Lago Castiglione del Lago, Umbria, Italy
Lago Castiglione del Lago is situated on a hilly promontory, near the western shores of Lake Trasimeno, which in remote times completely surrounded the promontory-island and the first dwellings, built on piles.
A series of tourist activities with numerous hotels, camping sites and "agriturismi" (farm holidays) have developed around the lake.
Agricultural activities have benefited by Castiglione’s vast and flat hinterland and small but significant industrial and handicraft activities have also contributed to the economy.
Brief History - Its history is very ancient and is documented by the numerous archaeological findings contained in the museums of Florence, Perugia and Rome.
Castiglione, conquered by the Etruscans, was subjected to the jurisdiction of the neighbouring Chiusi and for many centuries maintained the name "Castrum Clusii" (castle of Chiusi). The passage from Etruscan rule to Roman rule occurred without any particular difficulties which, after the fall of the Roman Empire, were not lacking when Castiglione del Lago was continually contended for by Perugia and Tuscany.
The castle was destroyed and rebuilt numerous times until Fredrick II of Swabia (13th cent.) had it demolished and rebuilt. He transformed it into an impressive fortress called "Castle of the Lion" from which derives the present day name of the Municipality.
A long period of peace began in the 16th century, when Pope Julius III granted the village to his sister Giacoma, wife of Francesco della Corgna and mother of Ascanio, the well-known Maestro of arms and great mercenary captain who ruled and managed the fief with intelligence.
When in the 17th century the Della Corgna family became extinct, Castiglione del Lago finally became part of the possessions owned by the Church and followed the Church’s destiny until Italy is united in 1860.
Sights To See - In the centre of town
Town Walls from the 13th cent., with Gate Senese, Gate Fiorentina and Gate Perugina. Ducal Palace or Palace Della Corgna (15th – 16th cent.), contains important frescos (16th cent.)
Castle of the Lion (13th cent.), Church of St. Mary Magdalene (19th cent.), Church of St. Domenic (17th cent.), with precious wood ceiling
Surrounding Area - Sanctuary of Our Lady of Carraia (17th cent.), At Isola Polvese (island):
Monastery of S. Secondo, Church of St. Julian, Castle (14th cent.), Garden of aquatic plants
Church of St. Mary of the Graces (12th cent.), at Casamaggiore, Neo-renaissance church, at Vaiano, The town of Gioiella, of Etruscan origins and medieval features,
Folklore and Events - Festival of the Tulip (April), Festival of St. Mary Magdalene (July 22), International Folklore Exhibition (summer), Typical Local Products - D.O.C. wine -"Colli del Trasimeno" l Olive oil l Honey l Handmade wood and copper products
|