Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
trodden trail for a spell and slip into the languid rhythm of lake life. Around this 128 sq
km lake, silver-green olive groves, vines, woods of oak and cypress and sunflower fields
frame castle-topped medieval towns, such as Castiglione del Lago and Passignano, which
are draped along its shores like a daisy chain. A gentle and unhurried ambiance hangs
over the lake's trio of islands - Maggiore, Minore and Polvese - all wonderfully relaxing
escapes.
Hannibal destroyed the Roman army here in 217 BC, and the lake's numerous fortifica-
tions attest to its strategic position and turbulent past.
Sights & Activities
Dotted with nature reserves and criss-crossed with well-signposted trails, Lago Trasimeno
begs outdoor escapades. For the inside scoop on activities from hiking and cycling to sail-
ing and wine tasting, visit
www.lagotrasimeno.co.uk
.
Ask at any of the tourist offices around the lake or in Perugia for a booklet of walking
and horse-riding tracks. Horse-riding centres include
La Rosa Canina
(
075 835 06 60;
www.larosacanina.com
;
Via dei Mandorli 23, Panicale)
, to the south of the lake.
One of the best places to base yourself is
Castiglione del Lago
, which has a fine beach
where you can lounge, swim, windsurf, or hire a pedalo or kayak, as well as a sprinkling
of cultural attractions. A covered passageway connects
Palazzo della Corgna
(Piazza Gramsci;
adult/reduced €3/2 incl Rocca del Leone; 10am-1pm & 4-7.30pm summer, 9.30am-4.30pm Sat & Sun
winter)
, a 16th-century ducal palace housing frescoes by Giovanni Antonio Pandolfi and
Salvio Savini, with the 13th-century
Rocca del Leone
fortress a stellar example of medieval
military architecture.
The lake's main inhabited island -
Isola Maggiore
, near Passignano - was reputedly a fa-
vourite with St Francis. The hilltop
Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo
contains a crucifixion
painted by Bartolomeo Caporali dating from around 1460. You can also visit the mostly
uninhabited island and environmental lab at
Isola Polvese
on a day trip with Fattoria Il Pog-
gio.
