The castles of Lake Garda are one of the many attractions that attract many visitors every year.
From the most famous to the lesser known, they have one thing in common: they are all full of charm and well worth a visit.
Castles, medieval villages and fortresses on Lake Garda have played a fundamental role in the defense of the territory in the past and today they represent a unique opportunity for a trip to discover the history of Veneto, Lombardy and Trentino.
Malcesine, Sirmione, Lazise, Padenghe and the castle of Torri del Benaco over time thanks to their beauty, the wonderful panorama that always characterizes them and their history have become a symbol of uniqueness, culture and value.
Even out of season, with sun or rain, in short sleeves or with a coat, it's always a unique and unforgettable experience.
1. The Castle of Sirmione
In the historic center of Sirmione is the so-called Castello Scaligero. It was commissioned by the former lords of Verona to be able to resist possible attacks on the city. Here you can visit the portico and also the masonry saucepans. Even the wooden staircase leading to the top of the tower has been restored over time. Here you get a very special view of Lake Garda. The complex is one of the best preserved castles in Italy and is one of the rather rare moated castles.
2. The castle of Malcesine
The castle of Malcesine would have been built on the remains of a so-called Lombard castle. Over the years, the noble Scaligeri, Vosconti, Austrian and even French families found their home here. The Goethe Museum inside the castle is certainly very interesting for tourists. The castle gained notoriety when the writer described it in detail and vividly in a travel diary entitled Viaggio in Italia. There are also two other museums (for natural history and fishing) in the building.
3. The Castle of Lazise
This castle was completed in the 9th century with the aim of protecting itself from the invasion of the Huns. It has been remodeled several times over the years. Today, however, only parts of the former castle can be seen. Because in 1796 it was largely destroyed by the French. They use the castle to make saltpeter and gunpowder. It was later bought and restructured by Count Buri.
4. The castle of Torri del Benaco
The complex is believed to have been built around the year 15 BC. In the 18th century the castle was demolished to make way for a lemon house. And it is precisely this that can still be visited today. However, some individual elements of the former castle are still visible, such as the defense tower, also known as the death chamber
5. Padenghe Castle
Padenghe Castle is located near the town called Padenghe sul Garda. It is located here on a hill overlooking the Sirmione area. It too was built on the ruins of an ancient castle, around 1145. In that period the two cities of Brescia and Verona fought over the fortifications until the Scala family took possession of them.
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