The Blue Heart of Green Umbria 3 TRASIMENO ‘15 Softly rolling hills on the border between Umbria and Tuscany eight charming villages, each one unique unto itself. A landscape characterised by the serene presence of the lake, by towns steeped in history, in art, culture and genuine flavours. Time goes by slowly here at Trasimeno Lake, the atmosphere is a convivial one, everyone knows one another, they still meet on the many piazzas to chat and spend time together. Trails and paths crisscross the woods and hills, breathtaking views featuring the deep blue of the lake appear below and the landscape is dotted with towns and hamlets, precious and timeless treasure boxes of a culture and tradition which is still alive. This harmony makes this region a truly unique place, a land where life is still “well lived”, where the environment and historical roots are clearly intertwined. It is also in a very strategic position from which to strike out on excursions to some of the most beautiful art cities of central Italy: Perugia, Assisi, Gubbio, Siena, Florence, Arezzo, Orvieto, Rome. Come and enjoy a taste of how we live life! MAGICAL PLACE OF HISTORY AND MYTHOLOGY Without a doubt, the Prince of Trasimeno was also under the spell of the beauty and harmony of this land. He was the son of the mythical founding father of the Etruscans, King Tirreno. Enchanted by this landscape, he fell deeply in love with the nymph Agilla. This passionate love story, however, ended in his tragic death. Since then the lake has taken the name of this lovelorn prince, Trasimeno, and they say that when the wind caresses the water one can still hear the mournful laments of Agilla, eternally searching for her long lost love. Here at the Lake, mythology blends seamlessly with history and there are tales of a place considered sacred by the Etruscans. In fact Lake Trasimeno, which the Etruscans called Tarsminas on their Tabula Cortonensis, was seen as a sort of earthly representation of heaven. 4 Between Florence and Rome TRASIMENO ‘15 Roma Norcia Exit Valdichiana Exit Chiusi Chianciano Terme Exit Fabro Firenze Siena Perugia Assisi Gubbio Terni 6 The Towns: Castiglione del Lago TRASIMENO ‘15 Museum Route Photo by Massimo Sordi The palazzo built by Galeazzo Alessi in the mid-1500s at the behest of the Marquis Ascanio della Corgna is a lovely example of Italian Renaissance Castiglione del Lago is located at the northwestern extremity architecture and features a marvellous fresco cycle painted by Niccolò'3f of Umbria, its area blending into the Tuscany of Arezzo Circignani, known as Il Pomarancio, and an antiquarium with Etruscan and Siena. A large part of the lake and Polvese Island fall P and Roman relics found in the surrounding areas. A narrow walkway connects the Palazzo to the Rocca, a fortress built in 1247 with a five- under its control. Peaceful little corners give way to views Via Lungolago sided layout recalling the constellation Leo, which also for this reason and of rare beauty, the hues and tones of the countryside much like Lake Trasimeno, is considered a sacred and mysterious place. made even more alluring by the tranquil littleVia villages Firenze and the serene backdrop of the water. Man and nature live in 1 P utmost harmony here. The old centre of the town dominates 2 the lake from a hilltop which, in ancient times, was itself Piazza an island, the fourth one of Lake Trasimeno. There are Via del Pozzino Gramsci H Via V. Emanuele traces of an ancient Etruscan sanctuary here and the Via Del Forte P i Roman origins of the town are clearly evident in the parallel P Piazza streets which cut through it lengthwise. Well worth a visit D. Alighieri is the museum and its Palazzo della Corgna (1) - with Via Garibaldi frescoes painted by Il Pomarancio depicting the feats of P Duke Ascanio della Corgna - and the medievalVia RoccaRoma del P Leone (2) fortress with its pentagonal structure mirroring the constellation after which it was named, the mystical symbol of perfection. There are several churches and sanctuaries in the area bearing witness to the passage of history and man’s delicate and loving hand can be clearly seen on the landscape beyon: the area was the Tel. +39 075951099 Etruscan’s granary, it is where the vineyards and olive www.itinerarialtrasimeno.it www.comune.castiglione-del-lago.pg.it groves not only pleased the eye, but the palate too. The Towns: Città della Pieve 7 TRASIMENO ‘15 Museum Route - “Museo Diffuso” Photo by Marco Possieri The circuit is made up of three of the most important historical-artistic and monumental sites of the city. The celebrated Adoration of the Magi (1504) Città della Pieve sits at 508m above sea level and looks by Pietro Vannucci, known as Il Perugino, hangs in the Oratorio di Santa out over the Valdichiana and Lake Trasimeno. The town Maria dei Bianchi, while the last of his great works, the Deposition of the has all the characteristics of a border town, with Cross (1517) is at the Museo Civico Diocesano di Santa Maria dei Servi. harmonious architectural influences from Tuscany, Lazio The last site of major importance on the tour is the 16th century Palazzo Viale Vanni della Corgna, designed by Galeazzo Alessi grotesque decorations by and, of course, Umbria. The surrounding landscape was Niccolò Circignani, known as “Il Pomarancio” and his pupil Salvio Savini. 