Isola Bisentina reopens with restored church and Giulia Farnese photo exhibition

The Isola Bisentina on Lake Bolsena reopens to the public from June 21 to November 3, 2024, following restoration by the Rovati family, who purchased the island in 2017. The 2024 season features the completion of the restoration of the Church of Saints James and Christopher (Chiesa dei Farnese), now accessible for the first time. The church hosts the photography exhibition "La dama dell'Unicorno. Giulia Farnese e l'Isola Bisentina" by Manfredi Gioacchini, curated by Sofia Elena Rovati, marking the 500th anniversary of Giulia Farnese's death. The exhibition uses images and historical documents to explore her life, with the unicorn as a guiding symbol. Visitors can also explore the Sangallo chapel, the Crucifix chapel (with a crucifix attributed to Benozzo Gozzoli), and a treasure hunt via QR codes leading to Farnese palaces in Tuscia towns. Tickets cost €25, including ferry from Bolsena or Capodimonte and a guided 3-hour tour. The island, known since Etruscan times, features site-specific contemporary art installations among historic buildings and Renaissance frescoes.