Azienda Agricola e Frantoio Battaglini - Via Cassia, Km 111,700 - 01023 BOLSENA - VT - Italia

 Tel.e Fax: +39 0761 79.88.47 - e-mail: oliodibolsena@frantoiobattaglini.it

 

Bolsena and the Lake

Bolsena is the ancient Etruscan village of Velzna which developed into the Roman town of Volsini. It holds the sacred place of the Eucharistic Miracle of Corpus Christi in 1263 depicted by the Vatican fresco by Raphael. It is the town of the martyr Christina, who together with the Etruscan goddess of the lake protects and blesses the climate, water, soil and seasons. 

This natural cradle, forged by a powerful volcano and appeased by many sweet springs, yields a unique environment which is revealed by: the quality of the local fruit and the quality of products derived from them; the tastes, scents and colour of the local gastronomy; the beauty of the natural surrounding; the rich history; the artistic, religious and cultural heritage and the local traditions associated with the lake.

Bolsena is situated on the north-eastern shore of the lake at a variant height of 304m to 360m above sea level. The local population is approximately 4500, however during the summer season the number of people tends to quadruple with the presence of Italian and foreign tourists. The hotels, camping sites and farmhouses offered to the holiday makers are amongst the best in the province. The main attractions are the beauty of the landscape and the lake with its warm waters, rich in a variety of fish. Evidence of the millenary history are clearly visible at the Etruscan and Roman excavations and at the Lake Bolsena Territorial Museum situated in the medieval castle of Rocca Monaldeschi della Cervara which overlooks the modern town and lake. The celebrations to honour the patron saint of Bolsena, St Cristina, are also an impressive sight. Each year on the feast day, July 23^rd and 24^th, the mysteries are acted out in the main square, depicting the martyrdom and death of St Christina as the main processions passes by making its way to the church dedicated to the saint, the Basilica of Saint Christina. Within this Basilica there is also the chapel with the famous Altar of the Miracle of Corpus Christi, the alter is preserved from the time of the miracle in 1263. Christians throughout the world still celebrate the feast of Corpus Christi, in Bolsena this is celebrated by a procession passing along the streets covered with a carpet of flowers.

Lake Bolsena is one of the most charming lakes in Italy for its natural landscape and ancient magic. It is derived from volcanic origins and is the largest volcanic lake in Europe and the fifth largest lake in Italy. It has a 43km perimeter, a surface area of about 115km2 and a maximum dept of more than 150m. The lake has a perfect ecosystem that allows the variety of animal and plant species to inhabit the lake environment and the hilly Mediterranean area of central Italy. Rising up from the deep waters of the lake are the two precious, naturalistic jewels of unique beauty, the islands of Martana and Bisentina.

oil