Discover a holiday apartment in Capodimonte on Lake Bolsena

Capodimonte on Lake Bolsena combines lakeside scenery, islands, historic buildings and regional cuisine. On the lakeshore near Capodimonte, sailing, fishing, diving, excursions and trekking on foot, horseback and by mountain bike are all possible.

Holiday apartment in Capodimonte: lake, paths and landscape

The approximately two-kilometre-long Lungolago di Capodimonte promenade, known in the Capodimonte dialect as “le pioppe”, runs along a black volcanic-sand beach and is interspersed with green spaces. Wide footpaths are suitable for walking and cycling.

The views also combine landscape and sacred architecture: the Chiesa S. Maria Assunta in Cielo offers a panoramic view 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.

Rocca Farnese and inland navigation

The Rocca Farnese rises as an octagonal former military installation on the volcanic cliff 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. The Rocca is privately owned; visits to part of the building and the surrounding Italian garden are possible by request.

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. It traces the development of inland watercraft 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.

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 organised from the port in spring and summer with advance reservations. 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.

Special experiences and local cuisine

The Presepe Subacqueo is located approximately seven metres below the surface of Lake Bolsena and is visible to the naked eye through a lighting installation. During the Christmas season, it can be viewed from the Belvedere terrace in the locality of “Giardinetti”. The nearby Percorso Monte Bisenzio is currently inaccessible for safety reasons and due to ongoing work.

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

More places for planning your trip

You can also include Castiglione In Teverina, Chia, Caprarola, Civitella Dʼagliano, Bolsena, Collevecchio, Bagnoregio and Graffignano among your additional destinations.

For the higher-level travel overview: Viterbo.