The medieval castles of Lake Garda

The medieval castles

As Lake Garda is at the crossroads of many communication routes, it has over time become the site of numerous fortresses, many of which are still standing: among these are the medieval castles of Garda.

The most significant include those in Desenzano del Garda, Lonato and Lazise, which can still be visited, as well as the remains of the medieval castle that can be seen on top of the Rocca di Manerba.

The Scaligero Castles

For more than a century, from 1262 to 1387, the Veronese Della Scala family ruled over a vast territory and commissioned the construction of the many fortifications that bear their name: the Scaligero Castles.

The most impressive around Lake Garda include the Castle of Sirmione, the Castelvecchio di Verona, the Castle of Villafranca di Verona, the ancient fortress of the Castle of Valeggio sul Mincio with its impressive Torre Tonda round tower, the Castle of Torri del Benaco and the Castle of Malcesine.