WELCOME TO CIAO TRASIMENO
OWNER'S DIRECT
Ciao Trasimeno is a free web site that will help you find the perfect place to stay for your holiday here in Panicale or in the surrounding Lake Trasimeno area.We are a group of 12-15 owners of Villas, Townhouses and Apartments who decided, together with Katia Mughetti of Panicale, to create this web site and advertise our properties directly. We are most fortunate to have our friend Katia, an effervescent and charming young Panicale native to facilitate this for us. She is a wonderful hostess, always happy to welcome you, our guests, and introduce you to this special and stunningly scenic part of Umbria. Katia, who has a degree in Art History and a background in tourism as well as real estate, is very knowledgeable and will be helpful in all aspects of your visit. She will be delighted to recommend the best restaurants, arrange cooking demonstrations with a local cook ( a grandmother or "nonna") followed by dinner, or organize outings for local wine and/or olive oil tastings. The last tow can also be a fun way to meet other visitors, very nice especially for those of you who are a planning a longer stay. Katia speaks fluent English and will tell you everything you need to know. If you would like, she will get in touch with you regularly and, most especially, will tell you about the many markets days, festivals and events taking place around the area, as well as advising on the most interesting and charming hill towns to visit. Her warmth and enthusiasm promises to make your trip a most memorable and special time.
All our guests fall in love with the Lake Trasimeno area, and especially the beautiful medieval village of Panicale. People here are very friendly,kind, and are delighted with foreigners attempts to speak and converse in Italian. With Katia as your guide, you will be taken in and truly become a appreciate why we all have choosen to call Panicale and the Lake Trasimeno area our home. Please contact Katia directly on our behalf. Have a fabolous holiday, enjoy your stay......and then write and tell us of your experience!!!
GRAZIE MILLE
ALL THE OWNERS + KATIA MUGHETTI
All our guests fall in love with the Lake Trasimeno area, and especially the beautiful medieval village of Panicale. People here are very friendly,kind, and are delighted with foreigners attempts to speak and converse in Italian. With Katia as your guide, you will be taken in and truly become a appreciate why we all have choosen to call Panicale and the Lake Trasimeno area our home. Please contact Katia directly on our behalf. Have a fabolous holiday, enjoy your stay......and then write and tell us of your experience!!!
GRAZIE MILLE
ALL THE OWNERS + KATIA MUGHETTI
Where PANICALE is and what to
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Panicale is a gem of a
medieval hilltown. A great tourist environment in Umbria featuring a medieval hilltown with streets arranged in an interesting oval pattern. Many apartments available to rent in the heart of town, just off the main piazza--there's great food and wine as well. Painter Masolino da Panicale lived here. Preserved are the city wall, towers, the church of Saint Michele Arcangelo, the Palazzo Pretorio and the Palazzo del Podestà. Some things you do with friends and lovers. Travel may be one of them. We leave the rest up to you. Panicale is 6 km south of Lake Trasimeno, the largest lake in central Italy, where Hannibal defeated an entire Roman legion in 217 BC. And in the center of the valley – 15 miles away – stands proud Montepulciano, another of Tuscany’s jewels, noted for its delicious “Vino Nobile” wines.Further north lies the provincial capital of Arezzo which houses, in the Church of San Francesco, the exceptional murals of Piero della Francesca, depicting the horrors of the Battle of Anghiari and the Legend of the True Cross. Panicale is situated on the Umbria/Tuscany border, boasting the unsurpassed natural beauty of local vineyards, endless sunflower fields and olives groves and acres of fig trees. While walking and hiking is an excellent way to explore thismemorable area, Panicale is close by car or local train to Perugia, Montepulciano, Brunello di Montalcino and the Chianti area, Cortona, Passignano, Castiglion del Lago, Chiusi, Castiglion Fiorentino, Arezzo, Pienza, Orvieto, Assisi, Gubbio, Siena, Pisa, Lucca and of course Rome and Florence. Plenty of sporting opportunities await; tennis is minutes away in one of several tennis facilities, boating and water sports abound on Lake Trasimeno (not to mention the festive Riviera atmosphere in the cafes and restaurants along the shore), a family water park is minutes away, bike rentals are available nearby to cycle the miles and miles of scenic waterfront or picturesque countryside. And if you choose to remain in friendly Panicale four highly popular restaurants are sure to satisfy the most demanding palate. Enjoy a gelato at Aldo’s Bar afterwards as nightly weekend entertainment performs under the stars during summer months in the main piazza. Then take a meandering stroll through the narrow cobblestoned streets which lead up to the romantic and secluded Piazza del Podestà, overlooking the twinkling lights of Lake Trasimeno, below. |
ABOUT PANICALE
Panicale is an excellent base from which to explore
the wonderful Tuscan and Umbrian
hilltowns. Best accessed by car, the
hilltowns are abundant in this area. To the north about 10 minutes by car is
Castiglione del Lago, a lovely town on a narrow peninsula on Lake Trasimeno.
