photograph.