To give you an insight into the history of fishing and to allow you to enjoy delicious dishes, we propose a visit which encompasses food and wine as well as culture, along the shores of Lake Trasimeno to discover more about an ingredient which has greatly influenced the traditions of this area: lake fish.
The tradition of fishing in the lake has ancient origins dating back to the first people who lived in the area: the Etruscans. For a long while, fishing was neglected and its tradition almost forgotten, but in recent years, a series of initiatives brought about by local institutions and residents have revived this ancient practice and restored fish to its starring role in local cuisine.
To begin, head to San Feliciano, a small town in the Magione district, home to the Museo della Pesca sul Lago Trasimeno: learn more about lake fishing techniques, the history of fishing practices and see the famous "giacchi", fishing nets expertly made by hand. The atmosphere of the museum and its location in a typical and peaceful fishing port is part of the attraction. If you are in San Feliciano at the end of July, don't miss the Sagra del Giacchio where you'll be able to enjoy delicious lake fish-based dishes.
Anguilla (Eel), carassio (Crucian carp), carpa (Common carp), latterino (Big-scale sand smelt), luccio (Pike), persico reale (European perch), persico sole (sunfish), pesce gatto (Catfish) and tinca (Tench) are caught every day in the waters of Trasimeno. Head towards Passignano sul Trasimeno, to Tuoro or to Castiglione del Lago: many restaurants have stunning lake views and you'll be able to savour delicious dishes, enjoying the unique and special flavour of fish. Try carpa regina in porchetta or the traditional tegamaccio, a fish soup, which takes its name from the terracotta tegame (pot) in which it is cooked. Another succulent dish is brustico: the unscaled fish are roasted on embers made from reeds from the lake and are then fileted and dressed with local olive oil and lemon. Alternatively, perch has a much more delicate flavour and can be enjoyed fried or in a pasta sauce.
The Festa della Padella in Passignano sul Trasimeno (which usually takes place at the end of August) and the Sagra del Pesce del Trasimeno in Borghetto di Tuoro, in June are very popular events, where you can enjoy wonderful local cuisine.
To accompany the fish-based dishes, you have a vast choice of wines: those identified by the "Colli del Trasimeno" or "Trasimeno DOC" appellation are among some of the best-known and important of the region.
