Lake Bolsena (Italian: Lago di Bolsena) is a crater lake of central Italy, of volcanic origin, which was formed 370,000 years ago following the collapse of a caldera of the Vulsini volcanic complex. Roman historic records indicate activity of the Vulsini volcano occurred as recently as 104 BC, since when it has been dormant. The two islands in the southern part of the lake have been formed by underwater eruptions following the initial collapse of the caldera.
The lake has an oval shape typical of crater lakes. Its total surface is 113.5 km²; the altitude of its surface is 305 m; it is 151 m deep at its lowest point and 81 m deep on average. More information
Tuscia is a historical region of Italy that comprised the southern territories under Etruscan influence. While it later become to coincide to today’s province of Viterbo, it was originally much larger, including the whole Region of Tuscany, a great part of Umbria and the northern parts of Lazio.
Cimini Hills, are a range of densely wooded volcanic hills approximately 35 miles north-west of Rome. They are part of the Antiapennine range, facing the Apennines main range towards the Tyrrhenian Sea. They are situated in the centre of Tuscia Viterbese, the highest point at Mount Cimino (1,053 m above sea level). Lake Vico, a volcanic crater lake, is situated in the hills.
The vegetation is predominantly beech forestation. The area is renowned for its hot springs, renaissance villas and Etruscan ruins.
Lake Vico (Italian Lago di Vico) is a volcanic lake in northern Lazio region, central Italy. It is the highest among major Italian lakes, with its altitude of 510 m. Administratively, it is part of the municipalities of Caprarola and Ronciglione.
The Lake is surrounded by the Cimini Hills, in particular by the Fogliano (965 m) and Venere (851 m) Mounts. It is part of the Natural Reserve of Lake Vico.
According to the legend, the lake awas created by Hercules, who had defied the local inhabitants to pick up his club. When he did it by himself, a stream sprung and formed the lake. The Lake is in fact a relic of the past volcanic activity of Lazio, originating some 100,000 years ago when an extinguished crater was filled by waters. Before the construction of a tunnel by the hand of Etruscans, the lake had probably a double surface than today, the Monte Venere contistuting an island within it.
The Lake has one emissary, the Rio Vicano.
It is famous for its extensive beech forest which is one of the most southerly in Europe. The elevation plus the surrounding walls of the crater apparently supply cool enough conditions for the continued survival of beeches here. A large part of the northern side of the crater is a natural preserve to protect this forest.