Bolsena, one of Europe’s most beautiful gems according to Forbes

A prestigious recognition has been awarded by the international magazine Forbes to Bolsena, a medieval village in the province of Viterbo, north of Lazio and less than two hours from Rome. According to the American magazine, this village— the only one chosen in Italy— is among the ten most beautiful small towns in Europe.

The award is given for the commitment to environmental protection, the preservation of history, and the enhancement of traditions that these locations embody. The other nine European towns are Bibury in England, Bonifacio in France, Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, Cochem in Germany, Ericeira in Portugal, Hall in Tirol in Austria, Reine in Norway, Ronda in Spain, and Sibiu in Romania.

“These ten gems prove that small can be beautiful: the heart of Europe is often found in its small towns, not only in its bustling capitals,” reads Forbes.

A city of history, art, and culture

Lying on the shores of its namesake lake—the largest volcanic lake in Europe, perfect for swimming and rich in freshwater fish—Bolsena has been recognized for its artistic, cultural, and natural heritage. Within its boundaries lie extraordinary treasures such as the Territorial Museum housed in the Monaldeschi Castle, the Aquarium, the Basilica of Saint Christina (which preserves the altar of the Eucharistic miracle), the Turona archaeological and natural park, and the Etruscan-Roman excavations of Poggio Moscini.

The new European gem, one of the most renowned villages of Tuscia, boasts a well-preserved historic center, imposing churches, palaces, and squares adorned with beautiful orchids. The American magazine also recommends staying at Vesconte, an impeccably restored aristocratic residence, now a luxury boutique hotel that has belonged to the same family for 500 years.

Local pride and recognition

Paolo Dottarelli, mayor of the charming town, expressed his satisfaction: “There is great pride in this recognition, the result of 25 years of work in the area. With attention to infrastructure, environmental care, and the safeguarding of our history and culture, this award is also a tribute to everything that has been done in Bolsena over the years.”

He added: “We are proud because we represent Italy in Europe. We are the only Italian town with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants to receive this recognition. Bolsena deserves this award thanks to the many investments made and a policy of protecting the territory and the environment. This path values our history, but also the preservation of our buildings and the redevelopment of the lakefront, streets, and squares. It is a great effort to create and strengthen services, and this result enhances the entire Tuscia region. It is both a source of pride and an incentive to grow and improve further.”

Artistic and architectural treasures

Bolsena is not only about its lake, streets, and squares. It also boasts monuments and structures of great value, such as the Romanesque Basilica of Saint Christina, which houses works by Benedetto Buglioni, the polyptych by Sano di Pietro, and a chapel frescoed in 1498 by Giovanni de’ Ferrariis da Mondovì.

The Baroque Chapel of the Miracle, built in 1639, commemorates the Eucharistic miracle of 1263–1264, when, according to chronicles, the consecrated host bled profusely. The relics were taken to Orvieto and presented to Pope Urban IV, who, after examining them, instituted the feast of Corpus Christi.

Other highlights include the Monaldeschi della Cervara Palace, a historic three-level building open to visitors; the Palazzo del Drago, one of the best-preserved 16th-century palaces in Lazio; and the Fountain of San Rocco, erected by Cardinal Giovanni de’ Medici. For the people of Bolsena, the water flowing from it is considered miraculous, and every year a mass is celebrated with the blessing of the waters.