Panicale

Panicale is a fortified hill-top town south of Lake Trasimeno. Like many of its neighbours in Umbria and Tuscany, Panicale is away from the main tourist route, yet contains many artistic and architectural treasures from the middle ages and the renaissance.

Il Perugino -'The Martyrdom of St Sebastian' (1505)
Church of St. Sebastian

This particular painting by Perugino was intended to address the problems of space that had preoccupied him since his youth. It was conceived as an abstract representation, composed of geometric figures - the most obvious being the central pyramid formed by the four archers and God. In the background there is a splendid panorama, which is in fact a representation of the view from outside the church, looking towards Trasimeno and the Valdichiana.

The Cesare Caporali Theatre

This is one of the smallest historical theatres in Umbria, with 154 seats. It was founded in 1690 as the Teatro del Sole (Theatre of the Sun), and was transformed to its present appearance in 1858 by the architect Giovanni Caproni. The wooden interior is completely decorated with plaster figures and painted medallions.

Today, the theatre hosts concerts and plays from local and travelling ensembles. Panicale's local theatre group is still going strong, playing both classic and modern pieces. Attending a concert or a play, regardless of whether or not you understand Italian, is a must that will transport you back in time.

Useful Links

ViaMichelin Map of Panicale