PESCHIERA DEL GARDA
A real fortress city, completely enclosed by water, Peschiera is a jewel of architecture, art and culture.
The ancient “Arilica”, which has always been a strategic point of Lake Garda, already hosted in the Roman times, an association of “navicellari”, which ferried men and goods from north to south of the lake, up to the Mincio river.
Dante had already described it as “Beautiful and strong tool”, the city had a fortress at the time of the Scaligeri, was enclosed in a mighty pentagonal fortress under the domination of the Serenissima in the sixteenth century and in the nineteenth century became part of the most impressive defensive system of Italy, the Quadrilatero, together with Legnago, Mantova and Verona.
Wide and very long beaches look at the cone of Monte Baldo from the South, bordered by reeds where the different species of aquatic fauna find shelter. Ideal for long bike rides, the cycle path of the Mincio river begins near Porta Brescia, skirting the high ramparts of the imposing sixteenth-century walls, and takes the visitor to environments of peace and nature, following the emerald green waters of the river, in a play of light and color
SURROUNDINGS ATTRACTIONS
- Golf Club Paradiso del Garda 2,3 km
- Gardaland 2,7 km
- Movieland Park – Caneva World 4,9 km
- Acqua Paradise 4,9 km
- Terme di Sirmione – Virgilio 6,0 km
- Sirmione castle – Rocca Scaligera 7,0 Km
THE MONUMENTS
- Porta Verona: 16th century monumental entrance to the city
- Porta Verona artillery barracks: arsenal built by Radetzky
- Porta Brescia: second entrance to the bastioned fort
- Remains of Roman settlements: excavations of housing structures of the ancient “Arilica”
- Voltoni Bridge: wonderful panoramic bridge over the Canale di Mezzo
- Museum of the historical building: here in 1917 resistance was decided on the Piave
- Austrian Palleria: it was used as a cannonball depot
- Forte Ardietti: from 1849 to 1864 the Austrians built 14 forts
- Mascagni Promenade: offers a wonderful view of the fortress
FOR THOSE WHO LOVE SPORT
Do not miss the Golf Club Paradiso course (www.golfclubparadiso.it)
Peschiera-Mantova cycle path:
along the banks of the Mincio river 43.5 km
Known by enthusiasts, loved by young and old, this route does not present any particular difficulties as it is almost completely flat. The itinerary starts from the Feltrin bastion in via sports field, runs alongside the city walls, passing under the Setteponti, where the railway passes, and you reach the right bank of the Mincio. The itinerary winds along the banks of the Mincio river, between rows of shady trees, inside the Mincio regional park, in contact with nature and the emerald green waters of the river. On the route we recommend visiting Valeggio sul Mincio, the large Sigurtà Park and the picturesque
mill village of Borghetto sul Mincio.
In 2005, the Apam transport line, which connects Peschiera to Mantua, activated a support service for cyclists from the Mincio: BiciBus The stops for loading and unloading the bicycles are MANTOVA (Bus station), POZZOLO (via Boschi), VALEGGIO ( via Marconi) and PESCHIERA (Railway Station). It is always advisable to book (www.apam.it)
SANCTUARY OF THE ASH
Dating back to 1500
Every year thousands of pilgrims go to the place where on 11 May 1510 an apparition of the Madonna is said to have occurred, among the branches of an ash tree.
For the inhabitants of Peschiera this was a sign sent by Providence to console them from the mourning of war and the plague.
Accessible by bike, car or urban bus line.
LAKE OF THE ASH – OASIS
Natural oasis that provides refuge for a significant amount of migratory birds. The peculiarity of this oasis is given by the presence of a precious ecosystem. The predominant environment is the reed bed which has created a unique habitat for numerous extremely rare and threatened species of birds that nest here. Here are some names: Red Heron, Marsh Harrier, Little Bittern, and Fora straws.
The Frassino lake has been equipped with a naturalistic path that facilitates the visit of the oasis in all seasons. Group visits are allowed only if authorized.
0459288424 Info.
The oasis can be reached on foot by leaving the car in the parking area of the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Frassino along the dirt road that runs parallel to the highway.
CURIOSITY
It is possible to make beautiful panoramic walks on the ramparts and counter-bastions, from which you can enjoy a wonderful panorama of Monte Baldo and the lake, overlooking the harbor.
On clear days, Lazise, the Sirmione Peninsula and its Castle and the whole Brescia side are also well distinguished. Be guided to explore the fortified city by boat.
You can see the ancient pile-dwelling settlements, enter the Mincio River Park to the Salionze dam or simply go fishing.
EVENTS
- Palio delle Mura – August
- Napoleonic re-enactment
- Arilica Antiqua
- Goblets of Stars in forte Ardietti – 10 August
- The nativity scene in the lake – Christmas in Peschiera
- Vintage boats gathering – June
- Triathlon – September
- Guest party – July
- Feast and chestnut of San Martino – 11 November.
- The traditional fireworks of the Ponte dei Voltoni, is held in November on the occasion of the Patron Saint’s Day.