Castiglione Del Lago, Italy

 Wild Boar Heaven 

Castiglione del Lago is an incomparably delightful village located on a promontory overlooking Lake Trasimeno with all the impressiveness of its castle," Rocca del Leone". The village has very ancient Etruscan and Roman origins dating back almost a thousand years. Castiglione del Lago has kept its charm throughout the centuries thanks to the beauty of the old town center, which is still ringed within medieval walls. It was officially declared "one of the most beautiful villages in Italy".

The first time I visited I was taken aback by all of the wild boar shops. 

In the historic city center there all kinds of shops for every need, but the dominant theme is the Umbrian wild boar. A stuffed cinghiale (Italian for boar) stands at attention outside one salumi shop, while a head with tusks eyes you from the walls of the next. It really is amazing the sheer number of shops and restaurants that feature boar. That said my favorite thing to eat in the village is pizza at La Cantina Ristorante and Pizzeria. 

Located in the middle of the old town perched right on the Lake, it offers outdoor seating with a panoramic view of Trasimeno. The interior is just as stunning complete with historic arches and a wood burning oven. It offers typical dishes of Umbrian-Tuscan and lake cuisine with specialties of Chianina and lake fish within its extensive menu. One of my must do experiences when we go to Italy. Love this place. 

A must see and visit is the medieval castle, Rocca del Leone at the end of the old town. 

The view of the Lake and the castle on a summer day is somewhat magical. Local rumor has always been that Leonardo da Vinci came to this part of Italy, expressly to study the design of the fortress to pick up fine points of how to build one like it in Milano. True or not, it has always been very much impregnable, until now. Locals and tourists alike invade it by day with entrance through the museum.  On summer nights it features movies under the stars. The fortress is simply ancient in every way. It stands on the remains of an Etruscan acropolis, with a long stretch of accessible walls designed for soldiers protecting from invasion. They lead to a magnificent 120-foot triangular tower and four other towers that fortify the crenellated walls (upright protective projections). Two of these, built in the first half of the sixteenth century, are circular in shape, as the round structure was more resistant to attacks by cannons. Inside the fortress are preserved the ruins of a church and an Amphitheatre. Next to it is a small beer garden with really good beer. 

When you arrive at Castiglione Del Lago, you will want to park outside the historic center and explore on foot. This isn't that difficult as the village is quite compact. The city is still surrounded by its 13th century walls through which there are several gates, such as the Fiorentina and Siena Gates, where you can enter the old town. It is a maze of small streets and alleyways that has very much the feel of a lively holiday resort compared to most hill villages in Tuscany and Umbria. As you wander the streets there are an abundance of restaurants and cafes so you can never go hungry. Lots of fun too are the many quaint little shops selling local goods and pottery. If you are a camera buff, it is a photographer's dream, opportunities of all kinds everywhere. Another must see is the Palazzo della Corgna. This Rennaissance palace serves as the entrance to the fortress. Given the exterior of the Palace, we were surprised at the intricate frescos that decorate the main floor. They showcase 'scenes from mythology and the history and history of the Corgna Family'. In addition to the frescos there are some really cool ornate decorations and architecture. 

The Lake also provides well-equipped beaches for camping and water activities. You can also find extremely efficient ferry service to the isles which we did on our first trip. Well worth the time. During Springtime, the Italian Kite Assocation organizes a festival called “Coloriamo I Cieli” (Let's paint the sky). It is one of the most important kite and hot air balloon festivals in Italy which attracts thousands of people from around the world.

We typically go to Castiglione Del Lago during late Spring or early summer when the weather is nothing short of perfect. I suspect that it is equally as charming during the remainder of the year just with different characteristics. Approaching from the north, there is a stunning patch of red poppies. If you are in Tuscany or Umbria, you must experience this slice of real Italy in this village.