Culture at Lake Garda


Before tourism arrived, the area of Lake Garda was poor, life was simple and hard.


Man and women were working from early morning to late night, in the wood of chestnut and pine trees, situated above Gargnano. Even today in the woods grow mulberry trees, planted before war and the rearing of silkworms was another of the activities undertaken by farmers.

Lake Garda has always attracted artists, especially writers. In nineteenth and twentieth century arrived in the town of Riva some big as Friedrich Nietzsche and Thomas Mann or Franz Kafka.

Perhaps these first illustrious guests had come in search of treasures of art, as are also the visitors of today. The Romanesque churches of Bardolino, San Zeno and San Severo are real jewels, as well as Sant'Andrea in Maderno on the opposite. Other works of art are the destination for short trips, like Trento with the wonderful Piazza del Duomo or Verona with its ancient Roman Arena. But the remains and ruins of the Roman period are also found in quantities at Lake Garda. The best known are undoubtedly the Grotte di Catullo in Sirmione.


To fully enjoy the atmosphere of the resort of Lake Garda is not necessary to go in search of works of art and monuments. The historic centers are very well preserved. Fortunately, along the narrow side of the lake there is often not enough space to place large and modern hotels. So there is the old streets of the city characterized by traditional building types.


From the castle of Malcesine or Desenzano is revealing another exciting spectacle of beauty: a wonderful panorama on the Lake Garda and its cities.