Panicale is just some 20ish km from Passo del Lupo; trip tip: take a vespa at Umbria in Vespa (http://www.umbriainvespa.com/en/) and have the chance to enjoy easy driving along Trasimeno lake and sunflower fields to Panicale in 20 minutes.
PANICALE is an historic and picturesque town in the Province of Perugia, perched atop of a hill at 441 mt above sea level. It owes its appearance to the medieval origins of which it still retains all the structural and architectural. The plan of the country in concentric circles showes one of the most advanced systems of military defense in subsequent levels typical of the medieval era. In fact this type of defensive structure allowed the castle Panicale to withstand numerous attacks to which it was exposed.
Although the church of Madonna delle Sbarre and that of St. Augustine are not certain buildings to leave without mentioning, the main attraction of the village is represented by magnificent views as from here you can enjoy the lake Trasimeno and the valley of the River Nestore: overlooking from the north ridge of the hill you can admire a splendid panorama over the plain of Lake Trasimeno with a 180 ° leading the eye from the rolling hills of Siena to the most rugged mountains of Umbria and Marche.
However anyone who is more interested in the artistic works can admire the two frescoes Martyrdom of St. Sebastian and Coronation of Mary painted by Pietro Vannucci called “Il Perugino”. Noteworthy are also the fifteenth-century fountain in Piazza Umberto I, the frescoes of Caporali and structures such as the Municipal Theatre, one of the smallest theaters in Umbria, the Collegiata di San Michele, the church of Madonna della Sbarra, the fourteenth-century Palazzo del Podesta today historical city, once the seat of political power.
Where to eat? well…why not taking the suggestion of a famous American chef Nancy Silverton who eventually chose to buy a house in Panicale…?
eating suggestion: Il Masolino
…and watch this…very nice!
I’ll have what Phil’s having – Season 1 – Episode 2: ITALY
villa passo del lupo 