Isola Maggiore

Isola Maggiore is the second largest island on Lake Trasimeno, in Umbria, central Italy. It is a "frazione" of the "comune" of Tuoro sul Trasimeno, and is the only inhabited island on the lake, with a current population of 35.

History

St Francis of Assisi lived on the island as a hermit from 1211. The 12th century Church of Saint Michael the Archangel was built on the top of the hill.

The island's only town reached its height in the 14th century, after the establishment of a Franciscan Monastery is 1328. Most of the towns buildings date from this period.

By the 1800s the town had a population of 700 and was in decline.

The Guglielmi castle was built on the monastery in the 1880's, which has since fallen into disrepair. Currently the castle has been turned into a spa.

Economy

Today the town is dependent on fishing, agriculture, tourism and traditional Irish lace making which was introduced in the 1900s. Some of the olive trees on the island are hundreds of years old.

Visitors can explore the old town and hill; paths cross the island through the olive groves.