Further along is Cortona, (about 35 minutes from Panicale). A drive around the
lake will take you to Tuoro and Passignano. Both towns (as well as others) have
ferry service to access the three islands on the lake. To the northwest, about
50 minutes, is Siena. To the northeast about 30 minutes is Perugia, to the south
are Todi and Orvieto (both about 45 minutes).
Other nearby Tuscan hill towns are: Chiusi with its Etruscan museum and tombs;
Montepulciano, home of the famous Vino Nobile; Pienza, one Pope's ideal city; and San Casciano dei Bagni with it's wonderful day spa and mineral baths. Nearby
Umbrian hill towns are: Citta della Pieve, the birthplace of Renaissance artist Perugino; Assisi, the home of Saint Francis; as well as Spoleto, Bevagna,Montefalco, Spello, Deruta and Gubbio.
All of these interesting towns can be reached as a day trip and each has its own special attractions. Rome and Florence can be easily visited by driving 20 minutes to the Chiusi train station, leaving the car and taking an InterCity
train an hour to Florence or to Rome. It's a relaxing way to visit these large cities and return to the tranquility of Panicale at the end of the day.
the wonderful Tuscan and Umbrian
hilltowns. Best accessed by car, the
hilltowns are abundant in this area. To the north about 10 minutes by car is
Castiglione del Lago, a lovely town on a narrow peninsula on Lake Trasimeno.
Further along is Cortona, (about 35 minutes from Panicale). A drive around the
lake will take you to Tuoro and Passignano. Both towns (as well as others) have
ferry service to access the three islands on the lake. To the northwest, about
50 minutes, is Siena. To the northeast about 30 minutes is Perugia, to the south
are Todi and Orvieto (both about 45 minutes).
Other nearby Tuscan hill towns are: Chiusi with its Etruscan museum and tombs;
Montepulciano, home of the famous Vino Nobile; Pienza, one Pope's ideal city; and San Casciano dei Bagni with it's wonderful day spa and mineral baths. Nearby
Umbrian hill towns are: Citta della Pieve, the birthplace of Renaissance artist Perugino; Assisi, the home of Saint Francis; as well as Spoleto, Bevagna,Montefalco, Spello, Deruta and Gubbio.
All of these interesting towns can be reached as a day trip and each has its own special attractions. Rome and Florence can be easily visited by driving 20 minutes to the Chiusi train station, leaving the car and taking an InterCity
train an hour to Florence or to Rome. It's a relaxing way to visit these large cities and return to the tranquility of Panicale at the end of the day.
PANICALE, MY LOVELY MEDIEVAL VILLAGE
The town is a well preserved medieval village but it has all of the conveniences of modern day life. It is located in the hills above Lago Trasimeno with views over the lake and the surrounding countryside.
There are four restaurants,
three grocery stores, a bank, a bakery and a
few other small shops. There are two cafes in the lovely fountain-graced piazza. A walk around the medieval walls on the exterior ring road affords spectacular views in all directions, panoramas of wooded hills, terraces of olive groves, and the beautiful ever changing Lake Trasimeno. The lovely 18th century restored Teatro Caporale has regular concerts and other cultural events. There are several churches, two of which house famous paintings. One, is the not to be missed Martyrdom of St. Stephen by Perugino, not at all the usual gloomy, gory depiction but a radiant, colorful, and joyful painting of a saint in the making. The other by Massolino di Panicale is also certainly noteworthy. The lace museum has regular exhibits in addition to their permanent collection. There are regular festivals in and around Panicale, including the grape festival in September, the chestnut festival in October and a unique celebration of Easter which includes the rolling of a giant wheel of cheese!
few other small shops. There are two cafes in the lovely fountain-graced piazza. A walk around the medieval walls on the exterior ring road affords spectacular views in all directions, panoramas of wooded hills, terraces of olive groves, and the beautiful ever changing Lake Trasimeno. The lovely 18th century restored Teatro Caporale has regular concerts and other cultural events. There are several churches, two of which house famous paintings. One, is the not to be missed Martyrdom of St. Stephen by Perugino, not at all the usual gloomy, gory depiction but a radiant, colorful, and joyful painting of a saint in the making. The other by Massolino di Panicale is also certainly noteworthy. The lace museum has regular exhibits in addition to their permanent collection. There are regular festivals in and around Panicale, including the grape festival in September, the chestnut festival in October and a unique celebration of Easter which includes the rolling of a giant wheel of cheese!
