Explore Bolsena's Archaelogical Area and the Fascinating Civita di Bagnoregio

Volsinii is the ancient Roman city of Bolsena whose remains can be seen in Bolsena's Archaeological Park, located about 100 meters from the Rocca Monaldeschi della Cervara (Bolsena’s Castle) and 600 meters from the Vesconte Palace Hotel.
In the second half of the last century an excavation campaign conducted by the French School of Rome brought to light various monumental remains such as the Forum, the Basilica, public buildings and the remains of two domus (Roman houses): the “Domus delle Pitture” and the “Domus del Ninfeo”.
The Forum dates back to the first phase of the republican Volsinii, in the Flavian age, bordered on three sides by the road system and to the South by the civil basilica overlooking the lake. The large paved square, was enriched by small monuments (altars, honorary epigraphs, statues) of which the footprints remain on the surviving floor slabs. The presence of numerous nenfro (a variety of tuff) and granite columns suggests the presence of two colonnaded buildings.
The entire southern side of the Forum is occupied by the civil Basilica which was transformed into a Christian church during the 4th century AD, while in the North-East area of ​​the Basilica itself it is possible to look at the original shops and other structures such as cisterns, basins and canals.
After the decumanus that delimits the area of ​​the Forum to the North, a vaulted passage allows you to access the lower terraces via a staircase and further on to arrive to the two private domus.
The Domus delle Pitture (House of Paintings), built in the first half of the 2nd century BC, is built around a central atrium. The area also has a recently illuminated underground hall that can be visited on request.
The Domus del Ninfeo (House of the Nymphaeum) dates back to the end of the 2nd century BC. Near a small temple inside, it is possible to admire a large Tuscan atrium equipped with a cistern for the collection of the rainwater.
Winter opening hours (from November 1st to February 28th): Tuesday - Saturday: 08:30-13:30 First and third Sunday of the month: 08:30-13:30
Summer opening hours (from 1st March to 31st October): Tuesday, Thursday: 14:30-19:30 Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 08:30-13:30
Weekly closing: Monday
Free admission without reservation.

The last destination of this itinerary is outside Bolsena, on your way back to Rome: Civita di Bagnoregio.
Suspended in time and space, Civita di Bagnoregio is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and characteristic Italian villages. Located on the top of a tuff hill and accessible only through a narrow pedestrian bridge, from which you can enjoy one of the most spectacular views in the Lazio region. The atmosphere is magical and surreal. Especially on foggy days, when the village seems to literally be suspended in the void…
Just a 20-minute drive from Bolsena, Civita di Bagnoregio origins date back over 2500 years. It is also known as “the dying city”, due to the constant erosion of the tuff rocks on which it stands and the depopulation of the original village.
After crossing the bridge and trespassing the entrance, Porta di Santa Maria, you will find yourself into a place that seems to bring you centuries back. You will hardly be able to forget. The medieval village is wrapped in absolute silence. It will be a pleasure to walk among the stone and ivy houses. From Monday, August 3, the opening hours are 08:00 to 20:00 every weekday.
The village is a considered a monument itself, so you need to buy a ticket to visit. You can book it here.
Here you can find further information about available parking lots.

While walking around this tiny hilltop village, do not miss a visit to the Church of San Donato which houses a fresco by the Perugino school. The church is located in the main square of Civita di Bagnoregio.

Visit the “Museo Geologico e delle Frane” (Geological and Landslides Museum) in Piazza San Donato. It is closed on Mondays.

See also Palazzo Alemanni Mazzocchi (Alemanni Mazzocchi Palace). The Alemanni family, established in Bagnoregio since the time of the Goths, stood out for the nobility, wealth and duties entrusted to many of its members. In 1658 the property passed to the Mazzocchi family. Today the beautiful building is owned by the City Hall, which uses it mainly for cultural events and activities

Reach the Grotta di San Bonaventura, an ancient Etruscan tomb transformed into a small chapel in the Middle Ages: you will find it in the cliff below the Belvedere (viewpoint).

The Osteria "Al Forno di Agnese" offers typical dishes of Civita di Bagnoregio revisiting them, giving them a particular touch, without ever neglecting the genuineness of the products.
With an outdoor dining room, under a splendid pergola, or indoors, in a room with characteristic furnishings, you can taste our food in the atmosphere that only Civita di Bagnoregio can offer.
Open Hours: Wednesday - Monday: 11:30 - 15:30, 19:30 - 21:30 Tuesday: 11:30 - 15:30

The Calanchi (Badlands) are particular forms of erosion created by atmospheric agents over the centuries. This type of geology is what characterizes the Valley around the hill of Civita di Bagnoregio. Valle dei Calanchi is an area of high naturalistic value. Discovering the typical "cathedral" formation in the center of the Calanchi definitely deserves a visit itself.
Excursions and walks can be booked at the "Museo Geologico e delle Frane" with the real experts of the area. Walks for everyone and excursions of various length and difficulty are available.

The Italian and Mediterranean cuisine is very high quality at the "Il pozzo dei Desideri" (the "Wishing Well") restaurant. Many guests point out that you can order some really original ravioli, spaghetti alla carbonara and gnocchi pasta. The chef offers exquisite tiramisu and crêpes desserts. Excellent wines are among the most interesting things you can taste. The location is unique itself: a tuff cave.
Open Hours: Monday-Sunday: 09:00-21:30