Holiday Apartment Umbria - Local Details

More local detail about Castel Rigone

One of the most interesting medieval centres in Umbria, tradition says that the name derives from Rigo or Rigone, a lieutenant of Totilia, king of the Ostrogaths, who in 543 AD used the small village as a base from which to besiege Perugia.  This event is celebrated every year by a historic procession in gothic costumes, Giostra di Arrigo and the Barbarian Festival (Festa dei barbari).  

Castel Rigone is situated high in the hills surrounded by woods, with a spectacular view of the lake. The picturesque geranium strewn historical centre developed around a defensive castle rebuilt towards the end of the 13^th century.  Long sections of the wall, the main tower, three smaller towers and two of the access gates, Porta Monterone and Porta Ponente, still remain.  Castel Rigone has 2 famous churches; La Madonna dei Miracoli built in the 15^th century is a destination for pilgrims and San Vito dating from the 13^th century. 

There are 3 bars, 4 restaurants (Pizzeria in the park, Relais La Fattoria, Locanda del Arrigo, Locanda del Galluzzo), a pharmacy, a post office and a small but well-stocked supermarket with delicatessen counter and fresh bread.  The 2 nearest main towns, Passignano and Magione, both of which have a full range of shops, restaurants and entertainment are only 10 minutes drive towards the lake.

Where to Go Around Lake Trasimeno 

Lago Trasimeno – is surrounded by low fertile hills covered with olive groves and vineyards, and its shores are grown with reeds.  It has picturesque lakeside villages and three islands, Minore, Maggione and Polvese, two of which can be reached from the main coastal towns by a regular ferry service (APM).  The colours of its water changes constantly according to the weather.  The fourth largest lake in Italy with a circumference of 45 km, it is 257m above sea level, with a maximum depth of only 6 metres.  Fed by a few rivers, small streams and canals, Lake Trasimeno abounds in fish that are still caught by fishermen in round nets attached to wooden piles in the water from flat-bottomed boats.  It has always been an important area for migrating water-fowl, kingfishers and herons, and is therefore popular for bird-watching. 

Inhabited since the Palaeolithic era, Lake Trasimeno is famous as the site of the resounding victory of Hannibal over the Romans in 217 BC on its northern shores.  It is right in the heart of one of the richest areas in the world for history, art and culture.  Within a two hour drive you can see a substantial part of the world’s artistic heritage including ancient, medieval and Italian Renaissance art.  There are also a wealth of cultural and folklore events around the lake. There are three artistic and environmental trails – Perugino and the Umbrian School in the 15^th and 16^th centuries; the sancturies of the Trasimeno area; and the artistic appreciation of the della Corgna (details from local tourist information offices). 

Trasimeno has a mild climate, and this together with the fertile soil ensures the high quality of local produce, especially olive oil, honey, saffron and wine.  Around the lake there is an olive oil trail (Strada dell’Olio Extra Vergine d’Oliva DOP Umbria) and five wine routes (Strada del vino colli del Trasimeno) (details from local tourist information offices).  Slow Food is an international organisation formed in Paris in 1989 with its hadquarters in Piedmont.  Its activities are centred on education into taste, the protection and awareness of local food production.  One of the many Italian products in danger of extinction is a small bean that originally came from Africa with the Etruscans.  Fagiolina del Trasimeno is now being cultivated, marketed and sold in the local restaurants.  The Trasimeno Slow Food Administration raises awareness and promotes the production of typical wines and produce through meetings and Taste Workshops. Over 20 restaurants participate in Trasimeno a Tavola, which aims to promote typical Trasimeno food offering dishes using local produce and/or cooked according to the traditional recipes.

Passignano sul Trasimeno (10 minute drive) – attractive little resort, with excellent restaurants, and a centre for all types of water sports.  Wonderful lakeside “boardwalk” that people stroll down in the evenings as the sun sets over the mirror like lake. The old quarters are still surrounded by the medieval town walls, with typical quaint back streets.  Sights include the Church of St Christopher built in the 10^th century and the remains if the castle with a triangular 14^th century tower.  Each July the Palio delle Barche (Boat Race) celebrates a group of exiles who escaped from Perugia by putting out in boats from a landing stage at Passignano. There is also a dock for boats servicing the islands.

Magione (10 minute drive) – small town with a Maltese castle (Castello de Cavaliere di Malta) and the landmark Lambardi Tower built in 1200.  Each August there is a theatrical performance within the castle recreating the Orsini plot against Cesare Borgia.

