Malcesine, Lago di Garda

Head to Malcesine which is a beautiful town at the bottom of Mont Baldo. The town in itself might be a consideration for somewhere to stay, but we just headed here to take the cable car up the 1800 feet to check out the views. In summer you can take a walk and take in the stunning scenery and in winter you can take the car up with your skis and go for a skiing session!

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I guess this is for many the picturesque resort on Lake Garda with the imposing castle - a wedding venue when we visited! Little cobbled alleyways leading to small little piazzas, quaint cafes and with views of the lake, the old port and the newer port.

Then of course there is the cable car to whisk you up the hills of Monte Baldo for wonderful views over the Lake and town too - hope eventually to have more on its own page ...but a few pics for now on here.

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Malcesine is one of the most visited towns on Lake Garda, and has many 'tourist' attractions. Its landmark is its 13th C. castle -Il Castello Scaligero, where You can climb its towers for views over the lake, and visit its museum.

Another popular attraction is the cable car that takes day trippers and hikers to Tratto Spino near the summit of Mont Baldo

The harbour bustles with visitors arriving or departing on the many ferries, or sitting enjoying an ice cream or meal at one of the harbourside restaurants.

Away from the harbour are more restaurants, shops, churches, shady squares, green parks, promenades and beaches.

Market day is Saturday.

Art exhibitions, concerts, theatre, festivals offer plenty for those staying in Malcesine.

The Tourist Info office has details of events, Walks, maps etc

Malcesine can be reached easily by road or ferry.

The nearest train station is Rovereto (35km)or Peschiera.

Verona airport is 60km and Bergamo airport is 140 km away

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This fortress is one of Malcesines landmarks. Its medieval tower can be seen above the harbour as the ferry approaches this bustling town

The town developed, spreading out from the castle and nearby Captains Palace. You pass through the ancient winding streets as You walk uphill from the harbour - follow the yellow signs and the crowds!
The della Scala family added the fortifications in the 14th century. Austrian and Venetian architects have also added their work during the years.
13th September 1786, the German poet Goethe was arrested as a suspected spy here - he was making sketches of the castle, which had inspired his creativity in his drawing and poetry. The former powder room is now dedicated to Goethes work and is quite interesting -plenty of sketches of this area, quotations and poetry by this artist.

Many castles on Lake Garda are called Scaligero, including the one in Sirmione.

This castle is worth visiting
-it has an interesting museum with natural history and ethnographic sections.
-remnants of an Etruscan tomb.
-an open air theatre
-art exhibitions - when I visited there were larger than life size resin figures of African figures
-weddings take place here - I saw one during my visit.
-medieval frescoes
-walls and towers to climb for longreaching views over the town and lake
-a balcony over the lake - again good views

Open April - November 0900 - 19.30
December -March - Weekends and holidays 1000 - 1700

Admission charge - included map of the castle and a booklet of the art exhibitions.
I'm afraid I can't remember how much this was - having one of those senior moments ;-)
and my ticket doesn't display the price.

More tips about this castle to follow soon!

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As I mentioned in my previous tip, I came across these African sculptures in the open air theatre of the Castle. Apparently, they were an exhibition called African icons and were by a Nigerian sculptor called Sunday Jack Akpan. He was born in 1940, and originally was a mason, but became interested in working with concrete that later was painted. He specialises in tribal chiefs and Matrons.
S J Akpan is recognised as one of the most interesting African and world wide artists, and has exhibited his work in various countries around Europe and America. He was part of the Venice Biennale in 2001.

My first picture shows statues known as Obong Ekong (in red) and Oboikpa a 146cm figure of a female. They were created in 2001

My second photo is of Obong Anwan -a Matron in blue robe with an interesting headpiece (I think this was my favourite piece) and behind her is Obong Ntinya, a tribal chief. Again they were created in 2001. Between them is a bust of Goethe, the German poet, who was inspired by his visit to the castle and Lake Garda in 1786. A trip he wouldn't forget as he was arrested on suspicion of spying.

My third picture is the same as in my previous tip re weddings at the Castle (and Lake Garda/ Verona) and shows Obong Ekong and Obong Anwan in more detail.

I'm afraid this exhibition ran from the 2nd June to 15th October 2007, so has finished now, but it might have moved on somewhere else. I've tried to find a webpage for this artist, but haven't found one yet. For more info about his work in an article please Click

For info about castle Scaligero opening hours, phone number, address etc please see my Malcesine Castello Scaligero tip

For a romantic view over the lake, head to this balcony. I think this was originally an artillary platform or revelino

The Balcone sul lago or Balcony over the Lake is a popular place for couples to take photos of each other with the Lake as a romantic backdrop, so You might have to wait a while to take Your turn!
Please see my tip on the castle for info re address phone numbers etc

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The museum is next to the ticket office at the entrance, it is housed in part of the Venetian palace. Rooms are on different levels, and the exhibits are labelled in Italian and English, with interesting information

Geology, flora, fauna, local history, and customs are all covered in the various displays. I particularly enjoyed the displays about the daily life of the locals in past times and items that were used in their homes and work.
For info re opening times, etc please see my previous tip

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Malcesine is probably the second best place to visit after Sirmione! To our surprise there were so few tourists! And this makes Malcesine more beautiful and magical! Here are marvellous flowers as well...(see the other photo). You can go to Malcesine Monte Baldo a panoramic cable way to Mount Malcesine. The ticket costs 15 euros...a bit costly but worth it. I enjoyed it so much.

Malcesine is the starting point of the funicular up to Monte Baldo. But its landmark is the pictuersque castle. Goethe, the most famous German poet who was visiting Italy twice wanted to keep his memories of the nice place not only by writing, he liked it also to paint and to draw and when the police observed him drawing the castle they arrested him because they suspected him being a spy (the frontier was at that time immediately north of Malcesine). But he came free almost immediately after that.

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Beautiful and huge Scaligeri castle dominates whole the town of Malcesine. It is situated on the top of the hill which offers the magnificent view over whole area of Lago di Garda. Make sure you have enough space on your memory card or film, because when on the top of the castle tower you wont stop with shootings.