Marta is a picturesque town located on the south coast of the lake of Bolsena; the old town is perched on a hill overlooking the lake while the modern part is situated on the lakeside and the riverside streets.

  The historical origins of Marta are still arguable. Some say that Marta was founded by one of Noah's grandnephew in about 2000 BC. Some say that it was built on the ruins of an old Etruscan settlement; others say that its name derives from the Phoenician word Marath. It is possible to have reliable historical sources only from 726, when the name of the town appeared in a donation act.

  After the year 1000 the castle ended up like other neighbouring fortresses: only its ruins remains with a single tower as last vestige of its long-power as the Pope's temporal rule was being hampered by various seigniories. In 1537 Marta was included in the territory of the Dukedom of Castro, governed by the Farnese family. After the destruction of Castro (1649) Marta fell again into Pope's hands and remained under the Church's control until the Italian unification.

  The medieval period of Marta is testified by the characteristic tufa houses, narrow alleys with stone steps and evocative corners. To visit: the octagonal Tower of the Clock, the remains of the Fortress, the Church of Santa Maria del Monte, Fishermen's Beach. The driving activity of the centre is lake fishing, and the local restaurants prepare it in different ways: this is a very special product, sold and noted all over Italy.

  Furthermore, the volcanic nature of the ground helps agriculture which is in fact rich in olive groves and vineyeards: the lands give excellent oil, and quality wines such ad the DOC Cannaiola red one. The complete absence of industrial areas makes Marta an ideal places for those who want to enjoy intact natural and care about the preservation of nature.