San Savino: Nature and History on Lake Trasimeno

San Savino offers distinct points of interest to help you plan your trip: the wetland of the Oasi Naturalistica La Valle, the medieval heritage of the Castello di San Savino, and a history that can be traced through early ecclesiastical records. There are also route connections and a traditional village festival. This lets you consider nature, local history and possible activities as separate aspects of your destination.

Wetland and Bird Migration

The Oasi Naturalistica La Valle is a wetland of about 1,000 hectares and great ornithological importance. Shallow waters and extensive reed beds define the area. Along migration routes from Northern Europe to sub-Saharan Africa, it is an important resting and breeding site. The oasis lies within the Regional Natural Park of Lake Trasimeno. A visit to nature here brings both the landscape and its importance for bird migration into focus.

You can visit the oasis independently, alone or in groups of up to nine people. Guided tours can be booked for groups of ten or more participants. Accessible paths and texts in Braille make the visit open to everyone.

Medieval Castello and Churches

The first known record of the fortified settlement dates to 1006. At that time, Pietro Attone da Todi founded a monastery here, dedicated to San Savino, bishop and martyr of Sulmona. The surviving medieval remains include walls, a pointed-arch gateway, the well, the triangular keep and the remains of houses. The triangular tower is considered a landmark of the village and a unique example of medieval architecture on Lake Trasimeno.

A land register drawn up at the beginning of the 16th century mentions the Parrocchia di San Savino. When the old parish church of San Savino, near Lake Trasimeno, was in danger of collapsing, pastoral care was moved to the church of Santa Maria Maddalena inside the castle. Santa Maria Maddalena took the name San Savino and received the baptismal font. The church of San Savino was consecrated in 1747 after restoration; Francesco Riccardo Ferniani, Bishop of Perugia, performed the consecration.

Another historical trace can be found near San Savino, by the nature reserve: the remains of a drainage channel built by Braccio Fortebraccio are visible there. He was lord of Perugia from 1416 to 1424; the channel was built on the remains of a Roman structure.

Routes Around San Savino

The Via del Trasimeno includes a stage from San Savino to Panicale. The Ciclovia Perugia-Trasimeno reaches San Savino and joins the Ciclovia del Trasimeno there. The two route descriptions focus on different things: the Via del Trasimeno names Panicale as the destination of the stage; the Ciclovia is about connecting to another cycling route in San Savino.

Village Tradition

Pro Loco San Savino has been active since 1996 and, as part of its activities, organizes the traditional village festival, Sagra del Gambero.

Discover more destinations: Castel Ritaldi, Montebibico, Preggio, Parlesca, Missiano Di Panicale, Fratta Todina, Tordandrea, Torricella

For the main travel overview: Perugia.