Highlights
- Lake Bolsena (largest volcanic lake in Europe)
- Miracle of Bolsena basilica
- Lakeside promenade
- Castello Monaldeschi
Stage conditions
| Section | Lazio (Italy) |
|---|---|
| Water on route | Abundant |
| Shade | Full |
Practical notes
Getting there and away
Neither town has a railway. Cotral runs the buses: the Viterbo–Acquapendente line via Montefiascone, Bolsena and San Lorenzo Nuovo, and the interregional Viterbo–Siena line, which stops at Acquapendente (Via Cassia), San Lorenzo Nuovo (Piazza Europa) and Bolsena (Piazza Marconi); Bolsena is also on Cotral's Pitigliano–Viterbo line. The Camminando association notes that both towns can be reached from Orvieto or Viterbo stations by Cotral bus. Orvieto is on the Florence–Rome main line; Viterbo has FL3 trains from Rome. Rome Fiumicino is the airport hub.
What the season does
The stage data give a long window, March to June and September to November, with full shade through the forests and farmland before the descent into the volcanic crater. It is one of the kinder Lazio days in summer, though the last hour down through olive groves to the lake is open and warm. Bolsena is a lakeside resort: in July and August its beds are taken by holidaymakers, and the town also fills for its Corpus Domini celebrations in early summer, so book pilgrim accommodation ahead. Autumn is quiet and the lake is at its most beautiful.
Safety on this stage
No warnings in the stage data. The association's notes rate the second half fairly demanding for its ups and downs and mention some difficulty finding the path on the way out of San Lorenzo Nuovo, so keep the GPS track to hand there. The ancient sunken lanes cut into the tuff on the descent to Bolsena are shaded but can be slippery when wet. Where the route touches the Cassia, cross with care.
Water and food
Abundant. The association's notes say fountains are present in every inhabited centre, and San Lorenzo Nuovo, with its viewpoint over the lake, is the natural halfway refill and lunch stop. Between the villages the woods have no services, so carry a litre. Bolsena has fountains along the lakeside promenade and in the old town.
Where pilgrims sleep
The directory's Bolsena entry, the Ostello Santa Cristina (pilgrim hostel), is here at tonight's finish. The Camminando association lists two religious welcomes in Bolsena: the Suore del SS Sacramento and the Casa di Preghiera Santa Cristina, both near the basilica of the Eucharistic miracle. As with all convent hospitality, call the day before, expect an evening curfew, and bring your credenziale. Hotels and B&Bs are plentiful because of the lake.
Sources: Camminando sulla Via Francigena — IT37 Acquapendente–Bolsena · Cotral — Linee interregionali · Orari Autobus — Cotral routes from Viterbo · Acquapendente online — Come arrivare · Visit Lazio — Via Francigena del Nord · Wikipedia — Rome Fiumicino Airport
Common questions
How long is the Acquapendente to Bolsena stage?
It is 23.0 km (14.3 mi) and takes about 6 hours of walking, from Acquapendente to Bolsena.
How hard is Acquapendente to Bolsena?
It is rated moderate with 200 m of ascent and 350 m of descent over mixed terrain.
Is there water on the Acquapendente to Bolsena stage?
Water is abundant along this stage.
How do I get to Acquapendente and away from Bolsena?
Neither town has a railway. Cotral runs the buses: the Viterbo–Acquapendente line via Montefiascone, Bolsena and San Lorenzo Nuovo, and the interregional Viterbo–Siena line, which stops at Acquapendente (Via Cassia), San Lorenzo Nuovo (Piazza Europa) and Bolsena (Piazza Marconi); Bolsena is also on Cotral's Pitigliano–Viterbo line. The Camminando association notes that both towns can be reached from Orvieto or Viterbo stations by Cotral bus.
Where do pilgrims sleep in Bolsena?
The directory's Bolsena entry, the Ostello Santa Cristina (pilgrim hostel), is here at tonight's finish. The Camminando association lists two religious welcomes in Bolsena: the Suore del SS Sacramento and the Casa di Preghiera Santa Cristina, both near the basilica of the Eucharistic miracle. As with all convent hospitality, call the day before, expect an evening curfew, and bring your credenziale.
Walk this stage
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