Wouldn’t you like to spend your vacation in the Lake Garda area and relax while discovering art, culture, and one-of-a-kind panoramas? Here are 14 must-see points of interest ranging from a regenerating walk in Valle delle Cartiere to a visit to the Vittoriale, from a tour of the main archaeological sites to a religious tourism experience visiting the most evocative churches.
Enjoy this magic land: let the journey start!
1) Grottoes of Catullus and archaeological museum (Sirmione)
A famous archaeological area perched over the lake and surrounded by an olive grove, the Grottoes of Catullus owe their name to the Roman poet who was enamored with the Sirmione peninsula. The site holds the remains of an imposing Roman villa built between the 1st century B.C. and the 1st century A.D. – one of the most remarkable examples of residential villas in northern Italy. The valuable artifacts displayed in the archaeological museum are absolutely worth a visit.
Grottos of Catullus, Sirmione
- Piazzale Orti Manara 4, Sirmione – tel. +39 030 916157
- grottedicatullo.beniculturali.it
- Paid admission
Learn more about the Grottoes of Catullus and the archaeological area.
2) Scaligeri Castle (Sirmione)
Evocatively rising from the waters of Lake Garda, this castle was built at the entrance of the town of Sirmione in the second half of the 14th century by the noble Della Scala family from Verona. Among the main attractions are the harbor, an exceptional fortified port dating from the 14th century, ramparts, crenellated walls, and the 37 m-high main tower. We highly suggest experiencing the captivating wall walk, especially when the sun sets and light seems dancing on the water and the stones.
- Piazza Castello 34, Sirmione – tel. +39 030 916468
- cultura.gov.it
- Paid admission
Learn more about the Scaligeri Castle in Sirmione.
3) Roman Villa and Antiquarium (Desenzano)
Originally located close the beach and equipped with docks and piers, the Roman Villa in Desenzano is the most important archaeological proof of great Late Antiquity Roman villas in northern Italy. Divided into three parts (old villa, green area with exotic species, and antiquarium), it preserves outstanding polychrome mosaic floors and artifacts from the past, such as daily life objects and parts of statues and portraits.
- Via Crocefisso 22, Desenzano del Garda – tel. +39 030 9143547
- villaromanadesenzano.beniculturali.it
- Paid admission
Learn more about the Roman Villa and the Antiquarium in Desenzano.
4) Rocca and Casa del Podestà (Lonato)
In a panoramic location, the Castle of Lonato (commonly known as “Rocca”) is a military fortification from which you can enjoy a spectacular view of Lake Garda. Inside the large complex stands the 15th-century Casa del Podestà: restored and improved at the beginning of the 20th century by Brescia senator and lawyer Ugo da Como, today it’s a house-museum open to the public. The monumental library contains over 50,000 volumes and is of particular value.
- Via Rocca 2, Lonato del Garda – tel. +39 030 9130060
- fondazioneugodacomo.it
- Paid admission
Learn more about the Rocca and the Casa del Podestà.
5) MarteS- Museo d’Arte Sorlini (Calvagese)
Established thanks to the dedication of the Luciano Sorlini Foundation, MarteS in Calvagese holds an extraordinary collection of paintings by the most important 18th-century Venetian painters, such as Tiepolo, Ricci, Guardi, and Canaletto, as well as by famous Lombardy artists like Savoldo, Bramantino, and Pitocchetto. Hosted in an elegant 17th-century palace and organized in 14 rooms, the museum has a strong educational vocation and offers events and workshops for children.
- Piazza Roma 1, Calvagese della Riviera – tel. +39 030 5787631
- museomartes.com
- Paid admission
Learn more about MarteS – Museo d’Arte Sorlini.
6) Rocca, museum and archaeological park (Manerba)
Among the most visited attractions in the Lake Garda area, the Castle of Manerba (commonly known as “Rocca”) is located in a spectacular position on a spur overlooking the lake. The remains of the old fortifications are very interesting; a path runs along them and culminates with the famous cross and a breathtaking view of the lake.
Along the slope that takes to the Rocca is a museum, whose galleries showcase local archaeological findings as well as geographical and natural features of the region. Among these are the prehistoric pile-dwelling site which is part of the UNESCO serial site “Alpine arc pile-dwelling sites”.
- Via Rocca 20, Manerba del Garda – tel +39 0365 659842 (Preserve) / +39 339 6137247 (Valtenesi Museum)
- Free admission, with donation
Learn more about the Rocca di Manerba and the archaeological park.
7) Madonna del Carmine Shrine (San Felice del Benaco)
Surrounded by peaceful olive groves, the Madonna del Carmine Shrine is a place much loved by devotees. The single-nave church dates back to the 15th century and contains precious frescoes inspired by Mantegna and Foppa. The tree-lined road in front of the building is very elegant; the view of the lake all around makes this place even more evocative.
