2024’s Must-Visit Destination: Capodimonte’s Enchanting Lakeside Retreat
With a population of 1,778 and situated on a peninsula that stretches towards the magnificent Lake Bolsena—one of the most breathtaking natural attractions of Lazio and the entire South—Capodimonte is 25 kilometers distant from Viterbo.
This has nothing to do with the world-famous porcelain workshop whose wares are sold all over the globe as a sign of artisanal prosperity and distinction. Our interest lies in a charming city that proudly attracts tourists in a lakeside backdrop rich with artifacts, rather than a place that lives on previous glory.
There are several noteworthy historical jewels, monuments, and characteristics within the municipality that might be illustrated. The charming town of Capodimonte, known as the “gem of Lake Bolsena,” has enough to offer tourists. Out of all these places, the Bisentina island is particularly noteworthy because of the efficient system of motorboats and other boats that go between the town and the island via the well-equipped port for both sailing and motorboats.
Along the more than 6 km of coastline, you’ll find beaches—some of which are among the most beautiful in all of Lazio—piers, and other attractions that draw in the crowds, particularly during the summer months when the lake’s water changes hues and the sun brings out the shades of a landscape rich with elements to admire, set against a backdrop of hills that rose successively from a volcanic base in the Vulsine area.
The history
Capodimonte, like many of the surrounding towns, can trace its history back to the Etruscans, a culture that existed before the more enduring Romans. The present-day town of Vesentum is the result of a sequence of urban re-foundations that were based on the original, which collapsed and was destroyed several times. During the Middle Ages, the Bisenzio family and the Farnese lordship were the dominant families in the village’s growth. The latter influential family has long been a patron of the Rocca, an octagonal palace that has served as the official residence of prominent political, diplomatic, and religious figures.
What are the must-see attractions in Capodimonte?
From here, other notable structures were built, such as the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta, which houses the image of the Madonna delle Grazie painted by the Neapolitan Sebastiano Conca, and Palazzo Borghese, which is now the municipal headquarters flanked by Valadier’s Puniatowski palace.
The Historic Center and the Archaeological Park of Monte Bisenzo are two of the numerous must-see attractions. The next stop should be at the Via della Rocca Historical Religious Museum, the “Vittorio Fanelli” cultural center, and the moving underwater nativity scene.
Capodimonte is stunning, but it is not the only thing that makes it special. While the town’s intentions to capitalize on tourism are commendable, it is not the only industry that has drawn attention to the area; the agriculture sector in particular stands out. Referring to it emphasizes the significance of a plentiful supply of (clearly chosen) extra virgin olive oil and, most importantly, of the much-discussed EST wine, which has been enjoyed since 1111.
The commerce is propelled by a thriving dairy business, which heralds delectable typical cheeses, as well as by grain cultivation and sheep rearing.
Events, festivals, and fun things to do
From January 20th, when the patronal church for San Sebastiano is held, until August, when the solemn religious processions take place, and the Infiorata, which features a procession honoring the Madonna delle Grazie, the city is alive with events. The Whitefish Festival is another must-visit event. The lake’s fish is a culinary treasure, and the locals celebrate it with a feast of delicious delicacies including eel marinated in tench broth, sbroscia (fish soups), vegetable acquacotta, and pasta in tench broth.
Nighttime pyrotechnics on the lakeshore mark the end of the Cielo procession of Santa Maria Assunta on August 15th. Indulge in every kind of healthy amusement during the “Capodimontana summer”—a season filled with various attractions perfect for people who wish to make the most of their time in the area.
Reaching the destination
From the A1, use the Orte exit to reach the highway to Viterbo; from there, take the Siena exit and continue on the SS Cassia for another 20 km until you reach the Capodimonte exit, which is the best way to reach the town.
