Lake Bolsena
Lake Bolsena
is a crater lake of central Italy, of volcanic
origin, which was formed starting 370,000 years ago following the collapse of a
caldera of the Vulsini volcanic complex into a deep aquifer. 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 were formed by underwater eruptions following the initial collapse of the
caldera.
The lake is supplied entirely from the aquifer, rainfall and runoff, with
one outlet at the southern end. A sewage treatment plant filters most of the
raw sewage from the surrounding communities. Constructed in 1996, it features
pipelines transporting the sewage from every major community around the lake to
the treatment plant on the Marta
River; that is, no
effluents enter the lake. Fertilizers are a second source of contamination.
However, the chemical content of the lake is monitored at several stations
around it.
Lying within the northern part of the province
of Viterbo that is called Alto
Lazio ("Upper Latium") or Tuscia,
the lake has a long historic tradition. The Romans called it Lacus Volsinii,
adapting the Etruscan name, Velzna, of
the last Etruscan city to hold out against Rome, which was translocated after 264 BC,
and its original location today has not been securely identified. The lake is
bordered on one side by updated forms of the Roman consular road Via Cassia..
In addition to the historic sites of all periods, Lake Bolsena
is currently surrounded by numerous tourist establishments, largely for
camping, agrotourism and bed and breakfasts.
One third of the lake was donated to the Church by the noble family
Alberici of Orvieto. In recognition of the donation the Alberici family was
honored with a ceremony three times a year performed by the Bishop of Orvieto.
(source wiki)
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