Torre dei Lambardi - Magione
The Torre dei Lambardi in Magione, built by the Knights of St. John, is a historic medieval fortress, just steps from the village, offering breathtaking views.
When visiting Magione, a stop at Torre dei Lambardi (Lambardi Tower), or Torre dei Lombardi, is a must. Built between the 12th and 13th centuries, it is easily accessible on foot from the center of the town and is set in a beautiful park. The tower stands approximately 30 meters high and has a quadrangular shape. Its internal structure is divided into three floors and two half-floors, with a terrace at the top offering a stunning panoramic view. In the past, it was a highly significant strategic point and was at the center of violent battles during the late medieval period. It was likely a formidable fortress, favored by its height and a bastion-shaped base. Originally built by the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem (the present-day Sovereign Military Order of Malta), it played a crucial role in either guaranteeing or blocking the flow of food supplies destined for Perugia, particularly fish from the northern shore of Lake Trasimeno.
The tower’s original interior was likely structured with three stone floors and three wooden ones, connected by a spiral staircase, of which only a small part remains in the upper section. Externally, it was equipped with a moat and a stone bridge (now buried), which allowed the passage of only one person at a time. The origin of its name is uncertain: in the late Middle Ages, the term “lambardi” (later “lombardi”) was used generically to refer to the nobility of rural communities (in this case, the same Knights of St. John). However, some believe that the fortress took on this name after June 4, 1688, in memory of the murder of Marcello Lombardi, which took place near the building.