Malcesine: a dream resort on Lake Garda. Malcesine

The Scaliger Castle, located on the northeastern shore of Lake Garda in the small resort town of Malcesine in the province of Verona, is a medieval fortress built on the ruins of an older structure. It stands on a rocky promontory protruding into the lake to the northwest of the historic city center.

During its long history, the castle changed owners more than once - they were the Lombards and Franks, the powerful Scaliger and Visconti families, Venetians, French and Austrians. Most likely, the first castle on this site was built by the Lombards in the middle of the first millennium. In 590 it was destroyed by the Franks, and they rebuilt it at the beginning of the 9th century. Then, from 1277 to 1387, it housed the Scaliger residence.

The castle gained pan-European fame at the beginning of the 19th century after the great German poet Goethe wrote about it in his "Italian Travels", who also placed there several drawings made by himself. In order to sketch a military object, Goethe risked his freedom and was even arrested - he was mistaken for a spy. Today, the castle houses a small museum dedicated to the writer, and his bust is installed.

In addition to the Goethe Museum, the rooms of the Scaliger Castle house the Natural History Museum of Lake Garda and the Monte Baldo Mountains and the Fisheries Museum. And in recent years, it has become very popular to celebrate weddings and other celebrations within the walls of the ancient fortress.

In 1902, the Scaliger castle, like another castle of the same name in the town of Torri del Benaco, was declared a national monument of Italy.

Malcesine Castle is a medieval castle in the Italian resort town of the same name. The commune of Malcesine is located in the central part of northern Italy (Italy), in the Veneto region, 120 km north-west of Venice and 40 km north-west of Verona. The castle stands on a steep escarpment right above the famous Lake Garda and is surrounded by picturesque alpine landscapes.

Article: Malcesine Castle

Malcesine is a former fishing village, which today has become one of the most popular resorts in this part of Italy, and many tourists from all over Europe (Europe) come here on weekends, in no small part because of the romantic halo that surrounds the ancient castle. The beauty of this place is difficult to express in words, since Malcesine is a unique combination of clean mountain air, romantic decorations in the form of a medieval castle, a picturesque Italian town with its traditional bright colors and vibrant life and an incredibly beautiful view of the lake.

Malcesine is beautiful at any time of the year, but it is especially good in spring and autumn, and it is not for nothing that couples from all over the world flock there at this time to have a beautiful wedding in a real medieval castle. Sometimes 7-8 wedding ceremonies take place in Malcesine per day. The most popular month for newlyweds is September with its mild sunny weather, when the lakes and nature around are at their best. The wedding traditions of Malcesine Castle go back more than a dozen years - its dilapidated walls are ideal for wedding ceremonies, which are held in three main rooms. The small room, which offers an excellent view of Lake Garda, can seat about 40 people and is suitable for small receptions. The second hall is built of white stone and is located in the tower of the castle, it can accommodate about 70 guests. And finally, the third option is a wedding on the castle terrace, which also overlooks Lake Garda, and can accommodate about 80 people.

Historians believe that the first fortress on this site appeared in ancient times, in the last centuries of the first millennium BC. Then, in the middle of the first millennium AD, the Lombards appeared in Italy, who built the first medieval fortress in Malcesine in 568, but since then the castle has gone through several reconstructions.
The Lombards were followed by the Franks, who destroyed the fortress in 590 and rebuilt it in 806 for King Pepin of Italy, son of Charles the Great, who came to Malcesine to meet two monks, Saints Benigno ( Benigno) and Caro (Caro). After the invasion of the Hungarians, the castle became part of the possession of the Bishop of Verona, and in 1277 the castle was acquired by Alberto della Scala, a representative of the famous noble family of Scaligers from Verona.

The Scaliger family owned the castle until 1387, which is why the castle in Malcesine is sometimes called the Castle of the Scaligers (Castello Scaligero). Then Malcesine passed into the hands of the Visconti family from Milan, but not for long, until 1403.
In 1405, the castle was taken over by the Republic of Venice (Republ "" ic of Venice), and 100 years later, in 1506, the city and the castle returned to the arm of the Holy Roman Empire.
From 1516 to 1797, Malcesine was again part of the republic, then it was briefly owned by the French, and a year later the French were replaced by the Austrians, who remained there until 1866 and worked hard to restore the ancient castle.
On 22 August 1902, Malcesine Castle was declared a national monument.

