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GENERAL INFORMATION
In terms of size, Lake Trasimeno is the fourth largest lake in Italy. It has a surface area of 128 square kilometres and a maximum depth of 6 metres.
In the summer the temperature of the water is comprised between a minimum of 23°C and a maximum of 27°C.
The whole area around Lake Trasimeno has become a "PARCO NATURALE", thanks to a regional law introduced by the Umbria Regional Council.
Together with Lake Balaton, Lake Trasimeno is one of the few "LAMINAR" lakes in Europe. With its rich and particular flora and fauna, it forms a wetland of exceptional environmental value.
The vast reed-beds, the shallowness of the water and the absence of pollution make it one of the lakes with the highest density of fish in Italy.
The lake is fed mainly by rainwater, which means that it is hard hit in periods of drought, when the level of the water can drop even considerably. The last time this happened was in 2003.
Nowadays the level of the lake is satisfactory thanks to the rainfall of recent years.
Precisely in order to avoid this inconvenience, which is, in any case, an entirely natural occurrence, work on channelling water from two dams (the MONTEDOGLIO and CHIASCIO dams) aimed at permanently stabilising the level of the lake, is now in a very advanced stage.
The delivery line from the Montedoglio dam will be completed within 2007 while the one from the Chiascio dam is expected to be ready within 2010-2012.
Due to its exceptional environmental value, and in consideration of the policy of sustainable development adopted here, in 2005 the lake was added to the LIVING LAKE circuit, under the auspices of the UNESCO GLOBAL NATURE FUND (it is the only Italian lake to enjoy this status.
Environmental quality is monitored continuously by the REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, which keeps constantly the quality of water under control by certificating its security for bathing purposes.
Other environmental indicators referred to the air and soil are also kept constantly under scrutiny, with excellent results.
In the framework of an overall project for improving the quality of the local area and guaranteeing development compatibly with the existing delicate ecosystem, the model of AGENDA 21 LOCALE in accordance with the protocol of the 1992 Rio Conference has been adopted for Lake Trasimeno.
THE LAKE TRASIMENO ENVIRONMENTAL MANIFESTO
As part of the AGENDA 21 LOCALE projects, the "MANIFESTO DELLE AZIENDE TURISTICHE" has been drafted. This lists businesses that adopt voluntarily a policy of Sustainable Development. The Manifesto awards levels of recognition to each business, from a simple mention up to a maximum of 3 which our company has been awarded.
INSLANDS AND HAMLETS
There are three islands on Lake Trasimeno:
- ISOLA MINORE, uninhabited, on which thick woods grow providing a home for many species of both resident and migratory bird species;
- ISOLA MAGGIORE, on which there are a picturesque fishing village and the CASTELLO GUGLIELMI. In 1213 Saint Francis lived on the island as a hermit;
- ISOLA POLVESE, which is a Public Park with many historical sites dating back even as far as Roman times, including the ruins of the Convent of the Olivetan Order and the ancient (14th century) castle walls.
The island is also an environmental workshop, in the context of the projects being developed by the Perugia Provincial Council, which owns it.
The lake is surrounded by a circle of hills, partly in the Umbria region and partly in Tuscany, and is enlivened by a multitude of villages and hamlets, some of which on the shores of the lake and others overlooking it from the hillsides.
THE LEGEND
The tale is told that TRASIMENE, handsome son of the god TURRENO, was seduced by a nymph called AGILLA.
When TRASIMENE died, AGILLA cried so many tears that a lake was created, which took the name of her loved one.
MORE INFORMATION
Global Nature Fund - Lake Trasimeno
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