Castle of Lonato and Ugo Da Como Foundation

In Lonato del Garda, just a few minutes’ drive from Desenzano, the Castle commonly known as “Rocca”, Ugo da Como’s House-Museum and the Civic Ornithological Museum make up a fascinating monumental complex whose historical relevance is well established. Today, this group of buildings belongs to the Ugo Da Como Foundation.

Ugo Da Como’s House-Museum: a cultural jewel

The house-museum of Brescian senator and lawyer Ugo from Como perfectly adheres to a trend that was widespread between the 19th and 20th centuries, that of a home designed as a museum in which objects, furnishings and memorabilia form an exhibition itinerary of considerable cultural significance.

However, Ugo da Como did something more than that. Once the House of the Venetian Podestà, the house was rescued from the disinterest of the Municipality of Lonato, as he bought it in 1906 by public auction and had it completely restored by Antonio Tagliaferri, the leading Brescian architect of the time. Together, they gave the house that special connotation that has remained unchanged to this day.

Highlights include the grandiose library with about 50,000 volumes, one of the most outstanding examples of private collections in northern Italy. Ugo Da Como’s private study and the reception room (“Sala Rossa”) prove to be very interesting. Educational visits are permitted.

Castle of Lonato: history and events between the lake and the residential area

Climbing to the top and passing the impressive drawbridge, we reach the Castle of Lonato, comprising the the Rocchetta and the Quartiere Principale.

Commonly known as “Rocca”, the castle historically had great importance from a defensive and military point of view; nowadays, it hosts numerous events (such as Fiori nella Rocca, Lonato in Festival, and Fiabe nella Rocca). A memorable wedding reception can be arranged on demand.

Civic Ornithological Museum, a complete avifauna collection

The entrance ticket to the castle includes access to the Civic Ornithological Museum, hosted in the Captain’s House in the Rocchetta. The collection belonged to ornithologist Gustavo Adolfo Carlotto and has more than 700 bird specimens – a virtually complete collection of all Italian avifauna specimens, a great source of pride for Lonato.

The immersive hall

The castle’s immersive hall is ready to welcome visitors for a highly emotional experience!

Pictures and films of the most impressing views of the area are projected in 360° on the walls, while an audio-videoguide made with Artglass glasses give an authentic journey back in time. If you want to discover the history of daily life in these extraordinary places told by exceptional personalities, come and find out yourself!

The immersive hall experience is included in the entrance ticket to the castle.

For information and reservations, dial +39 030 9130060 or visit the official website.