A lake “as beautiful as the beginning of creation” – Splendour on Lake Garda

The biggest Italian lake, Lake Garda is a triumph of superlatives. Its history dating back to the Roman Empire, its combination of islands, mountains, impenetrable villages and an outstanding culinary tradition mean a single trip here is nowhere near enough to capture the full essence of this northern Italian marvel.  Sitting over three regions – Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto – further adds to its charm, with various influences, climates and habits merging to create a unique atmosphere.

We will take you on a journey of discovery along the little gems that make this superb speck of water a must-see for any discerning traveller.

Treasured harbours and beguiling castles

The renowned Trecento artist Giotto di Bondone once said: “Every painting is a voyage into a sacred harbour”. Harbours are indeed fascinating and on Lake Garda you will find an astonishing 65 of them, all creating a painting-like image where your phantasy meets an exceptional reality that revolves around water. Winds also play a leading role in defining the nature of this superb region, with 9 different types blowing across the lake, the strongest coming from the north. With so many interesting villages dotted along the lakeshore, choosing a few may seem hard, as each shore displays diverse features, which makes this journey even more interesting.

Perhaps as testimony to the rich historical past of this lake, you will find many castles towering over the water or further inland, providing a show in themselves.

Take the Rocca di Manerba, for instance. Located in the south-westerly lakeshore, it sits on a place which played a pivotal role for past civilisations and is part of an archaeological park and nature reserve: the views from here are simply mesmerizing, encompassing Rabbit Island, The Gulf of Salò, Monte Baldo and all the other villages on the lake. Indeed, nature lovers will be in their element, with the paths leading to the fortress going via lanes dotted with cypresses, junipers and prickly pears. Enter the Rocca di Lonato, a thousand-year old fortress that has stood the test of time: its severe appearance refined by the vegetation growing on its defensive walls, this is a silent Visconti stronghold that sits in a marvellous position in Lonato del Garda, to the south of Desenzano.  On a clear day, in fact, the view stretches all the way to the Alps, the lake and all the cities as far as Verona. A national monument since 1912, its walls feature a special microclimate with varying degrees of humidity that lead to about 150 plant species being grown here.  The Rocca leads to the Casa del Podestà, a house-museum rich in precious artefacts, volumes and art works which also hosts a fabulous Italian-style garden: here, calm envelops everything, with nature and architecture merging in complete harmony.

Riva del Garda, to the north, is home to two landmarks: the Bastione Veneziano and the Mount Brione Fortresses.  The former dates back to 1507 and lies at the foot of Mount Rocchetta; commissioned by the Serenissima, it was partially destroyed by French troops in 1703. Its ruined limestone tower collapsed several times over the following centuries, until it was restored in 2007. It is a symbol of Riva and an exceptional example of a Renaissance fortified architecture aimed at defence with artillery. The only other example of a similar fortress in Trentino is the Rovereto Castle.  The bastions on Mount Brione are unique: erected by the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the three strongholds served as important viewpoints over the area and played a pivotal role during WW1. A path takes you from the harbour all the way to the top fortress of San Niccolò, with sweeping views of the Lake.

Further south, Tignale hosts the Montecastello Sanctuary. Set in a breath-taking location over the lake, the place is also known as Sanctuary of the Madonna della Stella and the church features many excellent frescoes. The path leading to the Sanctuary offers magnificent views, as the building sits on a limestone cliff, towering over the lake.

Bardolino is the name of a delicious DOC wine, but it is also a town on the Veneto shore of Lake Garda. The Saint George Hermitage is fabulous: founded by the Benedictine Monks in 1663, it is now open for any worshipper wanting to find peace and tranquillity while praying. Its dominant position on the lake makes a journey to the hermitage unmissable.

We cannot talk about lake Garda without mentioning the Della Scala family, which ruled on Verona and the Veneto from late 1200 until the end of 1300.  From Sirmione to Malcesine, Lazise and Torri del Benaco, but also further afield, the many Scaliger Castles are a potent reminder of their might. Featuring dovetail towers, Sirmione is perhaps the most impressive, with its manor and moat and still so well preserved, however the other ones on the lake are equally impressive. Lazise sees a harmonious fortress built on the water, while the impressive Fortress in Malcesine dates back to the first millennium. A national monument since 1902, it changed possessions several times over the centuries, its prime position on the lake offering an envious means of defence. Sitting next to its pretty, quaint harbour, the castle in Torri del Benaco was built in the X century and restored by Antonio della Scala, the Lord of Verona, in the Trecento, but was then abandoned throughout the following centuries. It now hosts an interesting museum dedicated to the local culture and habits. The citrus greenhouse is a must: opened in 1760, it is the only one open to the public on the entire lake. 

What will remain of your trip to Lake Garda? To what extent can one capture the essence of this magical, ever-changing and spellbinding speck of water?

Discovering Lake Garda and trying to capture its many essences equals to a journey where many facets are revealed, where this unique world of sensations, tastes and cultures disguises pleasant surprises.

You will discover a realm of enchantment, ancient traditions and crafts, fine dining and astounding scenery.

Come with us: we will reveal the pearls that make Lake Garda one of a kind and you will not want to leave.