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San Lorenzo Nuovo on Lake Bolsena: the 18th-century village with an octagonal square
San Lorenzo Nuovo in the province of Viterbo overlooks Lake Bolsena's northern shore from a hilltop. The village has had two lives: first in the Etruscan era, then in 1774, when it was rebuilt from scratch, based on a design by architect Francesco Navone. What makes it unique is its perfectly preserved 18th-century layout — not to mention the gnocchi festival, which fills the square up every August.
From the Etruscans to the 18th-century reconstruction
The ancient village was inhabited by the Etruscans from 770 BC, and the Via Cassia ensured its strategic importance for centuries, fuelling ongoing power struggles between local lords and the Church. In 1774, the decision was taken to rebuild it entirely. The town centre retains the same layout today, with the large octagonal Piazza Europa dominated by the Collegiate Church of San Lorenzo Martire (St Lawrence Martyr).
What to see
The Collegiate Church of San Lorenzo Martire, with a single nave, houses a wooden Crucifix from 1100 and two paintings by Jacopo Zucchi. The rural Church of Torano stands on the remains of an Etruscan temple dedicated to the goddess Turan. Inside, there is a fresco dating to the second half of the 15th century.
Gnocchi, the lake and trails
The beach on Lake Bolsena lies 5 km from the village centre. Those who prefer to walk can follow the Sentiero del Brigante Fortunato Ansuini trail. In August, the Gnocchi Festival serves Alto Viterbese IGP potato gnocchi in four versions: with meat sauce, butter and sage, vodka, and pesto.
