Lago di Garda Travel Tips - Lago di Garda Travel Guide

In 568 the area was occupied by the Lombards, who supposedly built the Castle around which the town grew. After a period of domination by the Bishops of Verona, Malcesine became an independent city-state in 1154, with the right to mint coins and to make its own laws. It later passed into the hands of the Della Scala family, then became part of the Venetian Republic and the seat of the "Captain of the lake". The town subsequently became a part of the Lombard-Veneto Kingdom. After the Third War of Independence in 1866, it was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy. Malcesine was already a tourist spot before World War I, but it was only after the construction of the Gardesana Orientale road and the lake front that the tourism industry flourished and consequently triggered an authentic economic boom at the end of the fifties.
Inside is a natural history museum with simulations of prehistoric times in the area and the old powder storage area, built by the Austrians, has been dedicated to the poet Goethe and features his notes and sketches.

J. W. Goethe and Malcesine
September 13, 1786: J.W. Goethe travelled by boat from Torbole (extreme north east of Lago di Garda) to Malcesine. This is what he wrote in his "Journey in Italy": "Rowing was impossible against the strong wind, so we were forced to land at Malcesine. This is the first Venetian village on the eastern shore of the lake ... I want to take full advantage of this stop, especially to draw the castle beside the lake, which is a good subject. I made a sketch today when I passed in front of it."
An entry made the following day: "As usual, I spent some time at the old castle which is open to all because it lacks windows and doors and has no custodian or guards. In the castle courtyard I sat in front of the tower built upon a rock. I found a cozy place to draw, sitting near a closed door three or four steps above the ground..."

A delightful stroll along the waterfront. Any faster pace would be sacrilege and would surely detract from the pleasantness of the affair. Despite the biting winds necessitating the need for my ever-present all-encompassing parka, nothing could detract from the tranquility enhanced by the lapping water on the rocky shore.

Lago di Garda General Tips

Lago di Garda Hotels

Lago di Garda Tourism

Visiting Lago di Garda?

Visiting Lago di Garda?

Local Merchants in Lago di Garda