If you are looking for a European tourist destination, consider
Lake Garda located mostly in the Lombardy region of northern
Italy. Depending on your interests, this beautiful area might be
an ideal vacation spot. You can get classic Italian food, and
wash it down with fine local wine. It is hardly undiscovered,
but that shouldn't stop you from going. With a little effort you
should be able to find some relatively untouched spots. Be sure
to read the companion articles in this series that present
Milan, small town Lombardy outside of its capital Milan, and the
Lake Como district. While people often think of Lake Garda as
being part of Lombardy that is not entirely true. This beautiful
lake spills over into the neighboring regions of Trentino-Alto
Adige and Veneto.
Riva del Garda is the area's best-known resort. It is less
expensive than many competitors. You'll find a castle with a
moat. Its Civic Museum is part of a medieval fortress on the
lake. The Thirteenth Century Apponale Tower defended the city
from invaders and held prisoners. Look for Riva del Garda's
symbol, Anzolin, the little angel on the tower's summit.
Gargnano, population about three thousand, is a great place for
fishing, snorkeling, and sailing. The town's major attraction is
the Cloister of Saint Francis and its bell tower.
Gardone Riviera, population twenty-five hundred, is best known
for the mansion The Shrine of Italian Victories and the major
Fascist Italian writer Gabriele d'Annunzio who lived there from
1922 until 1938. Be sure to visit the relatively small Botanical
Garden Andre Heller with thousands of exotic Alpine,
Mediterranean, and subtropical plants.
The little town of Salo, population ten thousand, was the
capital of Mussolini's Nazi-backed puppet state, the Italian
Social Republic. Its main sights include a Fifteenth Century
Cathedral, the Sixteenth Century Palace of the Magnificent
Fatherland with a historical museum, and a Palace hosting an
archeological museum. Every Saturday morning there is a great
outdoor market.
Bardolino, population about six thousand, sits on Lake Garda's
eastern shore. It's the biggest resort on the lake and boasts
numerous shops and historical sights. Bardolino's main claim to
fame is its fine wine. Every fall it is home to a Grape Cure
Festival.
Fish forms a major part of the local cuisine. Indigenous fish
include the rare Lake Garda carp, whitefish, and lake trout.
Increase your dining pleasure by including local wines with your
meal. The best-known wine comes from east of the lake near
Bardolino, part of Veneto. Wines are produced all along Lake
Garda. See which one you like best.
About the author:
Over the years Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books
on computers and the Internet but simply prefers drinking fine
Italian or other wine, with the right foods. He knows about
dieting but now eats and drinks what he wants, in moderation. He
teaches a variety of computer classes at an Ontario
French-language community college. Visit his Italian travel website
http://www.travelitalytravel.com which focuses on local wine and food.
