Isola Polvese

Isola Polvese or Polvese Island is an island situated in the southeastern part of Lake Trasimeno and is the largest of the three islands of the lake. The area is of historical and naturalistic interest. Today, the island belongs to the Province of Perugia and is known as a Scientific-Didactic Park, which is a part of Trasimeno Regional Park. The island is a part of Castiglione del Lago.

Isola Polvese Polvese Island - Centre of Environmental Experience

History

The island was visited by the Etruscans and the Romans. In the Middle Ages, the inhabitants submitted to Perugia. During that period, some churches and a castle were erected to protect and defend the village. Monks of the Benedictine and Dominican orders were present on the island. In 1841, the island became private property and was used as a hunting area. In 1973, the Province of Perugia acquired Polvese Island.

Monuments

Among the most important monuments of the island are the church of Saint Giuliano and Saint Secondo, the Olivetans’ Monastery, and the Medieval Castle. The Garden of Aquatic Plants was realized in 1959 by the architect Pietro Porcinai.

Landscape

In the northern part, a huge oak woodland covers the island with many plant varieties, typically of the Mediterranean area, such as holm and ash trees. In the lower woods, trees like guelder rose, laurel, ilex, and privet can be found. The southern area is covered by a huge olive grove with centuries-old olive trees.An extensive reed thicket that runs from the east to the south defines the humid region. The walkways and the interior of the island are characterized by rosemary hedges and pomegranates, while ornamental plants and trees are found everywhere over the meadows.The natural environs lodge a rich fauna of invertebrates, especially insects. Among the vertebrates, there are the fox, the marten, the hare, the nutria, and a wide variety of birds, particularly the ones, that live in humid climates such as coots, ducks, and herons.

Activities

The island offers today an example of management according to the criteria of sustainability. The activities offered by the Environmental Experience Center on the island concern didactic and environmental tourism.

Structures & services
  • Great hall and Laboratory
  • Punto Verde – Information
  • Environmental Education Operators
  • Umbria Mobilità – Public Boat Service



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