Ten things not to miss in Peschiera del Garda

Peschiera del Garda is an enchanting town on the most southern part of Lake Garda, located right where the course of river Mincio begins.

At the time of the Roman Empire, Peschiera was called Arilica and was already of considerable importance. Later it was fortified by the Scaligers, lords of Verona, by the Venetians and by the Austrian Habsburg Empire. The traces of these eras, even today, can clearly be seen within the town.

In 1800, Peschiera together with Legnago, Mantua and Verona became part of the Quadrilatero, a defensive system on a territorial scale born from the intuition of Field Marshal Josef Radetzky.

The construction that made this town famous all over the world, is the pentagonal fortress that surrounds the historic center. It was built in the 16th century by the Serenissima Republic of Venice. In July 2017, this fortification was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Ten things not to miss in Peschiera del Garda — Credits: Franco Lanfredi

Most of the visitors arriving in Peschiera come from the highway. The first image these people will see is undoubtedly the railway bridge, known as “i sette ponti di Peschiera del Garda” and Porta Verona, the entrance gate built in 1553. A gate that until recent years did not look like the one you can see today. In fact, in 2019 a significant restoration work has been carried out and has given back its magnificence and not only! In the space where the original Leone of San Marco (destroyed by Napoleon’s Grand Armée) was positioned, now stands a new and imposing lion of San Marco!

Many people reach Peschiera through the Peschiera-Mantua cycle and pedestrian path, also known as Eurovelox 7. If you are one of these people, you will know that you have arrived in this town when you see the river flowing into a moat, where the large and imposing wall is reflected in the water. The wall of the Venetian Fortress. By following the path until where it ends, you will see the Fossato Reale (Royal moat) along with a long and flowered bridge that will lead you to the other entrance arch of the town known as Porta Brescia.

To stay on the venetian topic, it is right here that during the warmer months a gondolier, ready to set out, will wait for you. And maybe you have already heard of the “Giro delle Mura“? This is the other famous boat trip in Peschiera that starts from Piazza San Marco! For more details on these two trips: Walls tour of Peschiera del Garda, How to visit Peschiera del Garda

For lovers of history and culture, in Peschiera you will find the Museum of Fishing and Lake Traditions and the opportunity to participate in the Peschiera Walking Tour, the 35-minute guided tour: If you would like to have a walk along the lake, you can do this by going to lungolago Garibaldi (direction Lazise) or lungolago Mazzini (direction Sirmione), where in some parts you will also be able to find gym equipment. An opportunity to stay in the middle of nature and to breath fresh air! For those in love with history and cultural activities, in Peschiera you will find the Fishing Museum and the opportunity to participate with the Peschiera Walking Tour, a 35-minute guided visit