Today, a museum is located on the territory of the castle, which brings to the attention of visitors curious exhibits from the long history of the castle, the city and Lake Garda. There is also a corner in the museum dedicated to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who visited Malcesine during his Italian trip in 1813-1817. There are notes with descriptions of the castle and drawings made by the hand of the great writer, and his bust is in the museum. At the bottom of the castle there is an old amphitheater, where chamber music concerts are often held.

The main tourist centers of the lake Garda(Garda) there are three coastal towns: Sirmione(Sirmione), Malcesine(Malcesine) and Limone sul Garda(Limone sul Garda)... You can stay in them, but if you want more peace and quiet, then any place from Malcesine to Torri de Belnaco is suitable. This coast, in my opinion, is the most successful for living, both in terms of beauty, and in terms of location relative to all attractions, and in terms of price-quality ratio. There are many restaurants located on the coastline, along which there is a pedestrian path. In general, there is where to walk and what to see. The water in the lake is clean and warms up to 23-25 degrees in summer, so it is quite possible to swim, only the beaches, of course, are rocky, there are no sandy ones.

There are only four entertainments: to climb the funicular to Mount Baldo, visit the Scaliger castle, stroll along the narrow streets with a bunch of shops and sail on a boat in Limone sul Garda.

Malcesine

Strictly speaking, from anywhere in the lake you can swim to Limone sul Garda, but travel from Malcesine more pleasant, because you can immediately plan a whole excursion and entertainment day. Those. Arriving in the city, first take the funicular to the top of Mount Baldo, then walk around the town and look into the fortress. Then on a boat (9 euros there and back) swim to the opposite shore in Limone sul Garda, walk there, have lunch, possibly swim and return to Malcesine, where to drink coffee and wander around the local shops.

Funicular on Monte Baldo

Climbing the mountain is remembered for the gorgeous panoramas and llamas grazing in the alpine meadows.

Funicular to Mount Baldo

Rental bikes

Scaliger Castle

There are many such castles along the entire coast. They were not used for housing, they are purely defensive structures with characteristic teeth (dovetail) on the walls, very similar to the walls of the Moscow Kremlin. In Malcesine, the castle is well preserved.

Scaliger Castle. Malcesine

There is practically nothing to see inside - a small local history exhibition and a couple of rooms, one of which is dedicated to Goethe's short imprisonment within the walls of the castle, but it's worth just wandering around the halls and climbing the tower.

Sailing on a boat in Limone sul Garda

In the country of Limonia, where, indeed, lemons grow and limoncella (lusciously sweet lemon liqueur) is sold at every step, you can get by using different boats. For 13 euros, you can use the services of lake trams, following the schedule posted at the ticket offices or for 9 euros by private boats. The choice depends rather on the specific selection of the time of the return flight - trams have more options.

A 20 minute boat trip is enjoyable in every way. The town is charming, but you shouldn't just be limited to the coastal streets.

Limone sul Garda

Climb a little higher to a charming park near the local city hall. There is a fishing museum, several greenhouses with lemon trees and a mineral water spring.

Outcome: Lake Garda, in my opinion, is the most beautiful of the Northern Italian lakes. Moreover, it is the most attractive in terms of active recreation and recreation with children. There are amusement parks Garda Land with an aquarium and Caneva World with a water park, a safari park and a zoo, Sigurta Landscape Park and Terme Aquaardens, Terme Catullo in Sirmione and the Varone waterfall. There is something to do - come! Lake Garda is waiting for you!

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Are you planning a trip to Italy to Lake Garda and can't decide on the choice of a resort? The water area at the foot of the famous Alps has many cozy and beautiful towns, so the choice becomes really difficult. We will devote today's story to the charming town of Malcesine, which is worth the attention of every guest of the largest Italian lake.