Tuoro (15 minute drive) – divided into two parts.  The old town is on a hill, now set back from lake, with great panoramic views looking over the Battle of Trasimeno (217BC) in which Hannibal defeated the Roman general Flaminius.  The lido has sandy beaches, restaurants, a dock for boats servicing the islands and a collection of open-air sculptures at Campo del Sole (Field of the Sun).  Each year in July and August there is a multi-lingual theatrical commemoration of the battle. (Hannibal's Mission).

Castiglione del Lago (25 minute drive) – on a small promontory planted with olive trees jutting into the west side of the lake.  Wonderful small historic centre with cathedral, 13^th century Rocca del Leone (Lion Fortress), Palazzo della Corgna (16^th C), excellent restaurants, and swimming beaches both north and south. In the summer there is an open air cinema occasionally with films in English.

Citta della Pieve (35 minute drive) – town founded on the site of a Roman settlement, which was in turn built on an Etruscan village.  This was Perugino’s home town and there a variety of his paintings including the Adoration of the Magi in the church of Santa Maria della Mercedes and in the cathedral.  The Palio dei Terzieri takes place each August, and includes a costume pageant, bullfight, archery contest, and evenings of traditional Umbrian and Tuscan cuisine.

Paciano (25 minute drive) – this medieval village, set in an amphitheatre of green hills, won an EU Perfect Village competition.  In the centre in St Josephs there is an Art Collection  from Etruscan times to the early 17^th century, and the Festa dell’Olio (Festival of Olive oil) takes place in December to coincide with the olive harvest.

Piegaro (35 minute drive) – sights in and around include a small castle, including an octagonal tower (Castello di Cibottola), a small medieval village of Castiglion Fosco, and a Glass Museum, laid out in the former glassworks.

Panicale (25 minute drive) – picturesque medieval village, south of the lake on a hill, giving panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.  Sighta include San Sebastiano Church (frescos by Perugino), Museum of the Madonna della Sbarra and the Cesare Caporali Theatre built in the 18^th century.

Torricella (15 minute drive) – swimming beaches with a village character, restaurant and bar facilities.  

MAEC Etruscan museum including egyptian artifacts and mosaics from a Roman villa.  Museo Diocensane del capitolo has art and religious artifacts.  Fortezza del Girifalco is a 16^th century fortress with art exhibitions. 

Castiglion Fiorentino (25 km) – small walled town noted for its art gallery, Museo Civico Archeologica (Etruscan), Torre del Cassero, castle and 13^th century church of San Francesco. 

Assisi (35 km) – renowned hilltop city with a double basilica dedicated to St Francis.  Other highlights include the Giotto frescoes, Roman Temple of Minerva and Piazza di San Rufino.  

Citta di Castello – Umbria’s northernmost town, once an important Roman trading centre, has an interesting centro storica.  The Pinacoteca and Museo del Duomo are worth a visit. 

Arezzo (45 km) – although heavily bombed during WWII, the small medieval centre retains some inspiring highlights.  The sloping Piazza Grande and Pieve di Santa Maria, Museo Archeologico and Roman amphitheatre are worth visiting and the town is famous for jewellery and antiques. 

Wine Trails – there are 3 wine trails within easy driving distance:
Strada del Vino dei Colli del Trasimeno, Strada del vino terre di Arezzo and Strada del Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.  There is also a wine museam in Torgiano (8 km north of Deruta) open from 9:00–13:00 and 15:00–19:00. 

Montepulciano (45 km) - built along a narrow limestone ridge at 605 m (1,950 ft) above sea level. The town is encircled by walls and fortifications designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Elder in 1511 for Cosimo I.  Inside the walls the streets are crammed with Renaissance-style palazzi and churches, but the town is chiefly known for its good local Vino Nobile wines. A long, winding street called the Corso climbs up into the main square, which crowns the summit of the hill.  Museo Civico is an art gallery with paintings and ceramics. 

Gubbio (50 km) – in an isolated position on the lower slopes of Monte Ingino, one of the most beautiful and best preserved medieval towns in Italy, its lovely old buildings built of polished light grey stone quarried locally.  Highlights include the Piazza Grande with the 14^th C Palazzo dei Consoli, the Via dei Consoli and the 15C Palazzo Ducale.  The city is small, easy to explore and overlooks a picturesque valley. 

