Lake Garda History and Culture

A visit to the Lake Garda is a great lesson of history. Wherever you move, there will always be remainings of old civilizations on your way. Archeological findings prove that the area was already inhabitet 4500 years B.C. but the Middle Ages was the most interesting period for the area. Various kings, princess and families fighting for their zones of influence built multiple castles and palaces along the lake shore.
Below you will find some basic information about the most important ones.


CASTLES AND PALACES

Arco Castle - a castle built in the roman architecture style is believed to be built before 1000 A.D. As most of the area, it was mostly under rule of the d'Arco family and there are documents proving that it was d'Arco's property already in 1196. In the 13th century, the Arco Castle was enlarged and its walls strengthened what made the fortress the largest building of that type in the area. The Middle Ages brought plenty of disputes about the ownership of the castle and area. From 1579 to 1614 the castle was accupied by the archduke Ferdinando and finally given back to the d'Arco family. However, the castle remained an important point of the Lake Garda region. In 1703 french forces destroyed the fortress and was not rebuilt until 1982, when it was given back to the town Arco. Since then, the castle was rebuilt, walls and towers strenghened. Today, the castle is a very nice tourist attraction, offering a historical, artistic and architectural tour inside and a spectacular view from the cliff.

Drena Castle - the castle has always been the reason of disputes and struggles among local families and princes. In the Middle Ages, the castle of Drena was under lord Sejano's rule, but quickly changed the owner to the d'Arco family. Year 1500 resulted in long siege of the castle performed by the empire's legates and it was not given back until the First World War. In the meantime, Vendome's army completely destroyed the building and it took almost 300 years to restore. Not earlier than in 1981 was the castle returned to the local people, who restorated it. Travelers will not have problems to find the place as the castle dominates the Sarca valley.

Guaita Castle - another former belonging of the d'Arco family, built probably in the 13th century. Documents say that in 1291 the tower was a property of Pietra del Bevolco, who was an important member of the d'Arco family. These days, the building had rather a guard-post tower character. In the 15th century there was already a small village built near the tower. Today, the tower can be reached on the route from Pietramurata to Trento.

Pende Castle - situated at the top of a large cliff, only a few ruins of the Penede castle remained. The first information about the building dates back to 1210, when the castle went under rule of the Bishop Vanga. Like most of the area, it quickly became a property of the d'Arco family. In the 14th century it was gained and burned by the Scaligero lords, but returned to the d'Arcos in year 1400. Convenient location of the castle made neighbouring states argue about the right owner. In 1438 the castle went under Venetian rule and in 1439 witnessed the unprecedented action of transporting the Venetian fleet to from the Adriatic Sea to Torbole. Sixty years later the castle went back to d'Arcos and remained under their governship. The beginning of the 18th century was very difficult for the building as Eugenio di Savoia occupied and burned it in 1703. Today, only ruins can be visited, which can be accessed after a nice walk through the woods.