Pages of history ...

Malcesine on Lake Garda has been inhabited since ancient times. The first owners of the picturesque settlement were the Etruscans, who lived here right up to 15 BC. The next owners of the fertile lands were the Romans, after whom many valuable architectural sights remained.

Note: one of the most famous historical sites in Malcesine is the Rocca Fortress. It was erected by the Longobards in 568 A.D.

From the 13th to the 16th century, Malcesine belonged to the della Scala family. Members of a renowned family rebuilt the castle and named it Castello Scaligero.

In the XV-XVIII centuries, the resort belonged to the Venetian Republic. In those days, the city was known as Gardesana del Aqua. After the 18th century, Malcesine was owned by the Austro-Hungarians.

Cozy town on the lake attracted attention a large number creative people: poets, writers, artists. Unique historical sights and picturesque views of the mountains and Garda made it a popular resort back in the 19th century.

General information about the resort

Malcesine is a picturesque town in the north-east of Lake Garda, located in the Venice region of the Verona province. It covers an area of 68.2 sq. km, while the local population barely reaches the mark of 4 thousand people. The resort is ruled by a Mediterranean climate, which is famous for its warm winter (in January, the thermometer rarely drops below +5 degrees) and long summer, which lasts from early May to late September.

Malcesine is located at the foot of Mount Baldo and is surrounded by the greenery of oleanders, olives, cypresses, etc. The town has all the conditions for a full, rich and comfortable stay.

Note: due to its picturesque nature and harmonious combination of natural and architectural objects, the resort is often called the "pearl of Garda".

Transport by which you can get to Malcesine

The popular North Italian resort can be reached using:

by bus - from Verona there are frequent buses to the towns of Lake Garda. You need to take route No. 162, 163, 164 or 165 (to the city of Garda), and then change to bus No. 183 or 184.
Trains - From Verona's main railway station, you can take a train that takes passengers to Pasquiera del Garda. Next, you will have to use the services of a bus or boat / ferry.
car - leaving Verona, you can go along 2 highways: SR249 (free) and A22 / E45 (has toll sections), from which you will have to change to the SR249 highway. Watch carefully for signs on motorways. If possible, use the navigator.
water transport - ferries, boats, motor ships, etc. will take you to Malcesine from any town on the lake.

Each guest of picturesque Garda has the opportunity to use the services of taxi drivers. However, be prepared for the fact that even the shortest trips will cost you a tidy sum. For example, traveling from Verona to Malcesine by taxi will cost at least 100 euros.

Malcesine Hotels

The resort has many options for comfortable accommodation of various numbers of guests: luxury hotels, cozy hotels, spacious apartments and campgrounds. Below we take a look at 5 of the city's most sought-after hotel establishments.

The Wellness Hotel Casa Barca is a well-established 4-star family hotel located in close proximity to the historic center of the resort and surrounded by a beautiful grove of olive trees. The institution has 26 rooms, each of which is equipped with a balcony with a beautiful view of the Garda, air conditioning, a bathroom with free soap accessories. The hotel itself has a bar, solarium, Turkish bath, panoramic and open pool s, jacuzzi, health spa, fitness center, etc. Guests of the establishment can use parking and Internet (Wi-Fi) free of charge.
Hotel Vega is a 3-star hotel located in the heart of the city. Guests of the establishment can get to the beach on the lake in just a minute. In total, the hotel has 27 rooms decorated in a modern style. Each of them has air conditioning, bathroom, TV. The windows of the rooms overlook the lake on one side and the mountains on the other. Hotel Vega has a restaurant, bar, library, outdoor pool, massage room, garden, private beach area, terrace, waterslide, paid parking, etc. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.
Albergo Aurora is a 2-star hotel located next to the ferry pier and the Scaliger Castle. Guests of the institution can walk to the beach in 5-6 minutes. Albergo Aurora has 10 rooms with wooden floors, flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms, air conditioning and other amenities. The hotel has a bar and free parking. All guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi.
Gardesana Active Apartments is a superbly proven apart-hotel located in the center of Malcesine, 0.2 km from Lake Garda and the Scaliger Castle. The institution has apartments with a terrace, balcony and kitchen, decorated in a modern bright style. Each room is equipped with the necessary equipment (household and kitchen appliances, furniture, soap accessories, etc.). Gardesana Active Apartments organizes a variety of excursions, horse riding, cycling, canoeing, skiing, diving, fishing and much more. Here you can rent bicycles and equipment for water sports and sports, have a snack in the bar, relax in the fresh air in the hotel garden. All hotel guests are provided with free Wi-Fi and a parking space.
Camping Alpino. The camping is located 1 km from Monte Baldo and 6 km from the Scaliger Castle. Guests of the establishment can stay in wooden bungalows, apartments and brought with them tents. The Alpino has a mini market, a restaurant with a bar, and a beautiful garden. In the institution, tourists can walk through the picturesque campground, rent bicycles and barbecue facilities. Free parking space is provided to all guests. Tariff for using wifi is equal to 1 euro per day.

