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Piazza A. Paternio, 37017 Lazise, Italy (June 2018)
Lazise
Lazise, a picturesque town on the south-eastern shore of Lake Garda in northern Italy, is a destination rich in history, charm, and natural beauty. Located in the province of Verona, in the Veneto region, Lazise is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, tranquil lakeside setting, and vibrant atmosphere. As one of the oldest settlements on Lake Garda, the town offers visitors a delightful combination of historical exploration, outdoor activities, and relaxation, making it a perfect getaway for travellers seeking an authentic Italian experience. Lazise’s history dates back to Roman times, and the town’s name is believed to come from the Latin word “lacus,” meaning lake, highlighting its longstanding connection to Lake Garda. Throughout the centuries, Lazise has played an important role as a strategic and commercial hub, especially during the Middle Ages. In fact, Lazise holds the distinction of being one of the first towns in Italy to receive municipal rights, granted by the Holy Roman Emperor Otto II in 983 AD, giving it a special place in Italian history. One of the most striking features of Lazise is its beautifully preserved medieval town centre, which is enclosed by ancient walls and guarded by imposing gates. The walls, built in the 14th century by the Scaliger family, rulers of Verona, encircle the old town and lead to the impressive Castello Scaligero. This castle, also constructed by the Scaligers, is a dominant feature of Lazise’s skyline. Although the castle is privately owned and not open to the public, its imposing towers and walls offer a glimpse into the town’s medieval past.
Visitors to Lazise can stroll through its narrow, cobbled streets, which are lined with colourful houses, boutique shops, and charming cafés. The Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, the town’s main square, is a lively gathering place where locals and tourists alike come to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. The square features a beautiful fountain and is surrounded by historic buildings with arched colonnades. It’s an ideal spot to sit and enjoy a coffee or a gelato while soaking in the town’s ambiance. Lazise’s location on the shores of Lake Garda makes it a perfect destination for those who love the outdoors. The town boasts a long lakeside promenade that offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding hills. Visitors can take leisurely walks along the promenade, rent bicycles, or simply relax by the water’s edge. Lake Garda is also popular for water sports, including sailing, windsurfing, and swimming, and Lazise’s marina provides opportunities for boat rentals and excursions.
In addition to its natural and historical attractions, Lazise is famous for its culinary offerings. The town’s restaurants and trattorias serve up a delightful array of local dishes, often featuring fresh fish from Lake Garda and regional specialties like risotto all’Amarone (risotto made with red wine) and polenta. The surrounding area is also known for its vineyards, producing some of Italy’s finest wines, including Bardolino and Valpolicella, which visitors can enjoy in local wine bars or on tours of nearby wineries. Lazise is also a great base for exploring the wider Lake Garda area. Nearby attractions include the Caneva Aquapark and Movieland Park, which are popular with families, as well as the medieval town of Sirmione, known for its thermal baths and Roman ruins. The historic city of Verona, with its world-famous Arena di Verona and connections to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, is just a short drive away. Lazise is a captivating town that offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and leisure. Whether you’re wandering through its medieval streets, enjoying the lakeside views, or savouring the local cuisine, Lazise provides a truly memorable experience on the shores of Lake Garda. Its rich heritage and serene setting make it a destination that appeals to history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, and those simply looking for a peaceful escape in one of Italy’s most scenic regions.
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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