Bolsena & Basilica of Santa Cristina
Bolsena
A medieval town on the northern shore of Lake Bolsena, with a castle overlooking the lake, and the Basilica of Santa Cristina, site of the 1263 'Miracle of Bolsena'.
Bolsena sits on the hillside above the north shore of the lake. At the top of the old town is the Monaldeschi castle, which houses a lake museum with views over the whole lake. Below the town, the Basilica of Santa Cristina, built in the 11th century, has early Christian burial tombs beneath it. In 1263 a 'bleeding Host' miracle is said to have occurred here, which prompted the pope to establish the Feast of Corpus Christi, and this is also why Orvieto Cathedral was built. Restaurants and beaches line the lakeside promenade, which is busy in summer. It's about 50 minutes by bus from Viterbo.
Opening hours
Open all day; main hall around 07:00–19:00
Nearby sights
- Lake Bolsena
- Montefiascone
- Civita di Bagnoregio
- Ferento
- Piscine Carletti
- Terme dei Papi
- Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Rocca Albornoz
- Tuscania