5 the one that inspired native son Pietro Vannucci (ca.1450 H -1523), known as “Il Perugino”, who left behind many 4 paintings, starting with is celebrated Adoration of the i Magi in the Oratorio di Santa Maria dei Bianchi (1). 1 P.zza Via Piave The historical centre boasts Sienese-style buildings that Plebiscito 2 date back to the early 1200s, buildings with Roman P.zza Gramsci influence and others that date anywhere from the 6 Via Vannucci 3 Viale Garibaldi P Porta Renaissance to Neoclassical. Things to see: Cathedral (2) S. Agostino ancient church building (with baptism font) of Longobard Viale Cappannini origin. Civic Tower (2) - Romanesque tower from the 12th century. Palazzo della Corgna (3) - designed by P Galeazzo Alessi for the family of Ascanio della Corgna. Santa Maria dei Servi (4). A church of the order of the Handmaidens of Maria, today the Diocesan Museum. The Rocca (5) (or Fortress) - fortification built in 1536. The Church of Saint Augustine (6) - Built in the Gothic style in the late 13th century and modified in the late Centro Servizi Turistici - Tel. +39 0578299375 18th century in Neoclassical style. www.cittadellapieve.org www.cittadellapieve.org 8 The Towns: Magione TRASIMENO ‘15 Torre dei Lambardi Built at the end of the XII century by the Knights of the Order of the Hospitallers, also known as the Knights of Malta, the Torre dei Lambardi sits high above the town of Magione. The building was at the centre of fierce battles throughout the XIV century and, until the end of the Middle Ages, there were recurring battles for the possession of this extraordinary fortress. Today, the tower is a panoramic place of great charm and has been tastefully converted for use as a modern exhibition centre for contemporary art exhibitions. Open from May to September from Thursday to Sunday. Tel. +39 0758473078 Ancient villages and unforgettable sunsets. “Museo della Pesca” (3) - San Feliciano The eastern shore of Lake Trasimeno is dotted with towns Torricella Located in the heart of San Feliciano, a charming fishing village which has preserved its authenticity, the Museum is an ethno-anthropological and villages steeped in history, it is where the sunsets are Montecolognola collection which tells of the “culture of water” in and around the Trasimeno famed for their haunting beauty: San Savino, with its Monte del Lago Castello di Zocco Magione region. It offers a fascinating insight into the relationship between man medieval castle and triangular tower; San Feliciano, a San Feliciano and the lake over the course of history. The museum is located next to charming and authentic fishing village; Monte Colognola, the still very active fishermen’s dock and the fishermen themselves actively Isola Polvese 3 contributed to the realization of its interiors. Open from March to December. a XIV century village with a unique view of the lakeshore; San Savino Monte del Lago, an architectural gem perched over the P Via Roma Sant’Arcangelo P lake; Agello with its marvellous XI century fortress; Agello P.zza Sant’Arcangelo and Torricella, enchanting welcoming towns. G. Matteotti 2 Magione, the main city, is host to the Castle of the Knights i 4 of Malta (1), built in the XII century as a fortified hospital. Via XX Settembre Perfectly preserved, it can be visited only on request. A Via3 della Torre wonderful inner courtyard hosts the Trasimeno Music Festival 1 P in July, an international festival of classical music directed Via Giuseppe Garibaldi by renowned Canadian pianist Angela Hewitt. Magione further boasts the ancient the Lambardi Tower (2) fortress, Via Cavalieri di Malta built at the turn of the XII and XIII centuries by the Knights of the Order of the Hospitallers, which dominates the town with a magnificent view over the surrounding countryside. Magione is also dedicated to sports: motor racing, thanks to the autodromo track, sailing along the shore, hiking in the hills, windsurfing, quading through the woods and kite www.magionecultura.it www.magionecultura.it - Tel. +39 0758479261 flying on the beaches. The Towns: Paciano 9 TRASIMENO ‘15 Photo by Tim Holt “TrasiMemo” and “Museo Don Aldo Rossi” Photo by Ilario Balestro The TrasiMemo-Trasimeno Memory Bank is a truly special sort of bank which preserves ancient and modern local heritage in several halls with Kieran Mulvaney, author and environmentalist, described exhibits and workshops.