Bolsena in one day: from the old town to the lake
A day in Bolsena can begin in the lanes of the old town and end with a walk by the lake. When you stay with us at Hotel Nazionale, you can set off on foot from the centre and spend as much time as you like at each stop, without rushing to fit everything in.
From Piazza Matteotti to the streets below the fortress
Start in Piazza Matteotti and walk through the arch of San Francesco. Follow Corso Cavour into the old town as far as Piazza San Rocco and its fountain. Take time to explore the side lanes and corners of the Sottosante neighbourhood too.
This is the part of Bolsena below the fortress, worth exploring before you head uphill or on your way back. Some shops and restaurants may be closed in the quietest months, but you can still enjoy a leisurely walk through the town.
The Castello district and Rocca Monaldeschi
From Piazza San Rocco, Via delle Piagge leads uphill towards the Castello district. There is more to see than the fortress itself: continue along Via degli Adami and Via de’ Medici, taking in the steps and small squares of the medieval quarter.
The walk includes slopes and steps. Wear comfortable shoes and go at your own pace, taking extra care when the paving is wet. Rocca Monaldeschi della Cervara houses the Lake Bolsena Territorial Museum, which explores the area’s natural history and archaeology.
The aquarium: discover the lake below the surface
Inside the fortress, the museum route also includes the Lake Bolsena Aquarium. Its tanks recreate freshwater habitats and introduce the animals, vegetation and relationships within these ecosystems, featuring species from the lake and the surrounding inland waters. It is also a stop to consider when visiting with children.
Check opening arrangements and access before visiting; not every space is necessarily open every day. See information about the aquarium and the museum.
A visit to the Basilica of Santa Cristina
Returning towards Piazza Matteotti, you can continue to the Basilica of Santa Cristina. Plan your visit around services, remembering that the church is first and foremost a place of worship. The catacombs have their own visiting arrangements, which should be checked in advance.
Read the official visiting information for the Basilica and catacombs.
Viale Colesanti and a walk by the lake
For a change of pace, head towards the lake along Viale Colesanti. The shore is around five minutes’ walk from our hotel: enjoy a short stroll or spend the rest of the afternoon by the water.
In the cooler months, make the most of daylight and check the weather. If it rains, you could spend longer in the museum and aquarium, subject to opening arrangements; walking between the stops still means being outdoors. Check directly with restaurants before planning a meal.
Boat trips on the lake and Bisentina Island
From Bolsena’s harbour, you can take a boat trip and see the lake from a different perspective. If you would also like to go ashore on Bisentina Island, book a guided visit from the available calendar. Choose this activity as an alternative to part of the walking itinerary, and check departures, weather conditions and booking arrangements before planning your day.
See boat trips from Bolsena’s harbour and guided visits to Bisentina Island.
Bolsena with your dog: beach and fenced exercise area
If you are travelling with your dog, Bolsena has a Dog Beach at Caletta delle Rose and a fenced dog exercise area on Via Santa Maria della Pace. Before you go, check the latest information and follow the rules displayed at each location.
Information about dog-friendly areas.
Planning your stay in Bolsena
At Hotel Nazionale, we welcome you in the centre of Bolsena. At check-in, we provide a free parking ticket for the unattended municipal public car park 30 metres away. We may close for a few days during the quietest season, usually between late November and early December, so check availability for your dates.
Explore our rooms, see our services or contact us to plan your arrival.