Point of interest

La Rocca di Garda


A medieval fortress of Garda

La Rocca is a headland that in the Middle Ages was topped by a fortress which gave its name to the entire lake, changing it from “Benaco” to “Lago di Garda”. From here you can enjoy a fabulous view over the almost entire lake, from Peschiera to the Rocca di Manerba. The hill, consisting of two peaks, can be reached by two separate routes. The first one starts at the right side of the parish church, follows via S. Bartolomeo as far as the place called “Canevini Bassi”, then goes up the steps leading to the hilltop of the “Madonnina del Pign”, the statue of the Virgin erected by the Gardesani immediately after the Second World War. From there, in no time you can reach the top of the Rocca Vecchia, from where you can admire a spectacular view of Garda and Bardolino.

The other itinerary follows Via San Bernardo and, passing the cemetery after the town known as “Canevini Alti” (old cellars dug into the rock), climbs up to the proximity of the “Madonna del Pign”, from where it continues along the path already described.

Those who prefer longer routes can return from the Rocca Vecchia to Caval della Rocca and from here continue in the direction of the Salesian Institute Tusini, and then head towards the Hermitage of the Camaldolese friars. An evocative place of profound mystical charm, the Hermitage was built around 1670 on the ruins of the old church of San Giorgio and the remains of the old fortress. It was enlarged with a new church, cells for the monks and other buildings.

From the Hermitage, you can walk down to Garda along a forest path leading to the small church of San Bernardo, or you can go to Bardolino along the asphalt road of San Colombano, and then return to Garda along the beach.

Helpful information

Rocca di Garda, Garda, VR, Italia

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