In Castiglione del Lago, there is a medieval fort which is open to the public.
Walking on top of the walls of the fort is a very entertaining way to spend the afternoon. You’ll go through the walls of the town and walk all the way to the end, where you will see a small museum which costs a few Euro for admittance. After walking through a few rooms in the museum, you head down a staircase that leads to the walls of the fort. The main passage is very narrow and long. At the end, you come out to towers and walls which you can walk around and have a spectacular view of the lake. I highly recommend this one!
Rocca del Leone
City: Castiglione del Lago
Region: Umbria
About the Region:
Umbria, often called the “green heart of Italy,” is a region that embodies authentic Italian beauty without the crowds found in neighboring Tuscany. Rolling hills covered in olive groves, sunflower fields, and ancient forests create a peaceful landscape dotted with medieval hill towns that feel untouched by time.
Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, is the region’s spiritual and cultural jewel, with its grand basilica adorned with Giotto’s frescoes and sweeping views over the Umbrian valley. Perugia, the lively capital, offers a mix of medieval streets, Renaissance palaces, and vibrant university life, along with its famous chocolate festival each October.
Umbria is also known for smaller towns brimming with charm. In Orvieto, a Gothic cathedral towers over a city built atop volcanic cliffs, while underground caves reveal Etruscan secrets. Spello and Spoleto enchant visitors with narrow flower-lined alleys, Roman ruins, and quiet piazzas perfect for sipping local wine.
Food here is deeply rustic and satisfying: black truffles harvested from forested hills, hearty lentils from Castelluccio, pecorino cheese, and earthy wines like Sagrantino di Montefalco.
Unlike busier regions, Umbria invites you to slow down. Hike through Mount Subasio’s nature trails, attend summer music festivals in historic squares, or simply relax in an agriturismo overlooking golden fields and cypress-lined roads.
Visiting Umbria feels like discovering Italy’s soul – a place of serenity, tradition, and timeless beauty where life is savored one moment, meal, and sunset at a time.