Sheltered on the eastern side of mount Petrasvella, Panicate has ruled for centuries the surrounding valleys opening towards Lake Trasimeno. Crossing Porta Perugina, visitors are welcomed by Piazza Umberto with its travertine fountain (1473) and the imposing Collegiata di S. Michele (11th century), which holds the wonderful work by G. B. Caporali “L’Adorazione dei pastori” (1519). Continuing through the narrow streets, one reaches the little Teatro Comunale C. Caporali (18th century). The original Museo del Tulle is held within the church S.Agostino, whereas the Museo degli arredi sacri is situated in the Chiesa della Sbarra. Perugino’s fresco "Il martirio di S. Sebastiano" and the detached fresco “Madonna in trono”, credited to Raphael, are worth seeing.
Panicale like a terrace on the lake on one side, from where you can walk and admire the whole surface of the lake. The name probably comes from the pagan god “Pan”. It was fortified by the Etruscans in about the 5th century B.C. In 41 A.D. it offered refuge to the Perugians who survived Octavian's invasion. It was an advance post for the Perugians during the long struggle for control of the lake shortly before 1000 A.D. and as a sign of thanks they were permitted to add the Perugian symbol, the gryphon, to their coat of arms. The painter Masolino of Panicale was born here at the end of the 14th century, followed shortly by the Captain of Adventure Boldrino of Panicale. At the beginning of the 16th century it was occupied by Cesare Borgia's troops, and later by those of the Farnese family. There is a superb panorama of the lake and the surrounding hills. Many of the buildings give an insight into its long history.
Palazzo Pretorio
Has a lovely façade decorated with civic coat of arms.
Chiesa della Collegiata
Is dedicated to S. Micheal Archangel and has 2 stone entrance doors and a painting of the Nativity by Caporali, a Perugian painter.
Chiesa di S.Agostino
There are some frescoes from the school of Giotto.
Palazzo dei Podestà
Shows a small double lancet window which opens on the compact surface of the façade.
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