LAKE GARDA

The name Brenzone is said to derive from the surname Brenzoni. Located on the Veronese shore of Lake Garda, Brenzone is located 46 km from Verona and the municipality of Brenzone extends for about 50 sq km, from 65 m a.s.l. at the lake up to 2,200 m. on Telegrafo peak.

Brenzone is a town on Lake Garda at the foot of the imposing Monte Baldo. A unique territory that has the particularity of being made up of many villages including Castello, Castelletto, Marniga, Magugnano, Porto and Assenza, as well as several small hamlets scattered along the slopes of the mountain such as Sommavilla, Biasa, Marniga, Prada. All these hamlets are arranged to create the central town, which has remained a sort of ancient village on the Garda. Beth’s House is located in the pretty village of Assenza right in front of the islet of Trimelone.

The mild climate that characterizes all the areas bordering Lake Garda means that the cultivation of olive trees, holm oaks, cypresses, almond trees and oleanders are flourishing. At this point, Lake Garda reaches its greatest depth of 350m.

The island of Trimelone is a small island in front of Assenza di Brenzone. It is one of the symbols of the troubled Italian history, guardian and witness of the two World Wars.

Today the island of Trimelone is an environmental oasis, in fact on the island you can find poplars, oleanders, seneci, elderberries, brambles and numerous seagulls and cormorants find refuge here, nesting here in an oasis of quiet, undisturbed.

Some military buildings are still visible, such as the barracks, the fort and a small port now dismantled.

The best way to admire the uniqueness and beauty of Trimelone is by sailing boat, carried by the wind in harmony with the surrounding environment, you can get close enough to observe the spectacle of this wild and mysterious island.

The ancient medieval village of Campo can comfortably be reached on foot from my apartments. Crossing romantic olive groves, you will arrive in this charming village where time seems to have stopped.

This medieval site made up mostly of characteristic stone houses will give you breathtaking views of the lake. In summer it is a famous destination for trekking lovers, while in winter you can admire the nativity scenes made by the inhabitants of this beautiful corner of the world during the Christmas period.

The Aril river rises in the heart of the village of Cassone, a few hundred metres from the Beth’s House apartments, and forms a pond fed by a pool, or rather an artificial water source that is fed by the fresh water streams that flow under the Monte Baldo.

Along its short path of only 175 metres towards the lake, the Aril river flows entirely through the hamlet of Cassone and is crossed by three bridges, also forming a small artificial waterfall, finally flowing into Lake Garda next to the small harbour.

During the Christmas period, a suggestive floating nativity scene is set up on the Aril river.

Windsurfing and sailing are the most practiced sports, and here is the ideal place to learn them thanks to the breeze that blows and the shallow waters.

Diving is very common, and far those who cannot do without skis it is possible to go water skiing. The shores are populated by fishermen and you can also go on a boat ride by renting a motor boat or a jet-ski.

Trekking is also practiced in winter, perhaps alternating with Nordic Walking or a walk with snowshoes.

lf you wish, just a few km away, more precisely in Malcesine, there is the Monte Baldo cable car that leads directly to the slopes, from where you can enjoy a splendid panoramic view of Lake Garda. lf the Monte Baldo slopes are not enough for you there is a shuttle bus service available that takes you to the nearby Polsa – San Valentino tracks.

Nordic Walking, very popular with tourists, has a path that touches all the hamlets of the municipality of Brenzone, and branches off along ancient routes and mule tracks. A continuous alternation between lake and mountain to symbolize how much this practice marries with the typical values of this territory, such as environmental sustainability and an appreciation of leisure time.

The 20 kilometers of this healthy itinerary are divided into four circular routes marked with different colours from north to south, from the hamlet of Assenza to Castelletto. One of the main points of interest is the medieval village of Campo.

For mountain bike lovers there are several more or less challenging routes.

If you like extreme sports you can go climbing on routes with different difficulty levels, according to your abilities, paragliding from the peaks of Monte Baldo, rafting, canyoning, bird watching, horse riding, tennis and golf.  An alternative afternoon can be spent in the fun park of San Zeno di Montagna, where you can climb trees and swing from one to another using vines.

A few kilometers from Malcesine, lies the delightful village of Cassone. With its alleys and bridges it creates a romantic atmosphere of the past. The port is adorned with colourful fishing boats moored there and houses an ancient tower that stands out in front of the lake called “Toresela”. The tower houses the small “Museum of the lake and fishing”, a collection of local memories and traditions.

The village of Cassone is crossed by the Aril river which, with its only 175 metres in length, boasts the posting of the “shortest river in the world” sign.

Located along the Brescia side of Lake Garda, a few kilometres after Salò, Gardone Riviera is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.
Gardone Riviera is home to the famous “Vittoriale degli Italiani”, home of Gabriele D ‘Annunzio and today a historical monument dedicated to his life.
The Vittoriale is a great little world unto itself, with sculptures, medals of valour, relics, thousands of books, works of art of all kinds.

Limone sul Garda is a very lively and well-preserved ancient village, a village of fishermen and citrus growers. Narrow alleys, stairways, magnificent views and a picturesque harbour have made Limone sul Garda one of the most popular places for tourists.
There are many lemon groves to see and some have become real museums that can be visited, wonderful to reach directly by boat.

Rovereto is a delightful town in the province of Trento, located between Trento and Verona in the centre of the Adige Valley.
In Rovereto it is possible to visit the Mart, the museum of modern and contemporary art of Rovereto and Trento and one of the most important European museums.

Rovereto houses the main seat of the Museum, a large architectural complex inaugurated in 2002 based on a design by Mario Botta and Giulio Andreolli, and the Depero Futurist Art House.
The architectural sign that has always distinguished the Mart is the steel and glass dome designed by Mario Botta.
The Mart Collections includes about 20,000 works of art ranging from the nineteenth century to the most recent artistic research.

The city of Trento offers, with its historic centre full of monuments, palaces and castles, a relaxing atmosphere, rich in culture and gastronomic specialties.
In Trento there is the Muse, the science museum of Trento where you can admire nature in the complex biodiversity of our planet.

Riva del Garda is the spearhead of Garda Trentino, nestled between Lake Garda and the Brenta Dolomites.
Do not miss the brand new inclined panoramic lift that allows you to admire the panorama of the centre and Lake Garda in all its splendour.
Riva del Garda is also the main seat of the MAG, the Alto Garda Museum located inside the Rocca.

The historic centre of Verona is undoubtedly full of characteristic places that are worth visiting at any time of the year.
Piazza Bra, the best place for a walk during which to admire the majesty of the Arena.

The Arena of Verona is a Roman amphitheater, one of the large buildings that have characterized Roman playful architecture. In the summer it hosts the famous opera festival and many singers and musical groups play there.
The other many monuments of the city can be reached with a pleasant walk along the nearby river Adige that will leave you speechless at every step.