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Lungolago Roma, 37011 Bardolino, Italy (May 2018)
Lazise
Lazise is a charming lakeside town located on the eastern shore of Lake Garda in northern Italy, within the Veneto region. Known for its scenic beauty, historic atmosphere, and relaxed pace of life, Lazise is one of the most appealing destinations along Italy’s largest lake. Its combination of medieval architecture, sparkling waters, and vibrant public spaces makes it a place where history and leisure blend naturally.
The origins of Lazise date back to Roman times, but the town gained particular importance during the Middle Ages. In the tenth century, Lazise became the first free municipality in Italy, a status that granted it a degree of autonomy and commercial privilege. This historical independence is still reflected in the town’s layout and monuments, especially in its well-preserved fortifications. The medieval walls, towers, and gates encircle the old town and immediately convey a sense of entering a place with a strong and proud past.
One of Lazise’s most recognizable landmarks is the Castello Scaligero, built in the fourteenth century by the Scaliger family, who ruled much of the Verona area. Although the castle itself is not open to the public, its imposing walls and crenelated towers dominate the skyline and form a dramatic backdrop to the harbour. Nearby, the Dogana Veneta, a former customs house, stands as a reminder of Lazise’s historical role in trade across Lake Garda. Today, this elegant building has been restored and is used for cultural events and exhibitions.
The heart of Lazise is its harbour and lakeside promenade, where boats gently bob on the water and cafes line the shore. This area is the social centre of the town, lively yet unhurried, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy lake views, local food, and a welcoming atmosphere. Narrow streets lead inland from the waterfront, revealing small piazzas, shops, and historic churches that invite leisurely exploration.
Lazise is also known for its close connection to nature and wellness. The mild climate of Lake Garda, influenced by the surrounding hills and mountains, makes the town pleasant to visit throughout much of the year. Nearby thermal baths, particularly in the Colà area, attract visitors seeking relaxation and health benefits from naturally warm, mineral-rich waters. In addition, the surrounding countryside produces olive oil and wine, contributing to the region’s culinary appeal.
Modern Lazise balances tourism with everyday local life. While it is a popular destination for both Italian and international visitors, it has retained a sense of authenticity and community. Markets, festivals, and seasonal events bring residents and visitors together, celebrating local traditions and the rhythm of life by the lake.
As a gateway to Lake Garda, Lazise offers easy access to neighbouring towns, outdoor activities, and cultural attractions, yet it remains a destination in its own right. With its historic walls, serene waterfront, and inviting atmosphere, Lazise captures the essence of lakeside living in northern Italy, offering a memorable introduction to the beauty and heritage of the region.
Worth a Visit
The Lungolago Marconi in Lazise is one of the most charming and popular promenades on the eastern shore of Lake Garda, offering a perfect combination of scenic beauty, leisure, and cultural atmosphere. Lazise itself is one of the most picturesque towns along the lake, rich in history and medieval character, and the Lungolago Marconi serves as both its elegant waterfront and its most frequented gathering place. Stretching along the lakeside, the promenade welcomes visitors with sweeping views of the calm waters of Lake Garda, framed by mountains in the distance and softened by the colours of the surrounding landscape. The promenade takes its name from Guglielmo Marconi, the celebrated Italian inventor and Nobel laureate known for his pioneering work in wireless telegraphy.
The Porto Lazise is one of the most picturesque and historically significant landmarks of Lazise, a charming town on the eastern shore of Lake Garda. Situated at the heart of the old town, just steps from the medieval walls and the central piazza, the port has long been both a practical hub and a symbol of Lazise’s enduring relationship with the lake. With its intimate scale, elegant architecture, and lively atmosphere, Porto Lazise embodies the character of the town: a blend of history, community, and natural beauty. The origins of the port date back to the Middle Ages, when Lazise was an important settlement on Lake Garda, strategically positioned along commercial and military routes.
The Castello Scaligero di Lazise is one of the most striking monuments on the eastern shore of Lake Garda, a fortress that embodies the medieval history and enduring identity of the town. Rising just behind the historic centre of Lazise, its towers and crenellated walls immediately capture the attention of visitors, recalling an era when the Scaligeri, the powerful lords of Verona, dominated this part of northern Italy. Today, the castle stands as both a historical landmark and a visual symbol of Lazise’s proud past, even though it is privately owned and not open to the public. The origins of the Castello Scaligero di Lazise date back to the ninth and tenth centuries, when the first fortifications were built to defend the settlement from invasions.
The Piazza Vittorio Emanuele in Lazise is the beating heart of the town, a lively and atmospheric square that reflects both its medieval origins and its modern role as a welcoming destination on Lake Garda. Situated just steps from the lakeshore and surrounded by narrow streets that radiate through the historic centre, the piazza has always been a focal point of civic life. Its name honours Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of a united Italy, linking the town to the broader history of the nation while retaining its own unique local character. The origins of the square are medieval, when Lazise grew in importance thanks to its strategic position on Lake Garda and its fortified walls built under the Scaligeri of Verona.
Photo Gallery of Walk – Lungolago to Via Bastia
Approximately 1.65 km – 1.03 miles
The walk starts in Lungolago – Lungolago Marconi – Via Fontana – Piazza A. Paternio – Via Castello – Via Porta del Lion – Via Rosenheim – Parco, Via Rocca – Walk back to Via Porta del Lion and them back along Via Castello to Piazza A. Paternio – Via Fontana – Piazza Vittorio Emanuele – Corso Ospedale – Via Cansignorio – Via Bastia
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