Castiglione del Lago rises on a chalky promontory which was originally one of the lake’s four islands. It took on its current form following a subsequent drop in water levels which created an alluvial plain. This level fertile area, which corresponds to the ancient lake flood plains is bordered on the west by a range of hills which mark out the physical border with Tuscany.
The modern town has developed at some distance from the medieval town centre which has been perfectly preserved. The historical town centre of Castiglione del Lago, which is still completely contained within the medieval walls, is naturally divided into two large sections: the eastern half is completely occupied by the Palazzo Ducale ( Ducal Palace) and the Fortress and the western half is the inhabited area, whose layout can be read about in the section of our itineries entitled “Immersed in Nature & its Produce: Sipping wine along the course of the Tiber”. However, in brief, there are three gates entering the town, three main streets, three squares and even the Keep has only three sides.