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Trasimeno lake, a world of its own

Lago Trasimeno, or the Trasimeno lake, is the fourth largest lake in Italy and it is located in the hilly region of Umbria. Trasimeno is a rather shallow lake, making the water tepid during the long warm summers. This paired with the fact that the entire lake is has been declared a regional park, makes it ideal for swimming and fishing. Standing on the lake shore, it looks as if the entire area is a giant amphitheatre, with the verdant slopes cradling the lake softly climbing towards the hilltops. These slopes are covered with olive plantations and sleepy villages.

There are three islands in Trasimeno lake, L’isola Polvese, L’isola Maggiore and L’isola Minore. L’isola Maggiore is the only island that is permanently inhabited, it is connected to the mainland by a ferry line. The island is covered with olive trees, cottonwood, holm oak and pine trees interlaced with narrow trails. The village is located on the western side of the island, and though it has only 18 registered inhabitants, it can pride itself with a very own, medieval castle and no less than four churches.

Castiglione del Lago, at the other end of the ferry line, sits on the edge of a peninsula, that used to be an island. It is a beautiful town, with typical umbrian architecture represented in the small palazzo, Palazzo della Corgna. Inside you find lovely frescoes, depicting scenes from myths.

At the northern edge of the lake, you find another charming town, Passignano. It is dominated by the medieval castle that crowns the city, keeping a watchful eye over the Trasimeno’s lolling waves. Each year, this town dedicates the last week of July to the reenactment of the rivalry between two of Perugia’s noble families: Baglioni and Oddi. Four different districts compete against each other, on both land and sea to win the coveted honour and glory. This competition is the finale of a week of celebration and festivities around the area. Restaurants arrange special gustations of the local delicacies and different performances and shows related to regional history.

The Trasimeno lake and its environs is an absolutely lovely spot. Everything that one associates with Italy is within a short boat ride: the food, the wine, the olive trees and the feasts. Beautiful nature and buzzing piazzas in enchanting small towns. With your feet planted in the lake, still warm from the day’s heat, watching the sun set over the soft contours of the hills, there is simply nothing wanting.