Umbria, Lake Trasimeno
Lake Trasimeno is situated in the middle of Umbria and is Central Italy's largest lake with a surface area of 128 sq klm. It is surrounded for half of its shores by hills rich in olives that are among the most important resources of the local agriculture. On the western shore, near Tuscany, vineyards, fruit and vegetables are grown. On this side the hills are much lower and the climate is warmer and it is possible to see Monte Subasio near Assisi, about 70 km to the east, and Monte Amiata, about 70km to the west.
Why Trasimeno- Convenient location near Umbrias attractions
- Swimming in summer after excursions
The first civilization to inhabit this place was the Etruscans, and it's said that they found Trasimeno similar in shape to a liver. The Etruscan presence is not surprising, because when the lake was bigger, Perugia, Chiusi and Cortona, three of the main Etrurian cities, were all within 20km of the lake. Practically nothing remains from the Etruscan period, and only some traces of the Romans are found. Castiglione del Lago, has some Roman ruins and its main streets are structured like a chessboard in the Roman style. The main towns, all quite small, are Passignano sul Trasimeno, Tuoro, Monte del Lago, Torricella, S.Feliciano, S.Arcangelo, Castiglione del Lago and Borghetto. Castiglione del Lago has the longest shore, because its on a the only significant peninsula of the lake. There were stories that this was an island that was joined to the shore by the Romans. There are three islands in the lake. The second largest, Isole Maggiore is the only inhabited one. The small fishing village, which reached its height in the 14th century, today has only around thirty residents. Most of the buildings, including the ruins of a Franciscan monastery, date from the 1300s. The largest of these isles is Isola Polvese, almost 1 sq km.
Locality Links
Monte del Lago
Small medieval village on the shores of the lake with lovely bicycle tracks and swimming areas
Castiglione del Lago
Lakeside medieval village on a promontory that has a beautiful square, cobbled streets, lively restaurants and a wonderful summer event program
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