English Cemetery – Commonwealth War Cemetery of Bolsena

About this activity

Located on the eastern shore of Lake Bolsena, a short distance from the SS2, the Bolsena War Cemetery is a significant site that commemorates the sacrifice of soldiers during World War II.Facilmente raggiungibile, si trova a circa 104 chilometri da Roma e 115 chilometri da Siena.
Easily accessible, it is located about 104 kilometers from Rome and 115 kilometers from Siena. Motorists can take the Orte exit from the A1 motorway, continue for 30 km towards Viterbo, and then turn right onto the SS2. The two nearest towns are Montefiascone, 8 kilometers to the south, and Bolsena, 7 kilometers to the north, with the cemetery entrance clearly visible from the main road. The address of the cemetery is SS2 Cassia (North) K106 – 1027 Montefiascone (VT), Lazio. For GPS navigation, the coordinates are: Latitude 42.586337, Longitude 12.001811.

History and Context

The history of the cemetery is rooted in the context of the world conflict, specifically on September 3, 1943, when Allied forces landed on the Italian mainland, coinciding with an armistice signed with Italy, which then joined the Allies. Despite fierce German resistance, the advance through southern Italy was swift but faced a setback at the Gustav Line, a German defensive position. This line fell in May 1944, and on June 3, Rome was finally liberated by the Allies. After being pushed north of Rome, the Germans made their first stand at Bolsena. Here, in June 1944, a tank battle took place between the 6th South African Armoured Division and Hermann Goering’s Panzer Division.

The Site Selection and the Project

The site for the military cemetery was chosen in November 1944, with graves transferred from the battlefields extending between Bolsena and Orvieto. Among the fallen buried in Bolsena, nearly one-third came from South Africa, highlighting the significant involvement of South African forces in the conflict. In 1947, an additional 42 graves were brought to the cemetery from the island of Elba. The architecture of the cemetery was designed by architect Louis de Soissons, and the area houses the remains of 597 Commonwealth soldiers, 40 of whom are unidentified. Notably, the cemetery is located on the actual site of the first camp occupied by General Alexander’s advanced headquarters after the liberation of Rome. Here, in late July 1944, King George VI visited the general, emphasizing the historical significance of the site.

A Place of Commemoration

The Bolsena War Cemetery is not just a burial site; it serves as a monument to the memory and sacrifice of those who fought for freedom. The care of the site and the atmosphere of serenity provide visitors with an opportunity for reflection and respect for the fallen. The beauty of the surrounding landscape, with Lake Bolsena as a backdrop, adds to the cemetery’s enchanting and meaningful character. Visiting it means not only honoring the memory of the buried soldiers but also recognizing the value of the peace and freedom we enjoy today. The Bolsena War Cemetery remains open and accessible to all, inviting us to remember and reflect on a fundamental chapter of our history.