San Giovanni District
The San Giovanni district has its heart in the square and its symbol in the centuries-old Palazzo del Drago.
Two icons enrich its history: the Arco di Porta Fiorentina, a monumental gateway to the city, and the Chiesina dell'Arcale, tied to legends of devotion and ancient noble families
The focal point of the district’s social life is the welcoming Piazza San Giovanni. It is in this square that the residents’ sense of community truly comes alive, especially during the month of August, when the traditional district festival is held. Exploring the Rione San Giovanni, you will come across some of the iconic landmarks that best tell the story of Bolsena.
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PALAZZO DEL DRAGO
A majestic, centuries-old noble residence that dominates the landscape with its elegant Renaissance architecture. Inside, it boasts marvelous halls frescoed by Prospero Fontana, the elegant Loggia Paolina, and a magnificent terraced garden suspended across four levels, offering a breathtaking view of Lake Bolsena. Today, as part of the Historical Residences of Lazio network, the palace is open to the public by reservation.
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ARCO DI PORTA FIORENTINA
An ancient northern gateway, built in 1559 at the behest of Cardinal Tiberio Crispo. It features faux rustication and ancient coats of arms.
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CHIESINA DELL’ARCALE
Known in the past as the “Chiesa della Madonna del Gatto” or “Madonna della Stella” (due to an ancient painting in which the Virgin wears a starry cloak), it owes its current name to the arches of the Roman baths once located nearby.
Plan Your Visit
Storyteller of the beauty, art, history and culture of Lake Bolsena and its surroundings, territories where I grew up and which I can share with the professionalism and passion of a local tour guide.
9:00 AM / 7:00 PM
Telling the story of this land is not just about unveiling secrets and frescoes, it is about returning the light that this lake and this town give me every day, with a devotion that transcends time.
9:00 AM / 7:00 PM
My teaching profession has refined my ability to communicate. You cannot teach or illustrate art and creation without sharing a passion for beauty with others. A guide is not a book—it is the synthesis of all books and meaningful experiences from which they have drawn their knowledge, in order to share history and stories with everyone.
9:00 AM / 7:00 PM
I believe being an ambassador for the place where you were born is a great privilege. Leading Italian and international visitors through the story of Bolsena's artistic, natural and cultural wonders is a stimulating experience that enriches your own knowledge while sharing it with others.
9:00 AM / 7:00 PM
Telling Bolsena's thousand-year history through dedicated guided tours means giving the town back to its people and helping visitors discover our remarkable cultural heritage.
9:00 AM / 7:00 PM
