{"id":1441,"date":"2025-04-09T15:46:15","date_gmt":"2025-04-09T15:46:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.elenaronca.it\/?p=1441"},"modified":"2026-08-29T13:07:02","modified_gmt":"2026-08-29T13:07:02","slug":"marta-e-capodimonte-le-gemme-del-lago-di-bolsena","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.elenaronca.it\/en\/marta-e-capodimonte-le-gemme-del-lago-di-bolsena\/","title":{"rendered":"Marta and Capodimonte: The Hidden Gems of Lake Bolsena"},"content":{"rendered":"

Marta and Capodimonte: What to See with a Tour Guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Discover Capodimonte, Marta and the villages around Lake Bolsena with Elena Ronca, licensed tour guide.
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Two villages onthe southwestern shores of the lake<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Marta and Capodimonte are two villages overlooking Lake Bolsena, side by side yet remarkably different. One is medieval, the other dares to the Renaissance, both connected by breathtaking views and an authentic relationship with the lake that is still very much alive today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Marta, the medieval centre and the Fishermen\u2019s Quarter<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Perched on the southern shores of the lake, Marta developed around its unmistakable octagonal tower, which dominates the village. Its origins date back to the Etruscan period, but it was during the Middle Ages that the village acquired its present appearance, with narrow streets and houses built from dark volcanic stone.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The characteristic Fishermen\u2019s Quarter,<\/strong> with its traditional flat-bottomed boats moored along the shore and its low houses, reflects an ancient tradition that is still alive today, as well as a centuries-old relationship with the waters of the lake. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among the local festivals, one that is definitely worth experiencing at least once is the famous Feast of Madonna del Monte,<\/strong>popularly known as \u201cLa Barabbata\u201d or \u201cLe Passate\u201d. Held every year on May 14, it features a procession of carts carrying offerings to the Madonna.
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Capodimonte, a promontory stretching into the lake<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Capodimonte stands on a promontory that extends into the lake like the bow of a ship. The village was founded by inhabitants of Bisenzio who had fled their settlement, but it was during the Renaissance that Capodimonte experienced its golden age thanks to the Farnese family.\nThe Rocca Farnese, a commanding fortress-residence built in a strategic position, is one of the most important reminders of this period and has become one of the symbols of the lake.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The village retains an elegant and welcoming atmosphere, with well-kept streets, unexpected views over the blue waters and a holiday atmosphere that never loses its charm. South of the promontory lies the Mergonara, an area of shallow, crystal-clear water that was once the Farnese harbour. The modern Marina, perfectly integrated into the landscape, is an ideal starting point for boat trips, explorations and sunset photography.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The Bisentina and Martana Islands: volcanic islands and artistic treasures<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Off the coast of Marta lies Martana Island, shrouded in legends and historical memories. It silently preserves a past that emerges through myths and stories. The island is best known for the tragic story of Amalasuntha and is now a fascinating natural area: wild, quiet and inaccessible to the public, but magnificent to admire from the lakeside.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Opposite Capodimonte lies<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The islands can be admired from the lakeside or explored by boat, with departures from Capodimonte.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Highlights<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Marta\u2019s Octagonal Tower<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The symbol of the village, overlooking the lake like a watchful sentinel and offering a fascinating panoramic viewpoint.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Rocca Farnese in Capodimonte<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

A Renaissance fortress dominating the promontory and telling the story of the powerful Farnese family.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Martana Island<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Wild, legendary and mysterious, best admired from the lakeside.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Museum of Inland Waterway Navigation<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

A small museum built around a prehistoric canoe discovered in Lake Bolsena. The museum tells the story of life on the lake through its traditional boats.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Marta\u2019s Fishermen\u2019s Quarter<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The authentic heart of Marta, with traditional boats and picturesque views.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Monte Bisenzio<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

An uninhabited promontory that was first a Villanovan settlement and later a medieval centre. The views from here are spectacular.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Plan Your Visit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Accessibility<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Partially accessible route for visitors with mobility impairments.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Duration<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Half a day or a full day<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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How to Get There<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Marta and Capodimonte are located along the SP8 Commenda road.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Additional Costs<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Possible admission fee for the Museum of Inland Waterway Navigation.
Possible ticket for the boat trip.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Would you like to visit Marta or Capodimonte with a tour guide?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Get in touch and we can create your itinerary together!<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Discover more places<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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