Bolsena

Bolsena is a town and comune in the Lazio region of central Italy, located in the province of Viterbo. It sits on the southern shore of Lake Bolsena and is surrounded by the hills of the Lazio volcanic district. The town preserves a compact medieval core with narrow streets, stone houses, and views across the lake.

The principal landmark is the Cattedrale di Santa Cristina, the town’s cathedral, which houses the relics of Saint Christina and reflects a blend of medieval and early Renaissance architecture. Bolsena’s historic center and lakeside setting make it a popular destination for visitors exploring the region’s cultural and natural heritage.

Bolsena is notable in Catholic tradition for the Miracle of Bolsena in 1263, when a priest celebrating Mass reportedly experienced a Eucharistic miracle. The event influenced Pope Urban IV to establish the Feast of Corpus Christi, which helped spread devotion to the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

The local economy relies on tourism, agriculture, and services that support visitors to the lake and its surroundings. Activities on Lake Bolsena include boating and fishing, while the hinterland offers olive oil and wine production as part of the region’s rural economy. Bolsena thus functions as a gateway for exploring the lake, nearby Montefiascone, and the broader volcanic landscape of the area.