After the Strasimeno Marathon: Castiglione del Lago

The Route: Sant'Arcangelo (finish) → Castiglione del Lago → Sant'Arcangelo or onward Logistics: The marathon is point to point, so you finish on the eastern shore of the lake and Castiglione, the start town, lies on the western shore. Check how you will get back: organiser transport, a taxi booked in advance or a hire car. Do not plan on frequent public buses. Marathon Month: March Duration: Day trip

Sant'Arcangelo ──(transport back, about 30-45 mins)──> Castiglione del Lago
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                       Palazzo della Corgna ── covered passage ── Rocca del Leone
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                                  lakefront below the walls, lunch

Castiglione del Lago sits on a limestone promontory that sticks out into Lake Trasimeno like a thumb. The lake is shallow, rarely more than about six metres deep, which gives it an odd, flat, pewter look in winter light. In 217 BC, Hannibal trapped a Roman army on its northern shore in fog and killed most of it, one of the great ambushes of ancient history, and the hills around the lake still carry the names of that fight.

The old town is a walled ellipse, flat on top and with one steep approach. After a marathon, a day on flat ground with a big lake view is hard to beat.

March in Castiglione del Lago: the weather is changeable, with cold wind off the lake, a chance of rain and occasional days of bright sun. Almond trees may be in blossom in sheltered corners. The summer crowd is absent. Some restaurants take a winter break, so check.

Getting there

From the finish area on the east shore, the road around the lake to Castiglione takes in the order of 30 to 45 minutes by car. If the organiser runs a bus, use it, and check the schedule. Otherwise, book a taxi in advance, as local taxis are limited. If you are driving, park outside the walls.

The Palazzo della Corgna and the Rocca

The main sight is the Palazzo della Corgna, a Renaissance ducal palace with frescoed rooms. A covered passage runs from the palace to the Rocca del Leone, a triangular medieval fortress on the highest point of the town. The walk along the passage and the ramparts is almost flat, with views over the lake. Check opening days and hours, which vary with the season.

The walls and the lakefront

A walk on the town walls is a flat loop, and the view takes in the three islands of the lake. Below the walls, a lakefront with a small beach and a jetty is a short, steep descent from the old town. Take a taxi or walk down carefully.

Lunch

Lake fish is the local speciality. Tegamaccio, a fish stew of lake species cooked in wine and tomato, is a classic dish, and perch and carp appear on most menus. Fagiolina del Trasimeno, a small local bean, is another. Ask what came from the lake. Book on a Sunday, and check that your restaurant is open.

Getting back