Basilica of Santa Cristina, Bolsena

Basilica of Santa Cristina, Bolsena tickets: which one to buy

The Basilica of Santa Cristina stands in the town of Bolsena, on the shores of Lake Bolsena, in northern Lazio, Italy, about two hours north of Rome, and entry is free, while the catacombs beneath the basilica have a small fee. It is famous as the site of the Eucharistic Miracle of Bolsena in 1263, which led to the establishment of the feast of Corpus Christi.

Bolsena is best reached by car, and it is often combined with Orvieto, about twenty kilometres away, whose cathedral holds the relic of the miracle, and with Civita di Bagnoregio, the dying town on a hilltop. The lake, Europe's largest volcanic lake, is popular for swimming and boat trips. The basilica is active, and visiting pauses during services. The town's medieval castle holds a museum. Tickets for the catacombs are sold at a desk inside the basilica.

Visiting Basilica of Santa Cristina, Bolsena: what to see

The basilica is dedicated to Saint Christina, a young martyr of the third or fourth century who, according to legend, was thrown into the lake with a stone tied to her, but floated back to shore, leaving her footprints on the stone. The basilica was built in the eleventh century over the catacombs, and its Renaissance facade was added in the fifteenth century. In 1263, a Bohemian priest who doubted the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist was celebrating mass at the altar of Saint Christina, when blood began to flow from the host, staining the altar cloth and the floor; this Eucharistic Miracle led Pope Urban IV to establish the feast of Corpus Christi. The Chapel of the Miracle holds the stained stones of the floor.

The Grotto of Saint Christina, beneath the church, holds her tomb and the stone with her footprints. The catacombs contain early Christian tombs. The basilica's facade, in Renaissance style, was designed by Francesco and Benedetto Buglioni. The Chapel of the Miracle holds a marble altar and a tabernacle with the stained stones. The grotto's altar, where the miracle took place, is protected by a canopy. The catacombs' tunnels hold niches and tombs, some with inscriptions. The church's side chapels hold terracotta works by the della Robbia workshop. The bell tower was built in the thirteenth century. A marble statue of Saint Christina lies in the grotto. The frescoes in the church include scenes from the life of the saint.

Basilica of Santa Cristina, Bolsena opening hours and the best time to go

The basilica is open daily, with a break at lunchtime. Summer is the busiest season in Bolsena, when the lake attracts swimmers. The feast of Saint Christina on 24 July is celebrated with the Mysteries of Saint Christina, living tableaux performed in the streets on the nights of 23 and 24 July. Corpus Christi, in June, is celebrated with a procession on a carpet of flowers. Spring and autumn are pleasant. Allow about forty-five minutes for the basilica and catacombs, and walk down to the lake. Orvieto Cathedral, about half an hour's drive away, holds the corporal of Bolsena in a golden reliquary in the Chapel of the Corporal.