Orvieto (55 km) built on a volcanic plateau and surrounded by vineyards it has some of the most accomplished carvings of the Romanesque era on its 14C cathedral façade and outstanding frescoes within. 

Siena (70 km) – rich in wonderful medieval architecture and culture, the city has been preserved virtually intact with medieval alleys and piazzas; all built in soft Siena brick. More relaxed than frantic Florence, Siena has churches and museums aplenty with concerts featuring international musicians. Twice a year the Palio is held on July 2 and 16 August – a frenzied bareback horserace around the walls of the scallop-shaped Campo Square proceeded by four days of medieval merry-making and festivities.  

Spoleto - Another graceful hill town with a full programme of exhibitions and concerts throughout the year.  Medieval centre, Romanesque monuments and well preserved Roman walls.  There is a small tourist ‘train’ that takes you from Piazza Garibaldi, where there is car parking, to the upper town including the duomo and rocca and famous bridge. 

Todi (80 km) – beautiful old town, on a triangular hill, with many interesting medieval buildings and steep old streets.  Highlights include Piazza del Popolo, San Fortunato and the 16C church of Santa Maria. 

San Gimignano (80 km) - famous all over the world for its medieval towers, on a hilltop in the heart of Tuscany. San Gimignano has retained all its old streets, its walls, gates, palaces, strongholds and thirteen towers. Dante came here in 1300 and the room in the Town Museum named after him is decorated with unique frescos of his age.  

Florence (130 km) - After several experiments with representative governments, Florence was ruled by an oligarchy of wealthy aristocrats, among whom Medici family became dominant in the fifteenth century. Under the patronage of these wealthy families arts and literature flourished as nowhere else in Europe.  Florence was the city of writers such as Dante, Petrarch and Macchiavelli, and artists and engineers such as Boticelli, Brunelleschi (who built the magnificent dome on the church of St. Mary of the flowers), Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo. Because of its dominance in literature, the Florentine language became the language of the Italian region and is the language of Italy today. Lorenzo de’ Medici, who ruled Florence in the late fifteenth century was perhaps the greatest patron of the arts in the history of the West. 

Florence has some of the most beautiful museums and galleries in the world, housing some of the amazing works of art by artists such as Da Vinci, Botticelli and Michel Angelo.  Florence is a paradise for shoppers as well as art lovers.  Designer boutiques centre around Via dei Tornabuoni in the city centre, while antiques are located across the river in Via Maggio and jewellers can be found on the famous Ponte Vecchio.  Many districts are pedestrianised and the architecture and sights can be enjoyed along the way.  There are excellent restaurants and trattorias all along the cobbled streets.  The centre of Florence is quite small so a day trip is feasible to take in a few of the highlights and atmosphere.  There are frequent, fast trains from Terontola, which has car parking and is about a 20 minute drive westwards along the raccorda. 

Rome (170 km) - With a history spanning thousands of years, Rome is a unique city, characterised by a sense of living history, and a bustling, lively atmosphere, a delightful fusion of old and new. Wandering around this magnificent city you will discover a spectacular array of fountains, churches, renaissance palaces, imperial temples and ancient monuments. The greatest architectural inheritance from ancient Rome is the Coliseum an enormous amphitheatre designed to seat more than fifty thousand people, who would flock to watch fierce gladiator battles.  There is also the extraordinary Pantheon (build in 27 BC), with walls hundred and forty two feet high and bronze entry doors weighing twenty tonnes each, regarded by many as one of the architectural wonders of the world. Be sure to visit the Trevi Fountain before you leave. Its design is centred on Neptune, the God of the Sea, riding his chariot through gushing waters, and tradition is to throw a coin in the fountain to ensure you return to the ‘Eternal City’.  Rome’s marvellous collection of piazza’s and parks are great places to stop and relax; perhaps the most popular is Piazza de Spagna at the foot of the beautiful and elegant Spanish Steps. 

For children 

Citta della Domenica, Perugia (15 mins, exit Ferro di Cavallo and follow signs north-west) – Umbria’s “Disneyland” with animal park, train, fairytale lands, cowboys and Indians, aquarium, pony riding – a bit tired, but good for young ones.  Open 9:30 until sunset. 

Lake Trasimeno Beaches – there are 8 public beaches with facilities (Castiglione del Lago, Tuoro, Passignano, Monte del Lago, Isola Maggiore, Torricella).  Best to take jellies/beach shoes and beach mats, since this is a fresh-water lake and there can be sharp stones.   

