Italy’s largest lake, Lake Garda, has been an important crossroads for thousands of years. Because of its strategic location on north-south-east-west routes connecting Rome, Northern Europe, France & the House of Savoy, and the Ottoman and Venetian Republics, its architecture and traditions feel distinctly different from other Italian lake regions. History has been layered onto its vast shoreline.
The Romans, who settled in Lake Garda 100 B.C., had an immense influence on the area for >500 years. Recognizing Garda’s strategically important position, they founded new towns such as Verona which became a major military and economic center. Affluent Roman aristocrats build lavish villas on Garda’s shores. Roman baths, temples, theaters and their aqueduct knowledge transformed the region. Olive trees and wine grapes were cultivated and flourished in Garda’s Mediterranean climate. Roman ships sailed the lake for commerce and military transport.
Today the Roman influence on the Lake Garda region is
still palpable:
Architecture & Layout: Many towns still retain their Roman era
street patterns (grid layouts with streets intersecting at 90 degree angles). Romans built on foundations, used paved roads
and raised sidewalks; all of these are
instrumental today throughout the region.
Economy: Lake Garda’s economy is driven by tourism. Roman sites are among the most visited
attractions. Local tour operators offer
sight-seeing specifically focused on Roman history, showing how deeply this era
is still woven into the region’s cultural identity.
Culture: Roman heritage blends with medieval, Renaissance & Hapsburg layers (northern European) making it not only a unique combination from other places in northern Italy, but a defining thread in Lake Garda’s cultural story.
During medieval times a multitude of castles were built at strategic locations on Lake Garda. This autumn Wine-Knows will be visiting the most famous one built with towers, ramparts and a moat: Scaliger Castle was built in the thirteenth century on the southern tip to control the lake and to protect nearby Verona.
Lake Garda is surrounded by numerous wine districts and Wine-Knows will be visiting three of them during their October tour. Valpolicella, known for its complex red wines produced from indigenous grapes, will be showcased during visits to three of the area’s most well-regarded producers, including one known as the “Godfather of Amarone.” Wine-Knows will also be visiting the lakeside town of Bardolino famous for its lighter style red “Bardolino” wines. Last, the group will visit an award-winning winery in the hills above Lake Garda which produces an impressive range of both white and reds.
Lake Garda offers a deep cultural history in a way few places do. Blend this with its stunning natural beauty, add a plethora of world-class wines, and a visit to Garda is certain to please even the most discerning of travelers.