Resort restaurants

A trip to the towns of Lake Garda cannot be imagined without a visit to local restaurants. Below are 5 popular places to sample traditional Italian and local food.

Vidoc is one of the best restaurants in Malcesine, located in the heart of the city. The institution prepares dishes of Mediterranean, European, Italian cuisine, delicacies, vegetarian and gluten-free gastronomic masterpieces. Vidoc also has an excellent wine bar. Tourists who have been here recommend trying brucetta, marsala, fish dishes, desserts and, of course, wine.
Al Corsaro is a restaurant that has earned the highest praise from the visitors who have been here. It is located next to the Scaliger Castle on the shores of an Italian lake. The institution prepares dishes of Italian, European and Mediterranean cuisine. Guests of the restaurant can also order gluten-free culinary delights. Visitors rewarded highly appreciated fish dishes, steaks, desserts and wines.
Speck Stube Malcesine is a restaurant located in a quiet and peaceful area of Malcesine. It serves German, European, Italian cuisine, barbecues, a bar and a pub with a brewery. Speck Stube Malcesine is very popular due to its delicious food served in large portions, reasonable prices, developed infrastructure (playground, bar, pub, parking, etc.), themed design, etc. Guests who have visited this restaurant recommend trying the dishes, grilled, hot assorted, homemade desserts, beer, wines.
La Cambusa is an unusual restaurant located on the Malcesine marina, decorated in a nautical theme. It offers dishes of European, Italian, Mediterranean cuisine, seafood, pizza, culinary delights for vegetarians and gluten-free dishes. Travelers visiting La Cambusa recommend trying pizza, different types of pasta, salads and snacks, fish dishes, mussels, desserts and homemade wine.
Ristorante al Gondoliere is another popular Malcesine restaurant serving Italian, European, Mediterranean cuisine, gluten-free gastronomic delights and vegetarian options, as well as seafood. The guests of the Ristorante al Gondoliere were delighted with the preparation and taste of ricotta ravioli, octopus carpaccio, fish and meat dishes, different types pasta, wines and snacks, desserts.

Entertainment in the city

Malcesine is a real paradise for lovers of varied entertainment. The resort offers its guests:

Go in for active sports. These include mountain biking and skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, mountain hiking, Nordic walking, paragliding, yachting, fishing, diving, windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, etc.
Take care of your health and beauty in spas, fitness clubs and health centers.
Take excursions to local streets, squares, natural sites, go horse riding, play tennis and golf.
Go shopping in local shops, markets and malls. For shopping fans, there is the option to go to Milan, Verona or Venice.
Relax on the equipped beaches of the town.
Have fun at city festivals, holidays and other cultural events.
Explore local attractions.

We will consider the last item of the "entertaining" list in more detail.

Attractions Malcesine

The small resort town is rich in sights. The guests of the commune will have to get acquainted with the following outstanding objects of Malcesine.

