Parco del Lago Trasimeno

• Trail Conditions: On foot
• Interest: Flora, Panorama

• Departure: Missiano
• Duration: 3 hour/s
• Difficulty Level: T - Tourist (level)
• Length: 9.1 km

The starting point of this itinerary is the parking lot of the little cemetery of Missiano. Hike over the provincial road which connects Missiano to Panicale for a brief stretch, then take a rising dirt road on the left. You cross an area rich in olives and dry stone walls which opens on the surrounding landscape: the hills of Panicale with Mongiovino and Mount Solare in the background, while in front appears the hamlet itself, with its belfries, monuments and ancient houses. You then enter the woods where downy oak, cedar, holm oak, and manna ash are present. The shrubby plain is made up of broom shrub, strawberry tree, cistus, heathers, dog roses, and privet. On the left, uphill, you can observe the valley of Nestore with Piegaro and Montarale in the background. Before reaching the top of Mount Petrarvella, 627m., you cross a panoramic plain and pass near an abandoned farmhouse, situated in a dominating position. On the left you can discern the antennas of Mount Pausillo. On the right you can see the slope of Mount Petrarvella and another viewpoint on Panicale and its surroundings. The area is uncultivated and characterized by a rich shrubby patch composed of blackberries, broom shrubs and blackthorns. You reach the top of Petrarvella, recognizable for the foliage of black pines, along a hairpin trail which goes through a low and sparse patch. After a short pause, you start walking downhill in the direction of Panicale, at first along a slightly rough trail among the shrubs, then on a panoramic crest road with the Trasimeno lake on the left and the hills facing the valley of Nestore on the right. There are many beautiful, small, renovated farmhouses along the way. You continue downhill until a cement road then takes you decisively to Panicale. In the last stretch you can observe from above and closely the historic center. When you arrive at the foot of the descent, we suggest a walk through the hamlet and along the panoramic road which skirts around the northern side of the walls. Following the signs you can return shortly to the starting point, passing next to the cemetery and the church of the Capuchins, a historic site in need of some important renovation works.

•  Download Itinerary Missiano-Monte Petrarvella-Panicale (PDF - 1.3Mb)