Lake Trasimene

Although there was already plenty to explore at our travel destination Assisi, we also wanted to visit nearby Lake Trasimene, as our onward journey would not take us past the lake towards Florence, but rather northeast, over the Apennines and to the Adriatic coast.

The lake is a popular holiday and recreation spot in Umbria, although the low water level in summer means a lot of algae grows, making it only partially inviting for swimming. However, the lake is considered very rich in fish, which is reflected in the menus of restaurants in many villages along the lakeside. Lago di Trasimeno also entered the history books due to Hannibal’s victory over the Romans on its northern shore in 217 BC.

In the towns of Passignano and Castiglione, we strolled through charming medieval old towns. From the elevated squares, and especially the old castle grounds, wide landscape panoramas repeatedly unfold. In summer, boat trips and crossings can also be made to the islands of Isola Maggiore and Isola Polvese, some of which are designated nature reserves.

In Passignano, as a counterpoint to the historic buildings in the old town, a modern, architecturally “outstanding” object was placed in the lake: a square concrete building rising from the landing stage for boats on the water’s surface.