Lake Trasimeno
Two Towns, Two Different Experiences
Castiglione del Lago
ABOUT: Positioned on a promontory surrounded by Lake Trasimeno, this village has been inhabited since ancient times. The 10th century marked the beginning of the construction of the military fortress known as the Castello del Leone, from which the current name of the village is derived and still stands today. Sight seeing in this little village is a fun way to have a leisurely day and is quite budget friendly.
WHAT TO DO: There is a fabulously preserved ancient castle and military installation. The historic center is enclosed by medieval walls with 3 gates: Fiorentina, Senese, and Perugina. Built in 1247 is the Rocca del Leone, one of the most interesting examples of Umbrian medieval military architecture, it is an irregular pentagon with 5 towers and 3 gates, dominated by a triangular keep almost 30 meters high, providing a panoramic view of 360 degrees. The battlementsoffer a splendid view of the lake, while the spacious interior now serves as a natural amphitheater for performances.
Connected to the fortress by a coveredwalkwaywith defensive loopholes is the Ducal Palace or Palazzo della Corgna, featuring richly frescoed walls by Niccolò Circignani and Salvio Savini, depicting mythological scenes and exploits of the condottiero Ascanio della Corgna.
Not to be missed is the church of Santa Maria Maddalena, built in 1836, housing a valuable 16th-century painting by a pupil of Perugino, a “Madonna del Latte” from the Sienese school of the 14th century, and frescoes by Mariano Piervittori (1850), and in Piazza Mazzini, the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo, from the 13th century.
WHAT TO EAT: Local Umbrian cuisine is always on the menu, as well as a variety of lake fish dishes. Our recommend places to check out are L’Angolo del Buon Gustaio, Wine Shop & Bistro (https://www.angolodelbuongustaio.com/), and Le Scalette, Enoteca & restaurant (https://www.osterialescalette.it/).
WHAT TO PARK: Below Google Maps will direct you to parking that is convenient to town. Make sure that you are aware of how the lot charges for their parking and be sure to follow the rules. During tourist season, tickets are given out almost instantaneously for people not following the rules.
Google Maps Parking Info
Passignano sul Trasimeno
ABOUT: Passignano sul Trasimeno is a charming medieval village that sits right along the edge of the lake and is included among the "Most beautiful villages in Italy”. It offers a panoramic fortress, lakeside walks on flat terrain, and ferries to nearby islands and historic sites, making it ideal for a relaxing day visit.
WHAT TO DO: The lakeside path is the perfect place to stretch your legs without navigating the hilly terrain that many of the medieval villages have. During the summer, there are ferries that can take you to the visit the lake islands. There is Maggiore Island is still inhabited is a fishing village that dates to the 15th century and is also the location of the Romanesque church of San Salvatore (12th century), the church of San Michele Arcangelo (14th century) and Villa Isabella of the Marquis of Guglielmi.
The largest island on the lake (there are 3) is Polvese, which is not inhabited and is used as a public park. It is also the location of the S. Secondo monastery, the Church of San Giuliano and a 14th-Century castle which was recently restored. There is a ferry dock conveniently located to parking, where you can take a ferry out to the small islands and explore the parks at a leisurely pace. No big hills or lots of climbing in this little area.
WHAT TO EAT: There are many quaint lakeside cafes that feature typical local dishes, however, our favorite is L’osteria 13 as it is next to an excellent little gelateria where an espresso and a gelato is always on order after a great meal. This restaurant has indoor seating, but our favorite table is in the small garden area that overlooks the lake. They have plenty of umbrellas for cover, so rain or shine, this is a lovely place to have lunch. Luckily there is the lakeside path to walk it all off. The restaurant only has a Facebook page for contact info: https://www.facebook.com/p/Losteria13-61560205746831/
IMPORTANT DATES, FESTIVALS, MARKETS:
June - Trasimeno Music Festival - Cultural/Music - Classical music festival: trasimenomusicfestival.com