MANY MANY TESTIMONIALS
PANICALE FOR US
Janelle from California 2012 We have just returned to California after spending the month of March in Panicale. The Il Podesta apartment was a perfect home away from home for us. We are a couple in our 50's, and have been to Italy several times. This was our longest stay, and we loved it. Il Podesta was just what we needed. It had everything to make our stay comfortable. I cooked in the kitchen many times, after shopping at the local markets, which are wonderful. We enjoyed the fireplace almost every evening, it was so sweet.. the heating system was also excellent. The descriptions and photos show the apartment very well. It was great having the second bathroom downstairs off the bedroom. The bedroom had more space than we thought, from the photo. Really comfortable. I had no trouble using the washing machine, and enjoyed drying our things in the sun, as the locals do. The terrace was great..we had lunches there, enjoying the stunning views across the valley, and listening to the birds! Our hostess, Katia, was the best. I really can't say enough good things about her. She was easy to connect with through emails, and was right there to meet us when we arrived. We loved the treats waiting in apartment,(wine and chocolates!) and felt right at home instantly. Katia really made our trip so special with her warmth and energy. She and her lovely family live nearby, so she was available, but not at all intrusive. We can't wait to go back and see her and her family again next year! We miss you, Katia! Panicale itself is a dream hilltown. We had a car..I think you need one. My husband is an artist, and there was plenty to be inspired by. It is perfectlylocated to explore both Umbria and Tuscany. We had a great time just heading out in any direction. There are great restaurants in Panicale, and Bar Gallo is a perfect local hangout. Mr. Gallo was so helpful giving us ideas of new places to explore. He is a great host, as well. There are train connections nearby in Chiusi and Castiglione del Lago, which we did use. We would recommend Il Podesta Apartment for a couple or single person..there are stairs, but we had no problem. Mille Grazie to Katia and Il Podesta! See you soon! 
Charlotte from Vermount
There are so many reasons why I love Panicale. I always have a fantastic time there. It is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled hilltop towns in Umbria. The people are friendly and helpful. The town is lively and vibrant during festivals. My favorites are the chestnut festival, and of course, the charming festival of the grape.There is nothing that compares to sitting in the piazza, sipping wine, while a band plays 80's rock and roll under the stars! You will find restaurants, coffee bars, and breathtaking medieval artwork. If you want an authentic Umbrian experience, contact Katia for a house rental. She is a wealth of information and one of the nicest people I have ever met. 
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Laurie from Colorado 2012
I stayed in bella Panicale for 5 weeks in May and June 2012. Off-the-charts spectacular experience! The townfolk were quite friendly, the restaurants totally scrumptious... and it was terrific to come home to a quiet village after spending the day touring the more famous hilltop villages of Tuscany and Umbria. Some days I just hung out in Panicale all day. savoring "la dolce vita"! Cooked several meals in my townhouse rental - wonderful produce and ingredients at the local stores... Linda hand-cuts her prosciutto for you... Yolanda gave me great tips on the finer points of Italian cooking and her husband, Enzio picked out the ripest, tastiest melons and such. The bakery bakes delightful focaccia (the onion was my favorite!). I'd take my morning coffee and evening gelato (sometimes mid-day gelato as well!) at either Aldo and Daniela's Gallo Bar or Pasquale's Caffe della Piazza. And both upscale bar/cafes offered tasty dishes if I was hungry for a meal. Speaking of meals, the food at both Ristorante Masolino's and Simone and Lorena's Il Pozzo nel Gallo were delicioso! Don't miss out on the canoli dessert at Il Pozzo... yum! I felt totally pampered by everyone! Katia, who manages several Panicale rentals, was a delight to work with - she was available whenever I needed her, but didn't intrude. She gave suggestions on what to see and do allaround the area. Katia scheduled a wonderful cook, Rosanna, to come prepare a feast for us, and we participated in some of the preparation... fried zucchini blossoms with lemon slices... ricotta/spinach ravioli in a tomato sauce... mixed greens salad (from Rosanna's garden!)... beef steak and roasted potatoes... and cantuccini (dipping cookies) with vin santo! What a gourmet meal, and such fun! 
Richard from Yorkshire 2012
We own a house in Macchie and there is nothing we like better than to drive the short distance in the early evening to Panicale. We park the car at the first gate and walk along the terrace with the beautiful views of Lago Trasimeno. Then a campari and soda at Aldo's bar in the beautiful square of Panicale. Aldo is the most civilised bar for miles and he is charming. We have enjoyed meeting Janelle (see above) and her artist husband Johnny Apocada (see his web pages) in the bar on several occasions. 
Jane from Boston
I lived in Italy for a few years and have traveled all over the country. Though each town is interesting, I usually only visit a place one time. However, Panicale is the exception. I keep coming back to Panicale because it is a truly unique and special town. I love the atmosphere of Panicale - it is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Italy, and it has wonderful art, fantastic festivals, excellent food, and the friendliest people. I can't wait to go back and visit again! Nan Panicale could well be the most charming small hilltown in Umbria! |
FRIENDS OF CIAO TRASIMENO:
Stew Vreeland from Maine
www.seeyouinitaly.com
Jean Pierre Besenval from Paris
www.meublespeints.com
Janelle & Johhny from California
www.livepronto.blogspot.com
Elisabeth & James Aponovich from N.Y.
http://www.bethandjamesblog.blogspot.it/
Don Bernardo from Yorkshire
www.breviary.net
Direzione Tecnica Tuscanmagic di Dng srl
P.I 01659000515
email: ciaotrasimeno@hotmail.com
Cell: +39 333.120.45.93
P.I 01659000515
email: ciaotrasimeno@hotmail.com
Cell: +39 333.120.45.93
