The best walks and hikes around Castel Giorgio

1st part of the tour: from S. Antonio di Capodimonte to Bolsena. Km 35. Mixed terrain, alternating, not signposted. GPS useful. The Komoot track does not always indicate the best way. Therefore, pay attention.

Lake Bolsena, located between Lazio, Umbria, and Tuscany, is the largest volcanic lake in Europe. A true natural wonder, thanks to its breathtaking landscapes, clear waters, quiet beaches, and villages rich in history and culture, this lake is an ideal destination for those who love tranquility, culture, and nature.

The imposing fortress was built in several phases between the 11th and 14th centuries, during the period in which Bolsena was repeatedly contested between the great Orvieto families of the Monaldeschi, of the Guelph party, and the Filippeschi, of the Ghibelline party. The fortress has a trapezoidal plan and four different towers , which testify to the construction phases and the original Gothic structure. The towers are crowned with battlements and serrated corbels, while on the lower level, the remains of the fortifications commissioned by Pope Adrian IV (1154–1159) to defend Bolsena from the attacks of Frederick Barbarossa are still visible.

The historic center of Bolsena climbs from the lake toward the medieval fortress, through stone alleys, arches, and glimpses that suddenly open onto the water. The tuff houses and small squares tell a story that intertwines the Middle Ages and lakeside tradition. The spiritual heart of the village is the Basilica of Santa Cristina, linked to the famous Eucharistic Miracle of the 13th century.

A Franciscan Convent that has been managed for over 20 years by the cultural association Punti di Vista, and has now become a holiday home and training center for sustainable methods, development in international cooperation and lifestyles. Poetic, positioned on a hill overlooking Lake Bolsena, it allows an experience of conviviality, concentration, and relationship with nature. Essential and sober, it is managed voluntarily, and is equipped with everything necessary for residential courses, study stays, and training experiences. The gardens are set up with tables to allow for outdoor group work sessions, there are two large internal conference rooms, plus other common areas, and an international library - with various stations - specialized in sustainable development, cooperation, and food security. The Convent is located on the Via Francigena, and enthusiastically hosts pilgrims. A short walk from the Basilica of S. Cristina and the Church of the Miracle, the Convent is close to the historic center while enjoying tranquility and silence as it is surrounded by countryside. (c) https://ospitalitareligiosa.it/strutture/ad/santa-maria-del-giglio,1792

Lively square in the old part of Bolsena.

Suggestive octagonal square even if the original main square is the one with the fountain showing the image of San Lorenzo with the grill in his hand, in the old town

incredibly beautiful, we liked it very much