Simon goes Garda:  Malcesine

In September 2000 I stayed at Malcesine on the eastern shore of Lago di Garda (again with Page & Moy).  This provided me with a very relaxing stay and the possibility of excursions in the Dolomites, the Veneto and the Trento-Aldige regions of Northern Italy, as well as the many towns on Lake Garda itself.
Full of contrasts Malcesine is particularly fascinating. There's Mediterranean flora found in the gardens filled with oleanders and in the immense olive groves from which a delicate olive oil is obtained

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Further up, instead, the landscape becomes alpine. To pass in a few minutes from olive trees to the highest peaks of Mount Baldo enjoying the fantastic panoramic view of the lake, is a unique and unrepeatable experience that can easily be attained with the cable car that runs from Malcesine to Tratto Spino. This facility is also used by those who would like to hike or mountain bike back down the valley, as well as for those who want to go up in the winter, to enjoy winter sports: there are excellent slopes for skiing, with the blue of the lake always in sight.

Near Malcesine's harbour is the "Palazzo dei Capitani" from the Venetian period. A splendid "Deposition" by Girolamo Dai Libri can be seen inside the parochial church of Cassone. Still in Cassone you will find the Aril, considered by many to be the shortest river in the world at only 175 meters long. The castle of Malcesine is thought to have Longobard origins. It has since been reconstructed by the Scaligers, and later modified by both Venetian and Austrian military engineers. Today it houses an interesting museum about the origins, history, and flora and fauna of Lake Garda. From the top of the Castle's tower one may enjoy a magnificent view of the town.

The open-air theatre at the foot of Malcesine's castle holds prestigious performances throughout the whole summer. In Cassone, the Cyclamen Festival held in August, features the traditional "bisse" race, long and narrow rowboats typical of Lake Garda.
 

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View south over Malcesine

Lunch on the lakeside at Malcesine

As an alternative to all these separate pictures, I have made a 26page Photo Album of my Lake Garda 2003 holiday, which is available in 4parts (each about 1megabyte in size)  in Adobe Acrobat format, by clicking the buttons below:

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