Malcesine

The history of Malcesine has very ancient origins, starting roughly in 500 B.C., when populations of Etruscan origin settled on the shores of the Lake Garda; later the territory passed into Roman hands, then into those of the Lombards and the Franks, under whose rule there is evidence of an early castle built where the medieval site stands today.
The original castle structure was commandeered by Alberto della Scala in the 13th century and, under his rule, acquired its present appearance.
From this period on, Malcesine became an important center for the control of the area, under the Federation of the Gardesana dell'Acqua: many were the battles fought here, under the orders of the Captain of the Lake, who resided in Malcesine itself.
A strategic outpost, Malcesine was contested between the Viscounts of Milan, Venice and Austria, until it became a battlefield for Napoleon's soldiers; finally, with the outbreak of the 19th century, Malcesine was annexed to the Cisalpine Republic on February 18, 1801, and then of the Italic Republic; after the fall of Napoleon, it was annexed to the Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia. In 1866 Malcesine became part of the Kingdom of Italy.

What to see in the village of Malcesine

Populated by just over 3,500 inhabitants, the village of Malcesine actually covers a large area, encompassing coast and hill, protected behind by Mount Baldo: an area rich in natural beauty, history and culture.
The ancient village offers visitors wonderful views and is embellished with churches and palaces. Moving a bit from the center, one encounters the spectacle of nature.
Scaliger Castle is accessed by a cobblestone street, passing through the courtyard overlooking the lake. From the tower, there is a view of the whole area; on the lower floors of the castle, there is the Museum of Natural History.
The Palazzo dei Capitani, former residence of the Captain of the Lake, is another of Malcesine's major attractions: in Venetian style, dating from the 13th century, it houses large halls with frescoed ceilings, reception rooms with statues and decorations, and a wonderful garden surrounding the palace, overlooking the lake.

There are numerous religious buildings in the village, such as the Church of Santo Stefano Protomartire, built in the 8th century, or the Church of the Madonna della Fontana, dating from the 16th century; there is no shortage of interesting cultural and artistic initiatives.
Among the attractions to visit in Malcesine, one cannot overlook the natural beauty of the place, from Lake Garda to Mount Baldo; beautiful is the hiking trail that leads to the Cime delle Pozzette or on Mount Altissimo di Nago.

Activities to do in Malcesine

There are many activities that tourists can enjoy in the ancient medieval village: strolling through the center admiring the views and the Castle, visiting museums, doing sports and hiking.
Among the most interesting museums found in Malcesine are the Hall of the Galleys, the Museum of the History of Navigation on the Lake, the Museum of Natural History at the Scaliger Castle, and the Museum of Tourism.
There is also room for sports in Malcesine, from skiing in the winter season to Kiteboarding and Wind Surfing on the waters of the lake and Nordic Walking in the Park of Brenzone sul Garda.
Interesting and at the same time relaxing will be watching the sky at the Monte Baldo Astronomical Observatory.

Typical food and wine and handicrafts

Visiting Malcesine, one cannot overlook one of the other aspects that make a stay by the lake enjoyable: the local gastronomy. A typical dish of the area is Polenta Carbonera topped with local cheeses and local olive oil. In restaurants, one can of course enjoy lake fish, such as trout, sardines, and whitefish, as well as Baccalà alla Gardesana. At the end of the meal, you can enjoy the excellent local grappa, the pride of the Veneto region all over the world.
Another activity that is crafted in Malcesine is woodworking; in fact, there are several carpentry and furniture factories that can be found in the area.