Castiglione  del  Lago​

By Dion Protani
Latest update: 25 November 2023
​The lakeside town of Castiglione del Lago is situated in the Province of Perugia, on the shores of Lake Trasimeno. It has a population of around 16,000 residents and is located 47 kilometres west of Perugia, the regional capital of Umbria.

​Nearby places of interest include the lakeside towns of San Feliciano, Passignano sul Trasimeno and Isola Polvese lake island.
Related links
Profile
Castiglione del Lago is a picturesque town located in the province of Perugia, in the region of Umbria, Italy. Situated on the western shores of Lake Trasimeno, it is one of the most charming and historically rich towns in the area. Surrounded by beautiful landscapes and steeped in history, Castiglione del Lago attracts visitors with its medieval charm and serene lakeside ambiance.
​History
The town's origins date back to the Etruscan era, making it one of the oldest settlements in Umbria. It was later occupied by the Romans and subsequently became an important medieval stronghold.

The town's strategic location on Lake Trasimeno allowed it to play a crucial role in the region's history, particularly during the wars between the Papal States and the Duchy of Florence. Over the centuries, Castiglione del Lago has been home to various noble families and has undergone significant architectural developments, leaving behind a wealth of historical landmarks.
Highlights and nearby attractions
  • Palazzo Ducale: The Palazzo Ducale, or Ducal Palace, is the town's most iconic landmark. It was built in the 16th century by the Della Corgna family, who ruled the area at that time. Today, it houses the Civic Museum, showcasing historical artifacts and artworks from the region's past.
  • Rocca del Leone: Overlooking the town and the lake, Rocca del Leone is a massive fortress built in the 13th century. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and is a great spot to capture memorable photos.
  • Historic Centre: The town's historic centre is a maze of narrow streets, charming piazzas, and ancient buildings. Strolling through the medieval alleys, visitors can admire well-preserved architecture and experience the town's unique atmosphere.
  • Lake Trasimeno: Castiglione del Lago is situated on the shores of Lake Trasimeno, the fourth-largest lake in Italy. Visitors can enjoy boat rides, fishing, or simply relaxing on the lakeside beaches.
  • Fishing Museum: The town hosts the Fishing Museum, which provides insight into the region's fishing traditions and cultural heritage related to the lake.
  • Festivals and Events: Castiglione del Lago hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Coloriamo i Cieli (Color the Skies) kite festival and the Palio delle Barche, a traditional boat race.
  • Local Cuisine: The town's restaurants and trattorias offer a taste of Umbrian cuisine, featuring specialties such as fresh lake fish, handmade pasta, and locally produced olive oil and wines.
  • Nearby Towns: The region surrounding Castiglione del Lago is dotted with charming medieval towns like Cortona and Montepulciano, making it an ideal base for exploring the cultural and natural attractions of Umbria and Tuscany.
Comune di Castiglione del Lago
Province: Perugia

Region: Umbria

Population: 15,160 ​(source: ISTAT 1 January 2022)

​​​​​​Size: 205 km²

Elevation: 210 metres

​Close by: San Feliciano, Isola Polvese, Magione​, Passignano

Recommended stay: Hotel Boutique Castiglione del Lago
One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)

Listing headline: Una Rocca su un Velo di Argento (A Rock on a Silver Veil)

Castiglione  del  Lago​​  Gallery

SITE SEARCH

If you want to find a page quickly and you're not sure where to look you can use the Site Search box below and it'll point you in the right direction. 

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO ITALY

Italy Review is an independent guide to Italy, showcasing the very best that the country has to offer. Throughout the four thousand pages of the website you'll find comprehensive tourist information, opinion and original photos.

​Alongside the major tourist destinations that you've already heard of, there are thousands of others that may come as a surprise with the intention of the website to provide inspiration for your future trips to the country. 

The photos and descriptions on the website are all my own work and are the fruit of my extensive travels around the country. I've visited every place that's listed on the website which means I'm able to give useful advice for first-time visitors. 

​You can keep in touch with the latest developments in Italy via my Italy Review Blog for which you'll find links below to the Facebook and Twitter pages. 

If you'd just like to start your exploration of Italy with some ideas of places to go then I'd recommend starting at the highlighted must see Italy page.  Or using the grid to your right you can click a photo to enter  the main menus.                 
Booking.com

THE ITALY REVIEW NETWORK SISTER SITES:

​All photos and images on the site that are marked with the © copyright symbol or with the Italy Review series logos are the property of Italy Review and must not be used elsewhere without prior permission. All written content on the website is also the property of Italy Review and its use is strictly limited to this website alone.