Scaliger Castle. The most famous attraction in Malcesine is the legendary Scaliger Castle (Castello Scaligero). Modern look the building was acquired in the 13th century - during the reign of the della Scala clan. Over the centuries, it was destroyed several times, but then rebuilt again. Castello Scaligero is an attractive castle that has been praised by poets and painted by talented artists many times. Today it is impossible to imagine a trip to Malcesine without visiting this historical monument. After a fascinating excursion, tourists will see picturesque views of the Italian giant lake, which open from the upper floors of the castle. Today, the building houses the Baldo Garda History Museum in the barracks. There are 9 halls open here, each of which has its own thematic focus. For example, guests are invited to explore the underwater world of the lake and the history of Malcesine, get acquainted with the geological deformation of Monte Baldo, admire the local flora and fauna, etc.
Note: Among the world famous people who visited the castle, there is Johann Goethe. He examined Castello in 1786, and was so impressed by the beauty of the structure that he decided to sketch the castle. However, this impulse was negatively perceived by the local guards. Goethe was mistaken for a spy. The German wrote about his adventures in Malcesine in The Italian Journey.
Palazzo dei Capitani. This building has been a national treasure since 1902. It was built in the 15th century in the Venetian Gothic style. During the domination of Venice over the city, the Palace of the Captains served as the main building for the administration. From 1618 it became the seat of Captain Garda. Today the attraction serves as a city library and town hall. There is a lovely garden in the courtyard of the property, which can be accessed through a picturesque arch. On the inside, there are beautiful frescoes that attract attention with their harmony and originality. Sometimes temporary exhibitions are held in the palazzo. The entrance to the Palace of the Captains is free.
Monastery of St. Benigno and Caro. This historic landmark is located in the vicinity of Malcesine. Garda has always been a popular place among monks, so similar objects can be found in almost every town on the lake.
Church of st. Stefan. This landmark was built by Stephen himself on the ruins of the ancient pagan temple of Apse. The antique building was built in the Romanesque style. Today the object appears before the eyes of the guests of the city renewed and modern. The interior of the church is decorated in the Baroque style and impresses the audience with its pomp. The ceiling of the building is decorated with heraldic signs of the Scaliger family, Cardinal Bachilleri, Venice and Malcesine.
Church of Santa Maria di Navene. This historic resort facility dates back to the 11th century. The Church of Santa Maria di Navene is worth visiting for lovers of peace and tranquility, as well as fans of history and theology.
Natural History Museum. An interesting science museum is located in the vicinity of Malcesine. The collection of the museum contains colorful exhibits of local vegetation and representatives of the animal and underwater world.
Goethe Museum. This establishment is located in one of the premises of Castello Scaligero. In the museum, tourists will see exhibits related to the life and work of the great German poet.
Fisheries Museum. An interesting museum that tells about the history of fishing in the resort. On the premises, visitors will explore numerous historical photographs, various types of fishing tackle, vintage cars and boats, and aquariums with local fish species.
Pariani Museum. This landmark is located in the medieval center of the spa town. The main exhibits of the Pariani Museum are valuable documents related to the history of Malcesine and the surrounding area.
Mount Baldo. The main natural attraction of the commune (not counting Lake Garda) is Mount Baldo, whose height is 2 km 218 m.It is famous not only for its picturesqueness, but also for the presence of the only cable car in the world equipped with rotating cabins. A modern funicular takes passengers to an altitude of 1,750 meters. In winter, Monte Baldo becomes a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. In the warm season, tourists also do not have to be bored. Numerous establishments offer parachute jumping, paragliding, hiking and cycling, etc.

The nature of the town deserves special attention. For example, a small park with olive trees is a popular holiday destination for both locals and resort guests.

Each individual resort on Lake Garda has its own characteristics, attractions and charm. Thanks to the short distance and well-established transport network, each guest of the famous water area can enjoy the enchanting views and architecture of various towns. The pearl of the lake, the Malcesine commune, is a must-see resort that you will want to return to again and again.

In the very center of northern Italy, in a region called Veneto, on the shores of the picturesque, there is a small commune of Malcesine. The city attracts tourists with its bright colors, clean mountain air and stunning lake views. The symbol and main attraction of this small resort place is the medieval Malcesine Castle. It stands on a steep slope above the lake and is surrounded by beautiful panoramas.

