The pearl of Lake Trasimeno
After the Etruscans and the Romans, the Longobards and the Byzantines alternated their domination along the north coast of Lake Trasimeno where Passignano sul Trasimemo rises up. In the Middle Ages the area was subjected to the rule of Perugia. Starting in the mid-1200’s the city extended its walls and built towers and a fortress to assume an appearance quite similar to the one of today.
The fortress and the clock tower are the oldest remains of the city’s past. Over the course of the nineteenth century Passignano gradually declined until becoming a modest fishing village.
In the early 1900’s it began developing into an important tourist destination that continues to attract visitors today.
Maggiore Island, covered in Mediterranean vegetation and rich in art and history, is a popular destination for boats sailing out from Passignano.
The Palio of the Boats, the town’s most important event, commemorates the final battle between the Oddi, Baglioni and Della Corgna families. Driven out of Perugia, the Oddi family took refuge in the castle of Passignano where they were trapped by the two enemy families. A rescue attempt by boats from the islands failed when they were unable to land ashore. In a final attempt the Oddis loaded the boats on their shoulders and attempted to escape through the lake.