It was the ancient Umbrians, the first people to live in Italy, who called it Tarsmeno, or «the one who dries up». We are in fact in the presence of a large round lake, able to change shape and colors continuously, depending on the rhythm of the rains.
In the language of the Etruscans became Tarsminass, a name that entered the history of archeology so much that it was imprinted in bronze more than twenty-two centuries ago. In one of the seven fragments of the Tabula Cortonensis, an ancient Etruscan artifact reemerged in Valdichiana in 1992, it is said about the waters of this lake about the act of sale of fertile land by a well-known figure from Cortona.

The Trasimeno is the oldest lake in Italy: it was formed in the Pliocene more than 5 million years ago. It is also the only Italian lake to be hosted in a depression originated by a tectonic movement, as happened for example for the Dead Sea, the Titicaca, the Bajkal and the Tanganyika.

The area of 128 square kilometres is also the largest lake in central Italy, the fourth largest on the peninsula after Garda, Lake Maggiore and Lake Como. It is almost 15 km wide and has a perimeter of 53 km. The average depth of the waters is below 6 meters, having no immissaries or natural emissaries, feeds only with the rains.

Surrounded by rolling hills and green valleys, the Trasimeno belongs to the laminar lakes, lake basins of tectonic origin and shallow.

The lake is home to migratory birds, fish and grassy seabed, so in order to safeguard its delicate ecosystem, the Regional Park of Lake Trasimeno was established in 1995.

There are three very green islands that emerge from the lake: the Maggiore and the Minore to the north (opposite Tuoro and Passignano) the island Polvese, the largest, on the opposite side.

Discovering the villages that overlook it means immersing yourself in an atmosphere of yesteryear, made up of cobbled streets, stone houses and breathtaking views of the lake. They are small historic centres that retain a unique charm, as well as a great cultural heritage.

One of the most suggestive is definitely Passignano sul Trasimeno, known for its medieval fortress and lively lakeside.

Equally fascinating is Castiglione del Lago, a fortified village overlooking the lake with a spectacular panorama. You should not miss the visit to the Palazzo della Corgna, an imposing Renaissance residence, and the Rocca del Leone, a well-preserved medieval fortress.

Tuoro sul Trasimeno, from which many ferries depart to the islands, is home to the Palazzo del Capra, the Church of Santa Maddalena and the Campo del Sole, an artistic installation on the shore of the lake.

Magione is also the town known for the Castle of the Knights of Malta.