CURRENTLY NOT ACCESSIBLE DUE TO SAFETY REASONS AND ONGOING WORKS.
The “Bisenzio” route offers an immersion in the history and wild nature of the promontory of Bisenzio, an ancient Etruscan city of great prestige. Once a thriving center for trade and bronze working, Bisenzio preserves traces of its glorious past, including necropolises, ancient ports and Etruscan ovens. Today, the lush holm oak forest and breathtaking views of Capodimonte, the islands of Bisentina and Martana, and Lake Bolsena make this place ideal for nature excursions. The visit by boat, especially by canoe, allows you to explore the pristine beauty of Punta San Bernardino and relive the ancient atmosphere.
16. Bisenzio promontory
The promontory of Bisenzio, located west of Capodimonte, boasts a rich history dating back to the Villanovan civilization and the subsequent Etruscan city of Vesentum, cited by Pliny the Elder as one of the most important in southern Etruria. Its period of maximum splendor was between the 5th and 6th centuries BC, thanks to the refined bronze working and the flourishing trade with Tuscany. With the arrival of the Romans, the city gradually lost importance, until it disappeared in the Middle Ages. Today, Bisenzio is a natural and wild place, characterized by lush vegetation and suggestive archaeological remains: necropolises and finds of great historical value, which testify to its ancient grandeur.
17. Etruscan Necropolis
Visentium, an ancient city near Capodimonte, stands out for its vast necropolis, one of the largest in the Lake Bolsena area. The tombs, spread over a vast area, reflect different eras and social classes, with funerary practices ranging from cremation to inhumation. Excavations have brought to light numerous finds, including cinerary urns, ceramics, bronzes and jewellery, evidence of the high level of craftsmanship and cultural contacts with other Etruscan cities. Despite the damage caused by clandestine excavations and ploughing, research continues to reveal precious details about the history and culture of this important Etruscan centre.
18. San Bernardino Peak
Located just over a kilometer from Bisentina Island, it owes its name to San Bernardino da Siena, who embarked from here to visit his brothers on the island. In its waters there are remains of ancient Etruscan furnaces used for working bronze, an activity for which the city of Bisenzio, located nearby, was renowned. Traces of the ancient Etruscan port are visible and, at a depth of 14 meters, a monosyl dugout canoe was discovered. The area, characterized by a high degree of naturalness, is ideal for boat or canoe excursions, offering a unique experience to relive the history of the place.