A little reminiscing in Umbria

 Today was our last day in the country before going to Rome so the plan was to do a little reminiscing and take it easy.

No trip to this part of Umbria is complete without a visit to Alisè Cafe at Castiglione del Lago where they make the best gelato in so many original flavours. I had polvere di stelle and Alisè, both living up to the high reputation they have.

We then crossed the road to the Castiglione del Lago railway station where we bought tickets for tomorrow's return to Rome.

We drove the familiar roads to Panicale and made one circuit of the village before heading to Paciano for a light lunch. It has been our tradition to stop at the bar on the edge of town for panini and to admire the great view of Lago Trasimeno. The farmers are ploughing at present, and they have had no rain for months so the scene is quite dry looking. Still beautiful though.

We then came back to Città della Pieve to catch up on tasks, pack and rest.

At aperitivo time we went to Bar Fibonacci for drinks and whilst sitting there looking at the home of Pietro Vannucci, a famous local painter of the 1500s, it occurred to me that I have not mentioned the two major points of interest of the town.

Vanucci is known as 'Il Perugino' and there are many of his works here, in Panicale and throughout Italy and the world's galleries. So into the cathedral we went to get a couple of photos of his paintings.

This is a favourite of mine but the door of the little church has been closed when we have passed by. This photo is from the internet.

Whilst in the Cathedral we looked at their archaeological works in the crypt. The first church was built on this site in the 7th century.

The other point of interest is that they produce saffron here in Città della Pieve, and have been since the 13th century. Saffron is a spice that comes from the stigma or threads of the crocus flower. It is used for both seasoning and colour in cooking. Since I have been here I have had saffron on pizza and also in gelato.