This medieval lakeside town on Lake Trasimeno has a 13th-century castle and fortified walls. Art galleries and local restaurants line the streets of its hilltop center.
Castiglione del Lago occupies a limestone peninsula jutting into Lake Trasimeno. Walk the pentagon-shaped fortress walls for panoramic lake views, explore the mythological frescoes in Palazzo della Corgna, or swim at one of the town's lake beaches. You can cycle the 60-kilometer shoreline path or take a boat to explore the lake's inhabited islands.
The Medieval Heart of Castiglione
Three main gates - Porta Fiorentina, Porta Senese, and Porta Perugina - lead into the 13th-century walled town. Inside, three parallel streets create a simple grid layout, connecting small squares where you'll find morning cafes and weekly markets. The stone buildings along these lanes date from the 14th to 16th centuries, with many original wooden doors and iron fixtures still intact.
Rocca del Leone - The Lion's Fortress
Monk-architect Elia from Cortona designed this pentagonal fortress in 1247. You can walk along the connecting walls between its five towers for views across Lake Trasimeno and the Umbrian hills. The fortress's central courtyard hosts concerts and theater performances from June to September. Climb the 30-meter triangular tower for the best viewpoint of the lake and surrounding olive groves.
Lake Life and Beaches
Several public beaches line the shore below the old town, with calm waters ideal for swimming. Take a walk along the tree-lined lungolago (lakefront promenade), where you'll find benches and small cafes. The harbor rents kayaks and paddle boats, and runs regular ferries to Isola Maggiore and Isola Polvese. On Isola Maggiore, walk through the small fishing village to see the 14th-century Church of San Michele Arcangelo.
Cycling Around Trasimeno
The lake circuit connects Castiglione del Lago with neighboring towns via a 60-kilometer trail. You'll cycle on both paved roads and packed dirt paths, passing olive groves and oak woods. The northern route takes you through Borghetto to Tuoro sul Trasimeno, where information panels mark the site of Hannibal's 217 BC battle. Continue to Passignano and San Feliciano to find quiet beaches and family-run restaurants.
Local Food and Wine
Lake fish appears in many local dishes - try brustico (grilled perch) or tegamaccio (fish stew with lake perch, tench, and eel). The hills around Castiglione produce Colli del Trasimeno wines and extra virgin olive oil. Look for dishes featuring Fagiolina del Trasimeno, small heirloom beans grown near the lake shore that local cooks prepare both in traditional and contemporary recipes.
Events Throughout the Year
The Coloriamo i Cieli kite festival fills the April or May sky with hundreds of designs from international participants. During the spring Tulip Festival, local gardens display varieties first planted by Dutch growers in the 1950s. In summer, the fortress courtyard becomes an open-air cinema, while the Trasimeno Blues Festival brings musicians to venues around town.
Getting to Castiglione
Regular trains run between Castiglione del Lago and major cities on the Florence-Rome line. From the station, walk 15 minutes uphill or take a 5-minute taxi ride to reach the town center. By car, take the A1 motorway exits at either Chiusi or Valdichiana, then drive about 20 minutes to reach Castiglione.
