Fontignano Castle
At a glance
- Region
- Umbria
- Province
- Perugia (PG)
- Town
- Perugia
Fontignano Castle overlooks the village of the same name from a hill south-west of Perugia, also known as the place where the painter Perugino lived and died. Today only the ruins of the castle remain.
History
From hospital to castrum
The earliest records speak of a village called Hospitalis Eurigani and later Spedale de Fontignano, which grew up around a place that sheltered travellers and the sick. In 1158 Frederick Barbarossa raised the church of Santa Maria to a pieve, placing it and the hospital under the jurisdiction of Perugia. In 1281 and 1363 the settlement was classed as a «villa»; only in 1380 did it take the name of castrum.
Assaults and passing troops
In 1363 the village was attacked by the Compagnia del Cappelletto, called in by Perugia against some conspirators who had taken refuge here. The castle was plundered in 1387 by the Perugian exiles known as the michelotti and burned in 1388. In 1402 Florentine and papal troops, and those of Braccio Fortebraccio da Montone, camped here; in 1503 Cesare Borgia passed through on his way to Perugia.
Layout
On the hill, at about 500 metres above sea level, you can still see the keep, part of the curtain wall and two towers, one with a square base and one circular. The complex is in a ruined state.
Where it is
Fontignano lies on the state road 220 Pievaiola, halfway between Mugnano and Tavernelle, about 22 km south-west of Perugia and close to Lake Trasimeno. In the village is the church of the Annunziata, with frescoes by Perugino, who died here in 1523.
Practical information
Tickets and where to buy them
Information on tickets and entry: to be confirmed. As these are ruins, access and safety conditions are to be confirmed.
Opening days and hours
To be confirmed with the municipality or the managing body.
Where to eat
To be confirmed: for restaurants and eateries it is best to enquire in the nearest town (Perugia).
Parking and services
To be confirmed.
Accessibility and other information
To be confirmed. With ruins or minor roads, accessibility for people with reduced mobility may be limited.
Opening hours, prices and services change often: before visiting, call the official number or check the castle’s website. Last checked: November 2026.
Sources: Wikipedia – Fontignano.
How to get there
Directions with Google Maps Apple Maps
Hiking trails map (Waymarked Trails) Walking route
Trails: data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Always check signs and trail conditions before setting off.
