Lake Trasimeno is the perfect destination for a relaxing Italian vacation, far from the hustle and bustle of city life. This region of Umbria is famous for its peaceful and incredibly fertile countryside; carpeted with centuries old olive groves, historic vineyards, dense woods and, on the shores of its largest lake, thick reed beds which provide the ideal habitat for dozens of species of bird.
Trasimeno is, in fact, a favorite spot for birdwatchers, for whom a trip across the waters to the Isola Polvese, a rocky islet in the middle of the lake, is an absolute must. This is where stalks, herons, cormorants and great flocks of wild swans, come to nest each year. Whilst on the islet, visitors should dedicate an hour or two to the Garden of Water Plants, with its fascinating collection of indigenous and imported aquatic flora. The islands of Lake Trasimeno can be reached by ferry boats departing from the larger towns located on the lakeshores, such as Castiglione del Lago.
Castiglione del Lago, one of the most beautiful towns in Italy, boasts a magnificent 16th century palace, the interiors of which are decorated with ornate mannerist-style frescoes, many of which were painted by Niccolò Circignani, better known as Pomarancio. The Palazzo della Corgna was the sumptuous residence of the Counts and Marquis Della Corgna, one of the area's most influential aristocratic dynasties, and Asciano della Corgna appears in a number of the frescoes in the guise of a valiant knight. The town's Rocca del Leone is even older than the Palazzo, dating back to the 13th century and built during the reign of Frederick II of Swabia. Today, the castle is used as an amphitheater, staging open air concerts and theatrical performances throughout the summer season.
Tuoro's Battle of Trasimeno Documentation Center is a fascinating archive and museum which recounts the violent battle fought on the shores of lake between the Roman army and the Carthaginian troops led by Hannibal. From 217 B.C, and the battle of Trasimeno, we return to recent years and, more precisely, to the 1980's, when the Campo del Sole sculpture garden was created by Piero Cascella on Tuoro's Punta Navaccia. The garden contains some 28 works of contemporary sculpture, just meters from the water's edge.
Those wishing to bathe in the lake, and to experience Trasimeno's most fashionable resort, should head to the town of Passignano, famous for its Vittoria Aganoor Pompilj promenade, named after the Armenian poet who dedicated many a verse to the beauty of this Umbrian lake.
Magione is rightly famous for its medieval Castle of the Knights of Malta. Erected in the 13th century, the edifice was fortified two centuries later. Despite its appearance, in the end the castle was used, not as a military stronghold, but as a refuge for pilgrims travelling through Umbria on their way to Rome along the Via Francigena. Our tour of the lake draws to a close in the tiny town of Solomeo, which conserves its beautiful medieval aspect thanks to the intervention of one of its most illustrious citizens, Brunello Cucinelli. Cucinelli, who made his fortune in the textile industry and, in particular, in the production of cashmere, financed the restoration of the historic center, with the aim of creating the perfect environment for his workers.
