Surroundings

More then half of Italy's cultural heritage is within easy reach from Lake Trasimeno. To name only a few of its world famous cities: Rome, Florence, Perugia, Assisi, Siena, Arezzo and Orvieto. Here you find the hidden treasures of Italy's Etruscan, medieaval and renaissance past. This is an introduction, based on personal experiences:

Let's start with Perugia. Its city centre is a labyrinth of alleyways and small streets with mediaeval houses connected by stone steps. You will feel as if wandering in another time. If you enter the town through an original Etruscan archway or through the hidden city (Rocca Paolina), time seems to have come to a complete stand still. And we haven't even spoken about the mediaeval marble fountain on the main square. In its vicinity an old Etruscan well can be visited, as well as the splendid Palazzo dei Priori (construction started in the 13th century) with its 'Sala dei Notari' and much more.

You can visit Spoleto, where once even Hannibal with his elephants wandered around. Here you can admire the Ponte della Torre (bridge with towers), which was built in mediaeval times and spans across the entire valley. This beautiful small city is a monument in itself. Wander around and admire the many mediaeval buildings. The same we can write about Siena with its famous oval square where each summer a horse race, called Il Palio, takes place. Do not miss the splendid mediaeval cathedral with its wonderful floor mosaics. Of course Assisi is again one of these towns not to be missed. It is St. Francis of Assisi 's birthplace. He left many traces in this well kept town. You can visit his tomb in the large cathedral dominating the valley. Here you can also admire Giotto's beautiful frescos.

Speaking about cathedrals: do not miss Orvieto's cathedral, built in the 13th century and famous for its mosaic facade. The old Etruscan caves are also worthwhile a visit. Finally, I would like to mention Arezzo, like the other towns at a short distance from Lake Trasimeno. Again a beautiful cathedral adorned with frescos by Piero della Francesco. In Arezzo you can also visit Vasari's house, who wrote a book about famous artists of his time, amongst them Michelangelo, Il Perugino, Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci. Vasari himself was quite an artist. He left his own frescos in his old house, still to be visited in Arezzo.

If you want to stay even closer to the lake, then visit the many small villages surrounding it. There is Passignano with its unspoiled and still inhabited mediaeval upper town. Here you will find peace and 'old' silence. At the bottom of the hill, along the lake, Passignano's lively and touristic part of town opens up for you. Having enjoyed yourself and maybe having tasted one of the home made ice creams, continue your way to Monte del Lago. You cannot reach its centre by car: small alleyways connected by stone steps overlooking the lake. The views opening up for you are astonishing. Following your way around the lake you will end up in Castiglione del Lago. Situated at a vintage point overlooking the lake it offers many small shops with typical products of the area and restaurants. What remains of its past is the house of Duca della Corgna, who once ruled this part of the Lake. Frescos depicting his life and the battles he fought can be found in his old house, now in possession of the local authorities.

Then Tuoro, where we are situated. This small village has become famous for the battle of Hannibal against the Romans. Here he defeated Consul Flaminius in 217 B.C. Nothing much remains of its historic past. Outside of the village some old walls remember a small Etruscan temple. Once a year the inhabitants of Tuoro celebrate mass here in honour of Saint Agata. It's quite a private affair. They do not like intruders to join in. The old function of this small chapel and its cemetery is witnessed by the many bones found in its immediate vicinity.

Villages near the Lake you shouldn't forget are Panicale and Paciano. Panicale dates back to Etruscan times and reached its peak in mediaeval times. It also is the birthplace of Masolino, one of the principal painters of the early Renaissance. Paciano has been nominated as the best contained fortress town in Italy. Il Perugino has honoured the church of this little village with its frescos.

A bit further, but only a daytrip away, you can visit Rome or Florence. Any description is unnecessary. Direct connections from Terontola railway station will take you there in the morning and after a day wandering around these amazing cities, the train will take you back in the evening where the peacefulness of the Lake Trasimeno area will overwhelm you.