Piazza S. Marco, 25080 Toscolano Maderno, Italy (June 2018)

Toscolano Maderno

Nestled along the western shore of Lake Garda, Toscolano Maderno is a town shaped by water, stone, and centuries of quiet industry. Stretching between the lake’s shoreline and the forested slopes of the Parco Alto Garda Bresciano, it offers a blend of natural beauty and historical depth that feels both expansive and intimate. More a collection of hamlets than a single dense centre, Toscolano Maderno invites visitors to explore at a slower pace, discovering its character gradually through landscapes, paths, and piazzas.

The town’s history is closely tied to paper production, an industry that once made Toscolano one of the most important manufacturing centres in northern Italy. From the 14th century onward, its mills supplied fine paper across Europe, including to the Venetian Republic. Today, this legacy is preserved in the Valley of the Paper Mills (Valle delle Cartiere), a striking open-air site where ruins of old factories lie scattered among lush vegetation. A gentle walk through the valley leads to the Paper Museum, offering insight into the craftsmanship and innovation that once powered the town’s economy.

Toscolano Maderno’s lakeside setting is equally compelling. The shoreline alternates between small beaches, promenades, and harbours, providing ample opportunities for swimming, boating, and simply enjoying the changing colours of Lake Garda. The town’s two names reflect its dual identity: Toscolano, with deeper historical roots, and Maderno, which developed later as a lakeside settlement. Together, they form a community that feels open and welcoming, shaped by both tradition and modern life.

Cultural landmarks add further layers to the town’s story. The Roman Villa of Toscolano, with its mosaic floors and lakeside location, offers a glimpse into ancient life along Garda’s shores. Nearby, the Basilica of Sant’Andrea in Maderno stands as one of the largest churches on the lake, its serene interior contrasting with the brightness of the water just outside. Smaller chapels and rural churches dot the surrounding hills, often reached by walking trails that reveal sweeping views across the lake.

Nature remains central to daily life in Toscolano Maderno. Olive groves, lemon houses, and dense woodland frame the town, while mountain paths lead hikers into quieter, cooler landscapes above the shoreline. The area’s olive oil is particularly prized, benefiting from the lake’s mild microclimate, which softens winters and extends growing seasons. Toscolano Maderno does not seek attention through spectacle. Instead, it offers space—space to walk, to learn, to pause. Its charm lies in the coexistence of ruins and living neighbourhoods, wild valleys and cultivated shores. For travellers drawn to places where history, nature, and everyday life intersect naturally, Toscolano Maderno provides a thoughtful and rewarding introduction to Lake Garda’s western edge.

Worth a Visit

Photo Gallery of Walk – Porto to Via Lungolago Giuseppe Zanardelli
Approximately 2.93 km – 1.82 miles

The walk starts in Via Lungolago Giuseppe Zanardelli – Viale Ugo Foscolo – Via Statale Maderno – Sant’Ercolano, Via Fratelli Bianchi – Chiesa di Sant’Andrea Apostolo, Piazza S. Marco – Piazza S. Marco – Via Roma – Via Lungolago Giuseppe Zanardelli