Capodimonte: Lakeside, Islands and Living History

Capodimonte on Lake Bolsena combines a distinctive lakeside landscape with island experiences, regional cuisine and a history ranging from former military and princely uses to inland navigation. This creates a destination where walks by the water, boat trips, culture and local traditions can be easily combined.

Lakeside Promenade, Lake and Activities

The approximately two-kilometre-long Lungolago di Capodimonte lakeside promenade is called “le pioppe” in the Capodimonte dialect. It runs along a black volcanic-sand beach and is interspersed with green spaces. Wide footpaths are suitable for walking and cycling. On the shore of Lake Bolsena near Capodimonte, sailing, fishing, diving, excursions and trekking on foot, horseback and by mountain bike are also possible.

Excursion boats operate from the port of Capodimonte, including the motorboats Letizia, with 55 seats, and Fenice, with 80 seats. Their routes also include tours around the islands of Bisentina and Martana. Guided tours of Isola Bisentina can be arranged from the port in spring and summer by prior reservation. A guided visit lasts approximately two and a half to three hours; the reservation guarantees a place on the boat, and payment is made at the landing stage.

Island History and an Unusual View Underwater

The Presepe Subacqueo is located approximately seven metres below the surface of Lake Bolsena and is visible to the naked eye through a lighting display. During the Christmas season, it can be viewed from the Belvedere terrace in the locality of “Giardinetti”. This gives a stay by the lake a distinctive cultural accent that differs from classic lakeside experiences.

The Museo della Navigazione nelle acque interne was established in 2010 following the discovery of a prehistoric dugout canoe in Lake Bolsena at the foot of Isola Bisentina in 1989. The museum traces the development of inland vessel architecture from the 8th century BC to the 20th century. A project for a Way of the Cross with seven chapels and a large church was also planned for Isola Bisentina.

Rocca Farnese and Churches with Views of the Lake

Rocca Farnese rises as an octagonal former military structure on the volcanic cliffs of the Capodimonte promontory. In the 15th and 16th centuries, it was transformed from a military installation into a princely residence, with the involvement of the architect Antonio da Sangallo. Rocca Farnese is privately owned; visits to part of the building and the surrounding Italian garden are possible on request.

The Chiesa S. Maria Assunta in Cielo offers panoramic views of the lake and its islands. The Chiesa di S. Carlo dates from the period of Duke Odoardo Farnese’s rule over the Duchy of Castro in 1616. Together with the Rocca, the two churches give the town a historical character that can be experienced directly at various buildings during a walk through Capodimonte.

Local Cuisine and Established Traditions

Coregone, a freshwater fish, is considered a typical dish of Capodimonte and is valued for the high quality of its meat. At the beginning of August, stalls serving dishes based on coregone are set up along the lakeside promenade. On 17 January, the Feast of Saint Anthony the Abbot traditionally includes the blessing of the animals, the lighting of a fire and the distribution of bruschetta with freshly pressed local olive oil.

When making your plans, please note that the nearby Percorso Monte Bisenzio is currently inaccessible for safety reasons and due to ongoing works.

Other destinations in the shared surrounding area: Tuscania, Collevecchio, Tarquinia, Soriano nel Cimino, Cellere, Proceno, Punta Del Lago, Vitorchiano.

To the higher-level travel overview: Viterbo.