According to historical research, the first building on the site of the modern castle of Malcesine was built in ancient times (at the end of the 1st millennium BC). Subsequently, already with the appearance of the Lombards in Italy, a fortress was built on this place. She has repeatedly undergone global restructuring and reconstruction.

After the Franks, the castle was captured by the Hungarians and for a time belonged to the Bishop of Verona. At the end of the 13th century, it was bought by one of the Scaliger family - Alberto della Scala. His family owned the Malcesine castle for more than 100 years, which is why it received its second name - Scaligers castle (Castello Scaligero).

Later the building passed to the Visconti family. From them to the Venetian Republic and further under the rule of the Holy Roman Empire until the end of the 18th century. For a short time the castle belonged to the French, and after the defeat of Napoleon, to the Austrians, who made a significant contribution to the restoration of the medieval fortress. In 1866, the unification of Italy takes place, and the shores of Lake Garda are returned to the possession of the Italians. And in 1902 the Malcesine castle was awarded the status of a national architectural monument.

Wedding at the Scaliger castle

In recent decades, holding a wedding ceremony in a castle has become especially popular. The mild climate makes the city a great place to visit at any time of the year. But it is especially good to visit there in spring or autumn. It's not for nothing that couples in love from all over the world are trying to come here at this particular time to have a wedding in the romantic scenery of an ancient castle. At the peak of the wedding season, the castle hosts up to 10 wedding ceremonies per day.

Wedding events can be held in one of the three venues on offer. The first, for small receptions, accommodates about 40 people. This small room offers a magnificent view of Lake Garda. The second option is designed for 70 guests. The walls of this hall are finished with white stone, and it is located in the castle tower. The third option for the wedding ceremony is a terrace. It is located on the side of the lake and can accommodate 80 people.

Natural History Museum

Today, the Museum of Natural History operates on the territory of the castle. It brings to the attention of visitors curious archaeological finds related to the history of the castle and the city as a whole. One of the sections of the museum is dedicated to Johann Goethe.
This famous person visited the city during her travels in Italy from 1813 to 1817. Here you can see the original notes describing the castle, accompanied by sketches by the famous writer. To sketch a military object at that time, Goethe actually risked his life. Mistaken for a spy, he was even arrested. But the publication of "Italian Travels" brought European fame to Malcesine's castle.

Museum of the History of Lake Garda and Mount Baldo

In May 2008, 9 rooms of the former fortress barracks were occupied by the Museum of the History of Lake Garda and Mount Baldo. The museum is open daily from 9-30 to 19-30. The cost of an adult ticket is 6 euros, and a ticket for children (6-13 years old) is 2 euros.

The first hall is called "Depth". It immerses visitors in the very middle of the lake, cutting off from the outside world and allowing them to look at the largest lake in Italy from a completely different side.
The second hall is called "Chronology". It shows the complete geological formation of Mount Baldo over billions of years using special illumination.
The third room is “Stratigraphy of the Lake”. In it, you can see the wildlife that previously surrounded the lake. And in relatively small aquariums there are some species of fish that lived in the lake.
The fourth hall - "In the reeds". Here lakes representatives of flora and fauna are located in their natural habitat.
The fifth hall - "Landscape". Allows you to explore the nature of Mount Baldo.
The sixth hall is "Restaurant". Allows visitors to relax and unwind while enjoying the original menu.
The seventh hall - "History". The exposition of this hall presents the works of famous people who were engaged in research on the shores of Lake Garda and at the foot of Mount Baldo.
The eighth hall - "High mountains". There are representatives of the mountain fauna.
The ninth hall provides an opportunity to leave a review and express your impressions of viewing the presented expositions.

You can find up-to-date information on opening hours and cost of visits on the official website of the museum: www.malcesinepiu.org/lake-garda/the-castle.html.

The castle is surrounded by monumental battlements. An old amphitheater has been preserved in the lower part of the fortress. Chamber concerts are often held there. Most beautiful view Lake Garda and the surrounding mountains can be viewed from the balcony of the main 24-meter tower.