Castel Rigone

Between past and present
The village of Castel Rigone is situated on a hilly area overlooking Lake Trasimeno. Its origins date back to 543 A.D. when the Ostrogoth Arrigo, lieutenant of Totila, who was engaged with his troops in the siege of Perugia, decided to stop in Castel Rigone and settle with his army. He also had a castle built, but it was constructed around the 13th century for defensive purposes to protect the village from enemy attacks. It is from Arrigo's name that the village took the name Castel Rigone, to pay homage to its founder, also called Rigone.
Today, it is still possible to see a few remains of the castle: the walls, the two access gates known as Porta Ponente and Porta Monterone, three towers and the keep.

What to see in the village
So small but so rich in things to see. In addition to the ruins of the castle that you come across as soon as you arrive in Castel Rigone, one of the main attractions of the village is the Church of the Madonna dei Miracoli, inside which there are important works of art. The church was built over an existing town well thanks to a legend that has been handed down for generations. The story goes that in 1940 a young girl living in Castel Rigone named Marietta was busy filling a jug with water from the well. All of a sudden a mysterious woman appeared and asked her to have a chapel built for the faithful on that very spot. Her apparitions were continuous, so much so that, thanks to a painting that was found depicting the Madonna breastfeeding her child, the inhabitants associated the lady with the Madonna. Precisely because of this event, the population consented to the fulfilment of her wish, so that not a simple chapel was built but a more imposing building, a Sanctuary, which we can still admire today.

Further symbolic buildings of Castel Rigone are the churches of Sant'Agostino and San Bartolomeo.
In the main square of the village you can admire a wonderful view of Lake Trasimeno, from which you can take wonderful photos, and visit the theatre dedicated to Giuseppe Verdi.
In addition to visiting the small village, in Castel Rigone many tourists do not miss the opportunity to practice various outdoor activities. This is because there are woods and forests where it is possible to make excursions in naturalistic routes, carrying out walks, trekking, birdwatching and horse riding.

Events not to be missed in Castel Rigone
To fully grasp the origins and culture of the place, folklore events are organised every year where you can breathe an air of celebration.
The Festa dei Barbari (Barbarian Festival) and the Giostra di Arrigo (Arrigo's Joust) have been celebrated every first week of August since 1984. During the festival you can watch dances, music, parades and processions in Gothic costumes and end with a banquet with a medieval menu held in the central square.
For over 20 years the International Festival of Young Concert Artists has been taking place in Castel Rigone, where music masters delight participants with their art.
If, on the other hand, you want to visit Castel Rigone in winter, during the Christmas period you can stroll through the Christmas Markets tasting local products.

The village cuisine
Umbria is a region known for its good cuisine, made of natural and genuine products. One of the things you can't help but try is the truffle, which is used to season many dishes. In fact, it is a product that is always present in the dishes of the people of Umbria. It can be black or white and can be used to add flavour to first courses, main courses, hors d'oeuvres and snacks.
Among the typical products you cannot miss the cold cuts and sausages, whose processing involves traditional techniques handed down from father to son.
If you come to Caste Rigone, you must try the Torta al Testo, also known as Crescia umbra, which, contrary to its name, is not a real cake, but a type of flat, low, unleavened bread typical of Umbrian cuisine.