Place of pilgrimage Montecastello at Lake Garda
On a steep rocky peninsula near Tignale, some 700 meters above sea level, the Sanctuary and Monastery of Montecastello guard the area around Lake Garda - a popular pilgrimage site for visitors from all over the world.
On a steep rocky peninsula near Tignale, some 700 meters above sea level, the Sanctuary and Monastery of Montecastello guard the area around Lake Garda - a popular pilgrimage site for visitors from all over the world.
According to a document from Pope Urbano III of 1186, the Virgin Mary appeared in the form of a bright star on Monte Castello to stop the fighting between Brescia and Trentino.
The Church of Our Lady of Monte Castello was built in the 17th century on the ruins of an ancient castle and temple complex. Its showpieces are the golden altar and valuable frescoes. The altar consists of gilded wooden columns and figures of St. Peter and St. Paul. A fresco of the school of Giotto illustrates the coronation of the Virgin Mary.
The church also contains interesting paintings by Andrea Celesti, as well as a painting by Andrea Bertanza depicting the assassination of the robber Zanzanù (Giovanni Beatrice, 1576-1617). His gang of robbers is said to have made mischief around Lake Garda between the 16th and 17th centuries.
The Sanctuary of Monte Castello is accessible via a path from the climatic health resort of Tignale. Another track leads from the monastery up to the summit, where you can enjoy a magnificent view over the east coast of the lake with Monte Baldo and the castle of Malcesine.
Additional information:
Santuario di Montecastello
Tel. 0365 73019
info@santuariomontecastello.it