by Heather Bellingham

Created on: July 15, 2010

Lake Garda is the largest of the Italian lakes. It is sixty-five meters above sea level and covers an area of 370 square kilometers. There are numerous small villages along the lake to visit in your travels.

Bardolino has picturesque views of the gulf of Garda. Check out the Pieve di San Zeno, a county parish church, which dates back to the eighth century. The Church of San Severo has been there since the eleventh century. Or you can go see a tower that is all that remains of the Scaliger Castle.  Be sure to purchase some extra virgin olive oil here, as there are numerous olive trees here.

Peschiera del Garda is a popular tourist destination, where you can visit the Piazza Ferdinando di Savoia (piazzas are the Italian equivalent of squares) or the Rocca (fortress). The walls of the town are now a lovely pedestrian area. You can also visit the Villa Paradiso, which dates back to the seventeenth century and the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Frassino, which was built in the sixteenth century.

Garda has an enchanting location and is another popular site. Go see the Clock Tower and the Palazzo Fregoso, which has a city gate underneath that was formerly part of the old city walls. Visit the Hermitage of San Giorgio, a monastery that dates back to the seventeenth century. Other buildings to go see are the Palazzo dei Capitani del Lago, the Palazzo Carlotti and the Villa Albertini.

Lazise is on the Eastern shore of Lake Garda, and is known for its numerous monuments. There has been a settlement on this location since the Bronze Age.  The Church of San Nicolò was built in the twelfth century.  The Villa Castello was owned by the Bernini-Buri counts. Make note of the Darsena (dock), which is an excellent example of military architecture. Another place to visit is the Villa La Pergolana, a former monastery. Lazise is also home to two zoos, one of which is aquatic.  

Another place to visit is Torri del Benaco, which is located where the lake begins to narrow. It has a tourist port where ferries leave for Maderno. The Scaliger Castle has towers which date back to the Roman times. Its most recent structure was built in 1383.  There are also numerous old churches which are worth checking out.

These are only some of the towns you may wish to visit during your trip to Lake Garda. Other towns are Toscolano-Maderno, Brenzone, Gardone Riviera, Limone sul Garda, Malcesine, Salò, Tremosine, Manerba del Garda,  Torbole, Gargnano, Riva del Garda, and Sirmione.  

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