Lake
Trasimeno
Lake Trasimeno is a place of
contrast and contradiction. Surrounded on three sides by hills, its
tranquil green waters are home to an abundance of fish and breathtaking
birdlife, from wild swans to herons, cormorants, widgeon, stilts and wild
geese. This, the largest lake in peninsular Italy, is a haven of peace.
Conversely, the medieval fortifications of Passignano, Monte del Lago and
Castiglione del Lago and the remains of castles on the Polvese and
Maggiore islands proudly bear testimony to its turbulent military
history. Legend has it that when one of the most decisive battles of the
Punic War was fought here in 217 BC and Hannibal of Carthage defeated
Gaius Flaminius of the Roman Republic, the fighting was so fierce that
neither side noticed an earthquake, which happened in the heat of battle.
Nowadays, the luxuriant waterside flora is rarely disturbed except by
wild boar and coypu. Olives and pines grow on the Perugian islands of
Polvese; Isola Maggiore and Isola Minore, the last of which has been
uninhabited for centuries. Frequent boat trips take visitors to the
islands. The inhabitants along the shores still earn their living from
the abundant fish in its waters, and Lake Trasimeno is a popular sport
fishing destination. The
waters are replaced
naturally every 22 years.
Visitors also come to enjoy
the fortified towns and
examine the remains of
Etruscan civilization to be
seen here.
