Castiglione del Lago
Castiglione del Lago: a historic city on Lake Trasimeno
Castiglione del Lago is a municipality located in the province of Perugia, in Umbria, with a population of 15,151 inhabitants. The city is located on a promontory on the western shore of Lake Trasimeno and is a place of great historical and cultural interest. In this article, we will explore the physical geography, the origin of the name, and the history of Castiglione del Lago, as well as its cultural treasures and tourist attractions not to be missed.
Physical Geography
Territory
The territory of Castiglione del Lago extends from Lake Trasimeno to the border with Tuscany. The city also has the Polvese island within its municipal territory. The historic center is located on a limestone promontory that originally constituted the fourth island of the lake. Today, the water level has lowered and the surrounding area has been flooded, creating an alluvial plain. The modern city has developed in the flat area west of the historic center.
Climate
Castiglione del Lago has a typical climate for the area, with temperatures that vary during the year. The city is in zone D of the climatic classification of Italian municipalities, with a precipitation rate of 2099 GR/G.
Origin of the Name
The name Castiglione del Lago was born in the 13th century with the construction of the Rocca del Leone. The village began to be called Castellum Leonis, or Castle of the Lion, because the fortress had a pentagonal plan that resembled the composition of the constellation of the Lion.
History
Ancient and Middle Ages
Castiglione del Lago already existed in Etruscan times and was part of the Etruscan Dodecapoli of Chiusi. After the Roman conquest of Etruria, it became a station and a camp along the Via Cassia. In the 10th century, the city is mentioned as a fortified village with the name of Castello Chiusino or Chiugino. In 1247, during the conflicts between Guelphs and Ghibellines, the city was destroyed and subsequently rebuilt with the creation of the Rocca del Leone.
From Renaissance to the 20th Century
Between the 16th and 17th centuries, Castiglione del Lago was the seat of a Marquisate, later elevated to the rank of duchy, ruled by the della Corgna family on behalf of the Papal States. In the 20th century, the city was an important headquarters of the Royal Air Force thanks to the presence of the Leopoldo Eleuteri airport, dismantled in the post-war period.
Cultural Treasures and Tourist Attractions
Castiglione del Lago is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and is famous for the production of Trasimeno bean, a Slow Food product, and for its high-quality oil and wine. Among the tourist attractions not to be missed are:
- The Rocca del Leone: a fortress from the 13th century that offers a panoramic view of Lake Trasimeno and the surrounding hills.
- The Loggia dei Mercanti: a building from the 15th century that houses the Museum of the Palazzo della Corgna, where you can admire paintings and sculptures from the Renaissance.
- The Duomo of Santa Maria Maddalena: a 16th-century church with Renaissance architecture and a collection of works of art including a Crucifixion by Beato Angelico.
- The Church of San Domenico: a 13th-century church with a fascinating interior and decorations by Giovanni da San Giovanni, a 17th-century artist.
Conclusions
Castiglione del Lago is an Italian city full of history, culture, and natural beauty. Its geographical location on Lake Trasimeno and the presence of a rich food and wine production make it an ideal tourist destination to explore Umbria and Tuscany. No matter if you are passionate about history or gastronomy, Castiglione del Lago is definitely a place to visit.
