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Holidays in Magione
History & Description
Magione's history dates back to the Etruscan-Roman period. Its original name was Pian del Carpine (Plain of Hornbeam), reflected in the town's coat of arms.
Knights Hospitaller: The town gets its current name from the "magione" (mansion/lodging) founded in the Middle Ages by the Knights of the Hospitaller Order of St John of Jerusalem (later the Knights of Malta) to host pilgrims on their way to Rome.
The Castle: This original hospice was fortified into the imposing Castello dei Cavalieri di Malta (Castle of the Knights of Malta) in the 14th-15th century. It features a square plan with circular towers and a beautiful courtyard with three orders of loggias.
The Conspiracy: The castle is famous as the site of the Conspiracy of Magione in September 1502, a plot hatched by local lords against Cesare Borgia (Niccolò Machiavelli described this event in The Prince).
Notable Resident: It is the birthplace of the Franciscan missionary Friar Giovanni da Pian del Carpine, who traveled to the court of the Great Khan in Mongolia in 1245 and wrote the valuable Historia Mongalorum.
Art and Architecture: Key sights include the Castle of the Knights of Malta, the Church of St John the Baptist (1571) with frescoes by Futurist artist Gerardo Dottori, and the Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall), which also features Dottori's work.
Typical Foods (Cucina Umbra/Trasimeno)
The local cuisine reflects the traditional Umbrian and Lake Trasimeno flavors, emphasizing fresh, local ingredients:
Savory Dishes:
Torta al Testo: A type of stuffed flatbread cooked on a hot stone (testo), often filled with sausage, ham, cheese, and local herbs.
Tagliatelle al Ragù d'Oca: Homemade tagliatelle pasta with a rich goose ragout.
Arvoltoli: Savory or sweet fritters known in the area since at least the 17th century.
Truffle Dishes: Like much of Umbria, local restaurants often feature dishes infused with truffles, such as Umbricelli (thick, hand-rolled pasta) or scrambled eggs.
Wild Boar: A common meat in the region, often prepared cacciatora (hunter-style) or used in sauces.
Local Products: The area is famous for its olive oil (a focus of the annual Olivagando festival) and wines from the Colli del Trasimeno route.
Nature & Activities
Magione is ideally located on the eastern shore of Lake Trasimeno, offering both lakeside relaxation and inland exploration.
Lake Trasimeno Activities
Water Sports: The lake is popular for activities like kayaking, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sailing.
Island Visits: You can take a ferry to the three islands, notably Isola Polvese (a scientific and didactic park) and Isola Maggiore.
Birdwatching: The lake is an important wetland and wintering spot for migratory birds. The Naturalistic Oasis La Valle is a key spot for this.
Cycling/Trekking: A well-connected cycling path and various trails surround the lake and run through the rolling hills and olive groves.
Nearby Nature & Towns
Magione is a great starting point for excursions to other picturesque towns and natural sites, including the fortified village of Montecolognola, Castiglione del Lago (with its castle), and the larger city of Perugia.
Festivals & Events
Magione hosts several cultural and historical events throughout the year:
Settimana Magionese ('Magione Week'): Held annually, culminating in the Palio del Giogo, a historical re-enactment commemorating the town's rebellion against the Knights of Malta. Teams representing the four districts compete in a race carrying a heavy yoke (giogo).
Olivagando, Profumi e Sapori d'Autunno: An annual food and wine event in November focused on local olive oil and typical Umbrian dishes.
Carnevale Magionese: The local Carnival celebration featuring allegorical floats and the parade, trial, and bonfire of the large puppet known as Toni.
Trasimeno Music Festival: An annual classical music festival held in the evocative setting of the Castello dei Cavalieri di Malta in late June/early July.
Festa del Giacchio: A festival held in the frazione of San Feliciano in late July/early August, named after a type of fishing net.
Shops
While Magione is not a major shopping destination like nearby Perugia, the local shops cater to daily needs and local specialties:
Local Boutiques & Services: The historic center has smaller shops for clothes, everyday goods, and local services.
Food and Wine Shops: Look for local shops and agriturismi (farm stays) that sell high-quality, authentic Umbrian olive oil, local wines (especially Colli del Trasimeno DOC), truffle products, and cured meats (like prosciutto di Norcia).
Markets: While the biggest weekly markets are in larger nearby towns like Perugia, smaller, local markets often occur, and specific farmer's and craft markets are featured during festivals like Olivagando.