- Via del Carmine 11, San Felice del Benaco – tel. +39 349 2596873 (manager of the pilgrim room)
- santuariodelcarmine-sanfelice.it
- Free admission
Learn more about the Madonna del Carmine Shrine.
8) Cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata (Salò)
Located in Salò’s historic center in a convenient position just few steps from the lake, the cathedral was built between 1453 and 1502 in Late Gothic style. The interior is divided into three naves and is an authentic art gallery. Among the many precious works, there are paintings by Romanino and the large 15th-century cross by Giovanni Teutonico. In the middle of the unfinished facade is an interesting Renaissance-style door.
- Vicolo Campanile 2, Salò – tel. +39 0365 21700
- gardalombardia.it
- Free admission
Learn more about the Salò Cathedral.
9) Mu-Sa (Salò)
A place for culture and events, the civic museum of Salò contains artistic and scientific collections which narrate the history of the city, an important “Magnifica Patria” town during the Venetian domination. Opened in 2015 inside the former Church of Santa Giustina by the lake, the museum dedicates an entire room to old musical instruments in honor of violin maker and player Gasparo da Salò. Rooms are available for temporary exhibitions.
- Via Brunati 9, Salò – tel. +39 0365 20553
- museodisalo.it
- Paid admission
Learn more about MuSa in Salò.
10) Vittoriale degli Italiani (Gardone Riviera)
Strongly wanted and created by Gabriele D’Annunzio with the collaboration of architect Maroni, the Vittoriale is an ensemble of buildings, gardens, streets, squares, an outdoor theater, and water streams which reflects the eclectic personality of the Italian “Vate”. Built starting from 1921 in the enchanting Gardone Riviera area, every summer it hosts the Tener-a-mente Festival, where the most famous musicians in the world perform.
- Via del Vittoriale 12, Gardone Riviera – tel. +39 0365 296511
- vittoriale.it
- Paid admission
Learn more about the Vittoriale degli Italiani.
11) Monumental Church of Sant’Andrea (Maderno)
Built in the 12th century on the remains of a pagan temple, the church stands in the middle of the square in a beautiful position by the lake. A remarkable example of Lombardy’s Romanesque style with some Verona influences, the precious facade showcases stones and polychrome marbles. The church contains a Madonna and Child by Paolo Veneziano and the oratory crypt with the remains of St. Ercolanus.
- Piazza S.Marco 16, Toscolano Maderno – tel +39 0365 641336 ì
- comune.toscolanomaderno.bs.it
- Free admission
Learn more about the Monumental Church of Sant’Andrea.
12) Nonii Arrii Roman Villa (Toscolano)
For those who visit the Brescian side of Lake Garda, we recommend stopping at the Nonii Arrii Roman Villa, one of the most important examples of Roman residential architecture alongside the Sirmione and Desenzano sites. Located in proximity to the lake and the Toscolano Paper Mill, only some remains of the villa are open to the public, including noteworthy wall paintings and splendid mosaic floors.
- Piazza SS Maria del Benaco, Toscolano Maderno – tel. +39 0365 546023 (City of Toscolano, Tourist Office)
- comune.toscolanomaderno.bs.it
- Free admission
Learn more about Nonii Arrii Roman Villa.
13) Valle delle Cartiere and Paper Museum (Toscolano)
This site is very relevant from a historical viewpoint. It can be reached with a small detour from the main road that connects Salò to Limone: the valley known as “Valle delle Cartiere” in the municipality of Toscolano is a peaceful oasis where the remains of dozens of buildings used in the past to produce paper are worth a visit.
The valley is easily accessible to everyone thanks to significant efforts to improve the paths leading to the various sites. At the start you will find the Paper Museum, opened in 2007 in the old Maina Inferiore paper mill. Distinguished by its tall chimney, the museum offers a fascinating tour enriched with interesting historical artifacts and interactive activities. Rooms for schools and educational workshops are available.
- Via Valle delle Cartiere, Toscolano Maderno – tel. +39 0365 641050 / +39 338 9336451
- valledellecartiere.it
- Valle delle Cartiere: free admission; Museum: paid admission
Learn more about Valle delle Cartiere and the Paper Museum.
14) Montecastello Shrine (Tignale)
Also known as Montecastello Hermitage, the shrine is one of the best known attractions in Upper Lake Garda. Located on a splendid natural terrace with an unobstructed view of the lake, it can be reached on foot or by car and is provided with a small restaurant. Built on the remains of a prior building, it contains beautiful frescoes by Giotto’s school and the biggest ex voto in Europe, dating from the beginning of the 17th century.
- Via Chiesa, Tignale – tel. +39 0365 73019
- Free admission
Learn more about Tignale and the Montecastello Shrine.
Click here to download all the cultural itineraries around Lake Garda.
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