Art & Culture
An area in which nature comes together with art, where you can admire striking landscapes and architecture that blend in to the backdrop. There is a wealth of choices of places to visit to discover the surrounding area.
An itinerary for discovering Lake Garda's artistic treasures may start by visiting the ancient village of Lazise and other villages on the lake's banks (including Torri del Benaco, Garda and Malcesine, Sirmione and Peschiera), dominated by the remains of impressive Scaligera castles and characterised by amazing churches with frescos and ancient villas immersed in greenery.
Those who wish to discover hidden jewels, near Lake Garda and off the normal tourist itineraries, may also visit the magnificent villages of Sabbioneta, Castellaro Lagusello, Borghetto and Valeggio sul Mincio.
One visit that should not be missed is the Vittoriale degli Italiani, a unique and breath-taking monumental complex that, as well as being the home of Gabriele D'Annunzio, also has parks and gardens of historical importance.
You can then continue your journey by going towards Mantua, to admire the secret art kept in the Gonzaga courtyard, where Mantegna and Alberti's paintings are protagonists. During the summer season there is a literature festival, an international event that attracts visitors from all over Europe and where it is possible to meet your favourite author. It is the perfect synthesis of art meeting literature.
On the other hand you can head towards Verona, dominated by the Arena (www.arena.it) and protected by its near intact city walls, where there are Roman remains that bring to mind a magnificent past and the spirit of Romeo and Juliet is pursued by visiting lovers: it is a lively and cultured city, a meeting place between the Mediterranean and Europe.
And that is not all: just two hours away by car or train there is Venice awaiting you, an art gem, the world capital of beauty and a city that has local and international, public and private and open and mysterious dimensions in its DNA. A city to be discovered without maps, getting lost amongst calle and campielli (alleys and squares), or by exploring the lagoon, a fascinating natural dimension recognised as being unique.
Out of Lake Garda's villages, Lazise is the best choice for those who wish to take advantage of a position that makes these trips easy and makes it possible to enjoy the beauty of an area full of art and culture, all of which can be reached via motorway or by train.
USEFUL LINKS:
IAT Verona – Via degli Alpini, 9 Verona Tel. +39 045 8068680
Mantua Tourism - Mantua Comune Tourism – Mantua and Surroundings
The area's various museums are also definitely worth a visit:
Museo napoleonico at Rivoli veronese to re-live Napoleon's campaigns on Veronese territory
Museo Nicolis at Villafranca, a vast collection of vintage cars and motorbikes
Museo del Castello scaligero at Malcesine
Museo della Palazzine storica at Peschiera del Garda
Abbazia di Villanova at S.Bonifacio
Museo dei Cimbri selva di Progno
Castello di Soave
Ossario di Custoza
Castello Torri del Benaco
Museo Archeologico Cavaion (tel. +39 045 6265711)
Musei Civici at Caprino Veronese (tel. +39 045 6209929) and Peschiera (tel. +39 045 6400600)
