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THE LAKE OF BOLSENA
The Lake Bolsena is the largest volcanic lake in Europe. It is situated at 305 meters above sea level, it has a surface of 114 square kilometres and a perimeter of 43.175 kilometres, and it has a maximum depth of 151 metres.
Its round shape is due to the fact that, about 400,000 years ago, a wide area collapsed following the volcanic activity of the surrounding areas (Bolsena, Montefiascone and Latera). Its two islands have been formed about 122,000 yeas ago by underwater eruptions. Once they were the shelter for local inhabitants during the invasions of Longobards and Saracens, then the Pope resided there, under the Farnese dynasty; today those islands keep remarkable traces of Etruscan and Roman settlements. Several archaeological finds from the lake floor are exhibited in the Museum of the Lake Bolsena.
A boat service starting from Bolsena and Capodimonte allows the circumnavigation of the Lake as well as of the islands, (with a guided tour of the Bisentina island). On the lake, it is not difficult to sight migrators such as bald-coots, dun-birds, wild ducks, cormorants and others.
The various ichthyic species living in the lake, thanks to the excellent state of water, represent the pride of the gastronomy in the restaurants of the lake shores. The Bolsena lake is the ideal place for any kind of water sport as well as for relax, surrounded by a charming environment and nature.
The Lake Bolsena is the largest volcanic lake in Europe. It is situated at 305 meters above sea level, it has a surface of 114 square kilometres and a perimeter of 43.175 kilometres, and it has a maximum depth of 151 metres.
Its round shape is due to the fact that, about 400,000 years ago, a wide area collapsed following the volcanic activity of the surrounding areas (Bolsena, Montefiascone and Latera). Its two islands have been formed about 122,000 yeas ago by underwater eruptions. Once they were the shelter for local inhabitants during the invasions of Longobards and Saracens, then the Pope resided there, under the Farnese dynasty; today those islands keep remarkable traces of Etruscan and Roman settlements. Several archaeological finds from the lake floor are exhibited in the Museum of the Lake Bolsena.
A boat service starting from Bolsena and Capodimonte allows the circumnavigation of the Lake as well as of the islands, (with a guided tour of the Bisentina island). On the lake, it is not difficult to sight migrators such as bald-coots, dun-birds, wild ducks, cormorants and others.
The various ichthyic species living in the lake, thanks to the excellent state of water, represent the pride of the gastronomy in the restaurants of the lake shores. The Bolsena lake is the ideal place for any kind of water sport as well as for relax, surrounded by a charming environment and nature.