One of the nearest public beach is just after Torricella (Spiaggia Albaia), great for swimming, basic snack bar, a little grass, but not much sand.  Small well-signposted car park across the road, on the left-hand side.   

The private beach at Tuoro (12-15 Euros for 2 sunbeds and beach umbrella), located to the right of the jetty, has lots of sand and water sports, 2 restaurants and a bar, children’s ball pool, trampolines, miniature boats.  Sometimes the water can be a bit muddy with spiky waterweed, which makes it not so great for swimming.  However this beach is well kept and was voted one of the cleanest in Italy. Good to meet other families on holiday. 

There is a great restaurant and snack bar on Isole Polvese, but it takes about 15-20 minutes to walk to the public beach from the boat dock.  From the jetty turn right and continue along the path until you reach the children’s playground, in front is the main beach area (grassy) which can be busy at weekends or holidays.  Turn left and continue along the path until you reach a more secluded sandy beach with jetty and picnic table – get there early if you want the picnic table!  The trees shade part of the beach for most of the day and private boats come and go.    

Children’s Playgrounds – Castel Rigone (up the hill towards village centre on left-hand side, for younger ones), San Feliciano (waterfront), Passignano (large, fairly new play area along the waterfront at the western end of town), Magione (on edge of old town) and Perugia has several parks with play areas.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, FESTIVALS AND EVENTS, SPORTING ACTIVITIES, LOCAL CRAFTS, CLIMATE

Public Holidays 
Offices, banks and most shops are closed.

1^st & 6^th January
Easter Sunday and Monday
25^th April (Liberation Day)
1^st May
2^nd June
15^th August (Assumption Day)
1^st November (All Saints Day)
8^th December (Immaculate Conception)
25^th & 26^th December 

Festivals and Events

February – 19^th @16:30 children’s show at Teatro Casa del Giovane, Perugia 

March – 19^th @16:30 children’s show at Teatro Casa del Giovane, Perugia 

April – 1^st 10 days Tulip Festival (Castiglione del Lago); 14^th Solenne Processione del Cristo Morto (religious festival in Panicale); late April/early May Coloriamo i cielli (biannual kite festival in even years i.e. 28^th April – 1 May 2006 at E luteri airport, just outside Castiglione del Lago); 26 April – 1^st May Cantamaggio (spring festival in Terni) 

May – 4-6 Calendimaggio (medieval spring festival in Assisi); 15 Festa dei Ceri (candle race in Gubbio); 28 Palio della balestra (crossbow competition in Gubbio); 28-29 Infiorate del Corpus Domini (flower festival in Spello); 28-29 Corpus Domini (historic procession in Orvieto);  

June – 2-4 Qualita Trasimeno (exhibitions, shows, wine and gastronomy routes around Trasimeno); 17th Giostra del Saracino in evening (Arezzo); 17-18 Giostra della Quintana (horse riding tournament in Foligno); 17-18^th Corpus Christie in Orvieto and Spello; 24-25 L’infiorata (flower festival in Citta della Pieve); last 10 days Festival of the Fish (Borghetto – Tuoro); 

July – 1-16 Le Notti dell’Archaeologica (special opening and events in local museums and archaelogical sites; 7-16 Umbria Jazz (Perugia); Palio di Siena (Siena); 22-29 Trasimeno Blues Festival (Passignano, Tuoro, Castiglione del Lago, Piegaro and Citta della Pieve); 24-30 Palio delle barche (boat festival in Passignano); Gubbio festival (concerts and classical performances); Hannibal’s Mission (theatrical performance in Tuoro); Alla Corte di Asciano della Corgna (guided visits in costumes in Castiglione del Lago); La Fuga degli Oddi (theatrical performance in Passignano); 27July -22 August classical concerts in Castel Rigone; 29 July -7 August Festa di Giacchio (fish festival San Feliciano); 

August – Hannibal’s Mission (theatrical performance in Tuoro); Alla Corte di Asciano della Corgna (guided visits in costumes in Castiglione del Lago);  La Fuga degli Oddi (theatrical performance in Passignano); 1-18 Paciano Summer; 1-15 Ferragosto Toreggiano (ancient Roman festival in Tuoro); 5-7 Festa dei barbari (Castel Rigone); 4-11 Conspiracy at the Castle (theatrical performance in Magione); 5-20 Corciano festival; 11-31 Festa della padella (food festival in Passignano); 10-20 Palio dei Terzieri (historical procession and archery in Citta della Pieve); Palio di Siena (Siena); 13-21 Donazione della Santa Spina (Montone); 10 August – 18 November Bianco Rosso and Blues (Blues, wine and food Festival around Lake Trasimeno); 26 August -3 September Perugia Puppet Festival; 