Magione's history dates back to the Etruscan-Roman period. Its original name was Pian del Carpine (Plain of Hornbeam), reflected in the town's coat of arms.
Knights Hospitaller: The town gets its current name from the "magione" (mansion/lodging) founded in the Middle Ages by the Knights of the Hospitaller Order of St John of Jerusalem (later the Knights of Malta) to host pilgrims on their way to Rome.
The Castle: This original hospice was fortified into the imposing Castello dei Cavalieri di Malta (Castle of the Knights of Malta) in the 14th-15th century. It features a square plan with circular towers and a beautiful courtyard with three orders of loggias.
The Conspiracy: The castle is famous as the site of the Conspiracy of Magione in September 1502, a plot hatched by local lords against Cesare Borgia (Niccolò Machiavelli described this event in The Prince).
Notable Resident: It is the birthplace of the Franciscan missionary Friar Giovanni da Pian del Carpine, who traveled to the court of the Great Khan in Mongolia in 1245 and wrote the valuable Historia Mongalorum.
Art and Architecture: Key sights include the Castle of the Knights of Malta, the Church of St John the Baptist (1571) with frescoes by Futurist artist Gerardo Dottori, and the Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall), which also features Dottori's work.
Typical Foods (Cucina Umbra/Trasimeno)
The local cuisine reflects the traditional Umbrian and Lake Trasimeno flavors, emphasizing fresh, local ingredients:
Savory Dishes:
Torta al Testo: A type of stuffed flatbread cooked on a hot stone (testo), often filled with sausage, ham, cheese, and local herbs.
Tagliatelle al Ragù d'Oca: Homemade tagliatelle pasta with a rich goose ragout.
Arvoltoli: Savory or sweet fritters known in the area since at least the 17th century.
Truffle Dishes: Like much of Umbria, local restaurants often feature dishes infused with truffles, such as Umbricelli (thick, hand-rolled pasta) or scrambled eggs.
Wild Boar: A common meat in the region, often prepared cacciatora (hunter-style) or used in sauces.
Local Products: The area is famous for its olive oil (a focus of the annual Olivagando festival) and wines from the Colli del Trasimeno route.
Nature & Activities
Magione is ideally located on the eastern shore of Lake Trasimeno, offering both lakeside relaxation and inland exploration.
Lake Trasimeno Activities
Water Sports: The lake is popular for activities like kayaking, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sailing.
Island Visits: You can take a ferry to the three islands, notably Isola Polvese (a scientific and didactic park) and Isola Maggiore.
Birdwatching: The lake is an important wetland and wintering spot for migratory birds. The Naturalistic Oasis La Valle is a key spot for this.
Cycling/Trekking: A well-connected cycling path and various trails surround the lake and run through the rolling hills and olive groves.
Nearby Nature & Towns
Magione is a great starting point for excursions to other picturesque towns and natural sites, including the fortified village of Montecolognola, Castiglione del Lago (with its castle), and the larger city of Perugia.
Festivals & Events
Magione hosts several cultural and historical events throughout the year:
Settimana Magionese ('Magione Week'): Held annually, culminating in the Palio del Giogo, a historical re-enactment commemorating the town's rebellion against the Knights of Malta. Teams representing the four districts compete in a race carrying a heavy yoke (giogo).
Olivagando, Profumi e Sapori d'Autunno: An annual food and wine event in November focused on local olive oil and typical Umbrian dishes.
Carnevale Magionese: The local Carnival celebration featuring allegorical floats and the parade, trial, and bonfire of the large puppet known as Toni.
Trasimeno Music Festival: An annual classical music festival held in the evocative setting of the Castello dei Cavalieri di Malta in late June/early July.
Festa del Giacchio: A festival held in the frazione of San Feliciano in late July/early August, named after a type of fishing net.
Shops
While Magione is not a major shopping destination like nearby Perugia, the local shops cater to daily needs and local specialties:
Local Boutiques & Services: The historic center has smaller shops for clothes, everyday goods, and local services.
Food and Wine Shops: Look for local shops and agriturismi (farm stays) that sell high-quality, authentic Umbrian olive oil, local wines (especially Colli del Trasimeno DOC), truffle products, and cured meats (like prosciutto di Norcia).
Markets: While the biggest weekly markets are in larger nearby towns like Perugia, smaller, local markets often occur, and specific farmer's and craft markets are featured during festivals like Olivagando.
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