1. Church of San Carlo
Located in Piazza Umberto I, facing the walls of the hanging garden of the Rocca, the Church of San Carlo dates back to the early 17th century, when the Duchy of Castro, then governed by Duke Odoardo Farnese, significantly expanded its territory, leading to a substantial increase in the population of Capodimonte, which reached around […]
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2. Mergonara Beach
The location, situated on the eastern side of the promontory, consists of a small beach and a rocky islet that emerges from the waters, which the locals call “Monte Cuculo.” It can be reached by descending from Piazza Umberto I along an ancient paved ramp and a path that runs alongside the lake. This little […]
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3. The Underwater Nativity Scene
As you ascend Via della Rocca (formerly known as “Via del Pontoncello”), your gaze is inevitably drawn to the magnificent scenery of the lake, dominated in this area by the western profile of Martana Island. To the right, you can clearly distinguish the village of Marta, with its houses overlooking the lake and the historic […]
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4. Church of Santa Maria Assunta
Admiring this church, built in a charming location with a wide view of the lake, it is hard to imagine that it was originally much smaller than it is today and was part of the courtyard that enclosed the space in front of the Rocca. It was designed to protect the first cluster of castle […]
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5. Rocca Farnese
The imposing fortress of Capodimonte, with its elegant octagonal plan, is the jewel of the town. Originally, it was a military palace belonging to the Barons of Bisenzio, later transformed by the Farnese family, at the behest of Pier Luigi Senior, towards the end of the 15th century into a summer residence and representation site. […]
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6. Town Hall
The building is currently home to the town hall. Its construction dates back to 1760, commissioned by Prince Marcantonio Borghese, a man of great culture who used it as a summer residence for his family. Later, in 1894, the Palazzo “Manetti” (named after its new owner) was purchased to house municipal offices, schools, and residences […]
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7. Poniatowski Palace
The large building that dominates the tip of the Capodimonte promontory was constructed, so to speak, “out of spite.” It is named after the Polish prince Stanislaw Poniatowski (1754-1833), nephew of the last king of Poland, Stanislaus II. A great admirer of Italy, which he first visited at the age of 22 during the “Grand […]
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8. The Porticella
The Porticella arch provides one of the most romantic views in Capodimonte, particularly at sunset. Visitors seldom pass through without capturing a photo of the lake, beautifully framed by the village houses and flower pots, with the Bisenzio promontory in the background. Of the two original entrances to Piazza della Rocca, the Porticella served as […]
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9. The Pontonata
Behind Poniatowski Palace lies the lava promontory of Capodimonte, known as “the Pontonata.” Once cultivated as vegetable gardens and now transformed into private terraced gardens, it was the site of Capodimonte’s earliest parish church, dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta in Cielo, recorded as being part of the Orvieto diocese in 1102. When digging for the […]
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10. The Marina
The tourist port of Capodimonte is quite large and well-equipped, accommodating over 350 vessels, both sailing (up to 10 meters) and motorboats (up to 8.25 meters). It consists of two arms that protect it from the wind and “lagheggiate” (local winds), and it features a crane for launching and hauling boats. Visitors can request a […]
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11. Bisentina Island
Visitors info Isola Bisentina, along with Martana, adorns Lake Bolsena and has a history that has shaped its natural heritage since Etruscan times. In the Middle Ages, it served as a stronghold, a refuge from invasions, and a notorious prison (reminiscent of Dante’s “malta”). During the Renaissance, its residential and religious purpose was significantly influenced […]
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12. The Museum of Navigation
The structure, built on the site of the former slaughterhouse of the town, is located on Viale Regina Margherita, directly across from the first stretch of the lakeside promenade. It not only houses an interesting exhibition space but is also equipped with audio and video facilities for educational purposes. Here, visitors can explore everything related […]
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13. The Cascina
The large building, located on the street of the same name, dates back to the 17th century and was originally used as a stable for the “Cavalleria Farnesiana.” Its exterior is characterized by robust buttresses and a front staircase supported by three rounded arches, which were used to lead horses up to the upper floor, […]
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14. Church of San Rocco
On the lakeside avenue, Viale Regina Margherita, stands the small church dedicated to Capodimonte’s patron saint, San Rocco, a pilgrim of the Via Francigena. His feast is celebrated on August 15 and 16 with a traditional religious procession and a renowned fireworks display on Ferragosto night. San Rocco is one of the most popular healing […]
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15. The Lakeside
Leaving the center of the village, Via Marconi leads to Viale Regina Margherita, named in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy, who visited Capodimonte on April 15, 1903. This avenue runs alongside the enchanting beach of Capodimonte, known as “le Pioppe,” which stretches for over two kilometers along the southern shore of the lake. A […]
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16. Bisenzio promontory
The Bisenzio promontory is about four kilometres west of Capodimonte, right in front of Bisentina Island, which takes its name from it, lies the ancient site that was first inhabited by the Villanovan civilization and later gave rise to the glorious Etruscan city of Vesentum. The Roman author Pliny the Elder even mentioned it among […]
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17. Etruscan Necropolis
The city of Visentium, located near present-day Capodimonte, is notable for the vastness of its necropolis, which stretches for about 5.5 kilometers across the territory, with burials distributed in various locations. The tombs reflect the complex social and cultural stratification of the population, with funerary practices varying from cremation to inhumation depending on the era […]
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18. San Bernardino Peak
Punta San Bernardino is a rocky cliff that divides the southwestern shore of the lake into two broad, curved banks: to the east lies the long, lush beach of Capodimonte, while to the northwest stretches the coastline that extends up to Monte Bisenzio, an area that once hosted a port, discovered in 1983 at an […]
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