September – La Fuga degli Oddi (theatrical performance in Passignano); 1-3 International Street Theatre in Orvieto; 4 Giostra del Saracino in afternoon (Arezzo); 7-10 wine exhibition (Possuolo, near Castiglione del Lago); Fiere de settembre di fine ottocento (19^th century fair in Umbertide); La Giostra del Saracino (Arezzo); 8-10 National Horse Fair (Citta di Csatello); 17-18 Giostra della Quintana (2^nd horse riding tournament in Foligno); 15-24 Sagra Musical Umbra (classical concerts in Perugia); 3^rd week Festival of the Grape (Panicale); 30 September – 8 October Orvieto con gusto (food festival); 

October – 3-4 St Francis celebrations in Assisi; 5-15 Chestnut Festival (Piegaro); 14-22 Eurochocolate (Perugia); Altro cioccolato (alternative chocolate festival in Gubbio with fair trade and organic produce); 28 – 2 November White Truffle Fair in Gubbio; 

November – 4-6 truffle fair (Citta di Castello); 16-20 Book fair (Perugia); 20-10 Festa dell’Olio (Olive oil festival around Trasimeno); 

December – 28-1^st January Umbria Jazz Winter (Orvieto); 8 December – 6 January Soul Christmas (Trasimeno Blues Festival in Passignano, Tuoro, Castiglione del Lago, Piegaro, Magione and Citta della Pieve); 

Sporting Activities

Archery – Tenuta Le Coste, Moiano, Citta della Pieve and Poggio del Belveduto, Campori di Sopra, Passignano.

Bowling – via dell’Acacia, Perugia.

Canoes – La Merengola at Castiglione del Lago and Balneazione at Tuoro.

Clay-pigeon shooting – Tiro a Volo Trasimeno, Pozzuolo, Castiglione del Lago.

Cycling and Trekking - trails are laid out around the lake, and the more adventurous can try the routes up into the hills (free map from tourist information or can be downloaded from www.itinerarieluoghi.it).  Bikes can be hired at Castiglione del Lago, Magione, Passignano and Tuoro. 

Fishing – you can join professional fishermen for nature trips, sporting or netting fishing.

Golf Courses – Golf Club Lamborghini 9 holes near Panicale, Golf Club Perugia 18 holes.

Horse Riding – Le Case Rosse di Montebuono, Agello, Scuderia della Staffa, Montemelino, and Circolo Ippico di Valvasone, Montemelino, around Magione; Poggio del Belveduto, Campori di Sopra, Passignano.

Motor-boats and Rowing boats – Circolo Nautico Porto Azzurro and Motonautica Mancinelli Ugo are both in San Feliciano, Magione.

Parachuting – Skydive Trasimeno, Panicale.

Sailing – Club Velico Castiglionese at Castiglione del Lago is open all year round, and Club Velico Trasimeno at Passignano open from May to October.  There are 5 equipped harbours/marinas around the lake.

Windsurfing – La Merengola at Castiglione del Lago and Balneazione at Tuoro.

Waterskiing – Circolo Sci Nautico, Castiglione del Lago

Tennis courts – Castiglione del Lago, Citta del Pieve, Magione, Paciano, Panicale, Passignano and Tuoro.

Swimming Pools – Ninfea, viale trappes Castiglione del Lago; Il Giardino, Torricela; Magione; Azzurra, Panicale.

Beaches – La Merangola Disco Beach, Lido Arezzo and Uffa Beach, Lido Comunale, both at Castiglione del Lago; Albaia, between Torricella and Monte del Lago, Lido Santino, Monte del Lago, Spiaggia Caloni, Torricella, are all east of Magione; Sualzo Beach is at Passignano; Balneazione is at Tuoro; and there is a beach on Isola Maggiore.  Water is warm enough to comfortably swim from late April to September. 

Local Crafts

Marshland cane (San Savino to San Feliciano), Tulle (Panicale), Irish lace (Isola Maggiore), wrought iron (Magione) and terracotta (Citta della Pieve). 

Climate

Mild temperatures the entire year, with warm dry summers, and mild winters with a little rain.  From May to September clear, warm and dry weather prevails.  At over 500 metres above sea level, the apartment at Castel Rigone enjoys cooling breezes.

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