Rione Castello: Medieval Quarter

It rises on the tufa cliff where, in the 6th century BC, a small Etruscan center was born that controlled the road that later became the Via Cassia. Later, the cliff was incorporated into the city walls of Volsinii Nova, the city founded to welcome the survivors of the destroyed Velzna (today’s Orvieto), conquered by the Romans in 264 BC.

The historic heart of Bolsena is dominated by the Rocca Monaldeschi, which stands majestically over the old town, once called Castrum Capitis. The quarter develops along the two main streets, Medici and Adami, and extends toward the village below, once defended by a second city wall with numerous towers, still partly visible. On the opposite side from the fortress is the Church of SS. Salvatore, recognizable by its bell tower topped with a semicircular dome covered in polychrome majolica tiles.
Built between the 11th and 14th centuries, the fortress was the residence of the powerful Monaldeschi family, who ruled Bolsena until 1451. Still today you can admire their palace, located just outside the castle walls.
Inside the Rocca Monaldeschi is the

Territorial Museum of Lake Bolsena, which houses a rich archaeological section and an aquarium. A new section dedicated to medieval and Renaissance ceramics has been set up in the nearby Palazzo Monaldeschi.
The visit can start from the village below or from Piazza San Rocco, climbing the steep Via delle Piagge, which in the past served as an escape route to the walls in case of danger, or from Piazza Matteotti.
Comfortable shoes are recommended: the climbs are short but intense. Those arriving by car can park near the Church of SS. Redentore, built in the 20th century in neo-medieval style, right behind the Rocca.