Lago di Garda Off The Beaten Path

2 more images

Taking the road north on the western side of the lake you will see a sign for Tignale and church of Madonna di Montecastello. If is a steep climb to the site but it is worth it for the views. There is a viewpoint where you can get out before carrying on for 10 minutes or so to the church which is up another steep hill. Great views and worth the visit.

3 more images

Just below the health resort of San Zeno di Montagnai s the village of Albisano also called the "balcony of Lake Garda". The view from the churchyard over the Lake is outstanding (signposted). We passed through here and stopped to enjoy the view as part of the detour we made above Torri mentioned in previous tip. As you can see from the pictures the views down onto Torri with its castle and lake are splendid.

3 more images

Getting off the main road on narrow country lanes - somewhere between Torri diel Benaco a Brenzone on the east side of Lake Garda was a real scenic detour - so different from the busy main road. Little farming hamlets, donkeys and ancient churches were on the agenda. We were glad the roads were quiet - in fact we didn't meet another car until we rejoined the main road at the end - and just as well as at times there wasn't room for 2 cars to pass! Some of the roads were literally clinging to the cliff edge - not for the faint hearted!

The dusk over Lake of Garda is spectacular scene, especially in the early spring time. The best position to take the picture of is at the top of the castles at Sirmione or Malcesine. This one is taken at Sirmione, but I was littlebit too late to take it in the proper time.

San Martino della Bataglia, situated in the surroundings of Sirmione, has an very significant role in the history of Italy. Torre Pamoramico (the Panoramic Tower), which can be seen from far distance, marks the place where Piemontesi have defeated Austrians, Jun 24 1859, in the second and decisive battle for the independence. The tower, built between 1880 and 1893, during the night lights the colours of Italian flag.

Borghetto is practically the part of Valeggio sul Mincio, it is situated right beneath the Castello Scaligero. The river of Mincio flows in the middle of the place which is, although very small, of the spectacular beauty.
Worth of note is Ponte Visconteo, the Visconti Bridge, which was the part of the defending fortifications around the castle.

Although it is not situated on the lake shore, Valeggio sul Mincio is a part of Lago di Garda connected to it by the river of Mincio. The place is worth of visit because of the Castle Scaligero, situated on the top of the hill which dominates the whole Valley of Mincio river.
In a bright sunny days there is an spectacular view from the tophill to the valley and its surroundings.

0638
This close up allows to better understand how these metal parts have been used. On the left an axe, several unidentified thin steel plates, a door hinge. On the right, an endless screw, may be from a farm engine and on the far right a steel rod from some other farm engine.