Holiday apartment in Marta: lake, history and festivals

Marta is located on Lake Bolsena. The remains of the Rocca have been preserved in Marta’s medieval historic centre. It was built in the second half of the 13th century on the orders of Pope Urban IV. The 21-metre-high Torre dell’Orologio is one of the surviving remains of Marta’s ancient Rocca.

Rocca, views and sacred history

The Torre dell’Orologio can be reached via a staircase made of iron and peperino stone, located at the side of the tower. It leads to the entrance on the south side. Next to the tower is a viewing terrace offering views of the islands of Martana and Bisentina in Lake Bolsena.

In 1495, the Santuario della Madonna del Monte received a new church façade under the sons of Ranuccio Farnese, who had become governors of Marta. The façade was built on older ruins. The Festa della Madonna del Monte, also known as the Festa delle Passate, takes place on 14 May. Its procession leads from the shore of Lake Bolsena through Marta to the Santuario della Madonna del Monte.

Traditions surrounding the Festa della Madonna SS. del Monte

At the Festa della Madonna SS. del Monte, the Casenghi arrive on horseback and repeatedly greet Mary with “Evviva” upon their arrival. In the procession of the Bifolchi, two oxen lead the procession, followed by donkeys and agricultural implements. The fishermen, the final group, arrive at the sanctuary at around 11:30 a.m. During the Passate, they bring lake fish as offerings to the Madonna’s altar.

Ciambella, Cuori and Cannaiola

The traditional ciambella, made from flour, water, salt and anise, is handed out to the passanti after they have made three circuits inside the church. After rising, the ciambelle of the Barabbata are pre-cooked for around 30 minutes in boiling salted water and then baked in the oven.

The heart-shaped Cuori della Madonna SS. del Monte are made every year for the festival on 14 May. They are available in a sweet and a savoury version, both with anise. For the Festa della Madonna del Monte, each group brings at least one bottle of Cannaiola. During the feast, the groups compete to offer the best Cannaiola. Cannaiola is a typical wine from Marta.

For Pesce a scottadito, pike and tench are cut into pieces, dusted with flour and deep-fried in a mixture of seed oil and olive oil. The Sagra del Lattarino takes place at the beginning of June and celebrates the lattarino as well as fish from the lake in general. A winery in Marta offers tours and tastings by prior reservation; it is freely accessible for purchases.

Getting to Marta and the harbour area

From Rome, travel via the A1 motorway, take the Orte exit, and then continue towards Viterbo–Montefiascone to Marta.

In the harbour area of Marta, near the mouth of the Marta River, mooring concessions have been granted for the 2026 to 2029 seasons.

More places for planning your trip

Proceno, Punta Del Lago, Capraccia, Fonte Vivola, Blera, Sipicciano, Civita, Trevinano

For the higher-level travel overview: Viterbo.