LAKE BOLSENA.

Lake Bolsena is the fifth largest lake in Italy, in the main caldera of the Vulsinio volcanic complex.
It is the largest lake of volcanic origin in Europe; in fact, it was formed by the collapse of the Vulsinio volcanic apparatus, which following lava eruptions emptied and collapsed in on itself, forming a huge caldera, slowly filled with water.
There are two beautiful islands in the lake, the Bisentina and the Martana.
There are many fish and of various species in the lake.The main ones present at present are: the excellent whitefish, pike, perch, trout perch, carp, tench, rudd (improperly called lasca here), and finally the small whitebait, which is often preyed upon by predatory fish and waterfowl. Given the abundance of food and the protection given to them, the presence of waterfowl, especially migratory ones, is very high.
The lake is navigable, and the small village of capodimonte boasts an excellent marina, where many keen sailors dock their boats.If, however, you do not own your own boat in the summer season, you can tour the lake with boats, which in addition to the scenic aspect offer aperitifs with excellent local products to taste during the excursion.
If, on the other hand, you prefer to take the overland hiking tour, either by car or motorcycle or by bicycle-in fact, the lake is a destination for many avid cyclists-a number of small eateries have sprung up on the shores, often in old fishermen’s huts, where you can enjoy dishes made with fish from the lake.

WHAT TO SEE.

The inhabited centers, rich in history, both on the shores and on the ridges of the Volsini Mountains, are many. Starting from Bolsena and following the scenic route clockwise, mentioning the most important ones:

• Bolsena, the town that gave the lake its name.
• Montefiascone, with the most beautiful overall view of the lake.
• Marta, main and active fishing port.
• Capodimonte, on the picturesque promontory that juts out into the lake.
• Gradoli, on a tuff outcrop within the crater enclosure.
• Bisentina Island, attractive and curvaceous like a beautiful woman.
• Martana Island, the famous island of Queen Amalasunta.

HISTORY.

From a historical point of view, the earliest human settlements date back to the Neolithic and Iron and Bronze Ages, and were mainly pile-dwelling villages that stood on the shores of the lake. It was only later with the rule of the Villanovans that the most important centers were created, such as Vesentum (Bisenzio) and Volsinii (Bolsena), which later flourished in the Etruscan age of which we also find mention in some of Pliny’s writings. After this Etruscan period of great development, the lake was besieged and then invaded by the Romans.