Lonato del Garda is a scenic and historic city in northern Italy on the southern bank of Lake Garda. Its pleasant location and lake views make it a popular vacation spot. The area also teems with museums, churches and Roman ruins.
Spend the day at Lake Garda, the biggest lake in Italy, formed by glaciers during the last Ice Age. Capture photos of the stunning scenery against a backdrop of mountains and cliffs. Sunbathe on the shore and swim in the fresh water. Dine at one of the cafés or restaurants nestled in the valleys and bays.
Explore Piazza Martiri in the city center. It is full of historic monuments, including a Venetian column. Visit the Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista in the piazza. The baroque design of the façade and the frescoes on the walls inside the 18th-century cathedral are inspiring works of art and architecture.
The Civic Tower next to the cathedral in the same piazza dates back to 1555. The clock’s face is designed with roman numerals and an elegant design for the hands. Look for the emblem of a lion sitting just above the clock.
Discover the Rocca of Lonato, a 10th-century castle originally built to protect the city. This is the famous site of a battle involving Napoleon Bonaparte in the late 1700s. The ancient stone walls have survived the test of time over many centuries. Walk through the arched entrance to the castle. Peruse the ancient grounds and imagine how the people lived here more than a millennium ago.
The city officially changed its name from simply Lonato in 2007 in order to reference Lake Garda. Enjoy the lake during the area’s hot summers. Winter is generally quite cold due to its northern Italian location, but snow is rare.
Lonato del Garda sits just outside the city of Brescia between Milan and Venice in northern Italy. It is an oasis of calm and serenity for travelers on journeys to those famous cities.
