Not just Sirmione, I’ll take you with me to the Lombardy shore of Lake Garda, to discover the wonderful Limoni Riviera

Lake Garda is a destination capable of catalyzing the enthusiasm of thousands of travelers in every season of the year and it is not difficult to understand why. If the Venetian coast is renowned for itinerant tourism and sporting activities, the western shore in the province of Brescia is the ideal choice for those looking for a perfect combination of relaxation, historical insight and signature landscapes.

To explore it we traveled along the suggestive Strada Gardesana Occidentale, a ribbon of asphalt that connects Sirmione to Garda Trentino. The stretch that winds from Salò to Limone is called the Riviera dei Limoni, a natural amphitheater characterized by spectacular avant-garde peasant architecture dedicated to the cultivation of citrus fruits. This shore offers a privileged perspective for contemplating the sunrise, which emerges majestically behind the Monte Baldo chain, illuminating stony beaches and picturesque villages.

Sirmione: the enchantment of the Pearl of Garda

Our itinerary – perfect for those who have a long weekend available – starts from Sirmione, a thin strip of land that stretches for about four kilometers into the waters of the lake. Crossing the centuries-old drawbridge, we found ourselves in front of the majestic Scaligero Castle, a perfectly preserved fourteenth-century fortress entirely bathed by the lake.

Walking along the maze of streets of the historic center, among shops and artisanal ice cream parlors, we went up the peninsula until we reached the Grotte di Catullo, an exceptional example of a Roman domus intended for the holidays of the imperial aristocracy. To end the day you can’t miss an aperitif in Piazza Giosuè Carducci.

Desenzano del Garda: between archeology and Venetian atmospheres

Going up the coast, we stopped in Desenzano del Garda, the most populous center on the body of water. The beating heart of the town is Piazza Malvezzi, dominated by Palazzo Todeschini and the historic column equipped with the “stone of the unemployed”. The most photogenic corner is undoubtedly the Old Port, a legacy of the Republic of Venice joined to the lake by the suggestive Venetian-style bridge from the 1930s.

In the heart of the historic center, we visited the extraordinary Roman Villa, famous for its polychrome floor mosaics. History lovers cannot miss the “Giovanni Rambotti” Civic Archaeological Museum, which houses the finds from the Lavagnone pile-dwelling site, and the Desenzano Castle, a 10th century fortress which today serves as a spectacular panoramic terrace.

Padenghe sul Garda and its medieval soul

The morning of the second day we spent in Padenghe sul Garda. The village welcomed us with the outline of its imposing Padenghe Castle, considered the oldest in the entire area. Built around the year 1000 and completely rebuilt between the 13th and 14th centuries, this rectangular fortress still retains a majestic 20 meter high watchtower which offers a total view of lower Garda.

Before relaxing on the beach, we visited the Parish Church of Sant’Emiliano, a perfect example of Romanesque architecture dating back to the 11th-12th century. The building, built entirely of stone, stands on a morainic terrace outside the town centre.

Moniga del Garda: the capital of Chiaretto wine

A few kilometers further north we meet Moniga del Garda, renamed the City of Chiaretto for the renowned production of this excellent rosé wine. We explored the medieval historic center starting from the Pozzo, the oldest nucleus characterized by intertwined streets and historic taverns.

Here stands the Moniga Castle, a 10th century fortress built to stem the invasions of the Hungarians; the structure has come down to us intact since it was never a noble residence but a simple refuge for the population, with the keep converted into a bell tower for the parish church of San Martino, renovated in sumptuous baroque style in the 18th century. For swimmers, the beaches of Porto, San Michele and San Sivino offer transparent waters and total relaxation.

The elegance of Salò

The next day we arrived in Salò, a refined village enclosed in a large gulf. The city, known historically for having been the seat of the Italian Social Republic between 1943 and 1945, welcomes visitors with the Palazzo della Magnifica Patria and the Palazzo del Podestà, historic structures of the Brescian confederation.

Walking along Lungolago Zanardelli, redeveloped after the 1901 earthquake, you come across the monuments by the sculptor Angelo Zanelli dedicated to Gasparo da Salò and the Fallen, before reaching the late-Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata.

Gardone Riviera: the inimitable kingdom of the Vittoriale

The last stage of our journey led us to Gardone Riviera, included in the club of the most beautiful villages in Italy. This place is inextricably linked to the Vittoriale degli Italiani, the monumental citadel built by Gabriele d’Annunzio between 1921 and 1938 with the help of the architect Giancarlo Maroni.

In the nine hectares of park, we explored the Prioria, the house-museum which houses 10,000 art objects and over 33,000 volumes. The outdoor garden amazes with the presence of unique war relics, such as the SVA airplane from the flight over Vienna, the MAS 96 submarine (linked to the Hoax of Buccari and the motto Memento Audere Semper) and the military ship Puglia, set in the rock with its bow facing the Adriatic. Before leaving, we walked along the Lungolago d’Annunzio among oleanders and roses.

A destination worth the trip

Whether for a relaxing weekend on the beaches or for a cultural tour among the castles and the Vittoriale, the Brescia side of Garda confirms itself as a certainty. A dynamic itinerary, a stone’s throw from Milan and Verona, ideal for those looking for the right compromise between history, views and good wine. Get moving, the Gardesana awaits you!