10 historical figures linked to Lake Garda

Lake Garda has always been a crossroads of cultures, but also a place that has linked its name to numerous historical figures. From ancient poets who described its beauty, to valiant leaders who fought epic battles here, every corner of the lake holds echoes of a glorious past.

In this article we will travel through the centuries in chronological order, discovering 10 historical figures whose connection with Lake Garda helped to shape not only the local history, but also the Italian history.

1. Gaio Valerio Catullo

We open this special list with the Roman poet Gaio Valerio Catullo (84 BC - 54 BC), born in Cisalpine Gaul near Verona. His relationship with Lake Garda and Sirmione is deeply rooted in his works.

The famous Grotte di Catullo, or Catullo's Caves, are nothing more than the remains of one of the largest Roman villas in northern Italy. Tradition identifies this villa as the home of Catullo, although there is no historical certainty. However, it is indisputable that the poet drew inspiration from these places, as shown in his 'Carme XXXI', in which he celebrates his return to Sirmione after a long journey.

Catullo describes Sirmione as 'the pearl of islands and peninsulas', a description that conveys all his love for this corner of Lake Garda. Today, the Catullo's Caves are an archaeological site that hosts visitors from all over the world, attracted by the beauty of the landscape and their magical atmosphere.

2. Publio Virgilio Marone

The Roman poet Publio Virgilio Marone (70 BC - 19 BC), known simply as 'Virgilio', exerted a profound influence on Western literature. Born in Andes, a small village near Mantua, he lived in a period of great change, during the transition from the Roman Republic to the Empire.

Virgilio's works, in particular the Bucolics, Georgics and the Aeneid, reflect not only his literary genius, but also his deep connection to the land and nature. Lake Garda, formerly called Benaco, was a significant element in his life and works.

In the Georgics, Virgilio describes the lake in words that evoke its greatness and strength, even comparing it to the sea for its waves and its impetus: 'O Benaco, che gonfi le tue onde e fremi come il mare'. This particular description of the lake is also reflected in the Aeneid, where Virgilio mentions the river Mincio, the lake's emissary, which is described as follows: '... dove il Mincio, di molli canne orlato le rive, in lente spire va errando'.

3. Adelaide di Borgogna

Between legend and historical truth, stands out the character of Adelaide of Burgundy (931 - 999), queen and empress of the 10th century. Adelaide was the daughter of Rudolf II of Burgundy and Bertha of Swabia.

Her existence was marked by some tumultuous events: widowed by her first husband, Lothair II of Italy, Adelaide found herself imprisoned by order of Lothair's successor, Berengar II, who wanted to consolidate his power through a forced marriage between Adelaide and his son Adalbert.

According to the legend, Adelaide was imprisoned in the Rocca di Garda, an ancient fortress that no longer exists, from which she planned a daring escape. With the help of a faithful confessor and some local fishermen, Adelaide managed to escape through secret passages, finally reaching the Rocca di Canossa. This legendary episode has over time become an integral part of popular folklore.

4. Dante Alighieri

The supreme poet of Italian literature, Dante Alighieri (1265 - 1321), in his otherworldly journey narrated in the Divine Comedy, mentions Benaco in a passage in Canto XX of the Inferno. Here, Dante describes a wide geographical area extending 'between Garda and Val Camonica and Pennino', a place where the jurisdictions of the bishops of Verona, Trento and Brescia ideally met.

The poet also refers to Peschiera and its fortress as 'bello e forte arnese da fronteggiar Bresciani e Bergamaschi'. Dante's tercets not only outline a geographical landscape, but also an emotional and cultural one, reflecting the importance of the lake as a crossroads of the political powers of the time.

The Benaco, with its waters fed by 'mille fonti', becomes a metaphor for a place of encounter and boundary, from which the river Mincio springs: 'Tosto che l'acqua a correr mette co, non più Benaco, ma Mencio si chiama fino a Governol, dove cade in Po'. Dante, with his mastery, manages to transform geography into poetry, making Lake Garda a symbol of absolute beauty.

5. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

The famous German poet and thinker Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 - 1832) was enchanted by the beauty of Lake Garda during his famous trip to Italy in 1786. His first stop was in Torbole, where he was struck by the breathtaking view of the lake and where he wrote this famous sentence in his diary:

"How much do I wish that my friends were with me for a moment to enjoy the prospect, which now lies before my eyes. I might have been in Verona this evening but a magnificent natural phenomenon was in my vicinity – Lake Garda, a splendid spectacle, which I did not want to miss.".

A curious fact happened when Goethe, during a stay in Malcesine, decided to make a drawing of the castle. This action almost got him arrested, as the locals mistook him for an Austrian spy. It was only after much explanation that he managed to convince them of his peaceful intentions. His experiences and observations of Lake Garda left an indelible mark on literature, influencing other writers and travellers who came after him.

6. Napoleone III

Linked to the Risorgimento period is the figure of the French Emperor Napoleon III (1808 - 1873), nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte, who played a key role in the battles of Solferino and San Martino.

Napoleon III, with his strategic vision and effective command, led his troops to the final victory. His presence on the battlefield was not only symbolic, but also strategic. He carefully studied the terrain and enemy positions, directing the French and Piedmontese troops in a series of complex manoeuvres that ultimately proved successful.

7. Vittorio Emanuele II di Savoia

Also linked to the period of the Italian Risorgimento and the southern area of Lake Garda is the character of Vittorio Emanuele II di Savoia (1820 - 1878), the first king of Italy. He ascended the throne in 1849 and led the Kingdom of Sardinia in the process of Italian unification, with the support of the French army commanded by Napoleon III.

His leadership during the battles of Solferino and San Martino on 24 June 1859 was decisive. These battles, crucial events in the Second Italian War of Independence, saw the French-Piedmontese forces fighting against the Austrian army. The subsequent victory was a significant step towards the unification of Italy and marked the end of Austrian rule in Lombardy.

The battle of Solferino, in particular, is remembered for its ferocity and for inspiring Henry Dunant to found the International Red Cross. The monumental tower of San Martino della Battaglia, inaugurated on 15 October 1893, is named to Vittorio Emanuele II (cover photo).

8. Gabriele D'Annunzio

In this special list, we cannot miss the figure of Gabriele D'Annunzio (1863 - 1938), the poet-soldier who found in Lake Garda a refuge and a source of inspiration. It was in Gardone Riviera that D'Annunzio built his house, known as the Vittoriale degli Italiani, a monumental complex that reflects the greatness and complexity of his spirit. Within these walls, the poet composed some of his most significant works, letting himself be inspired by the beauty and tranquillity of the landscape.

9. Benito Mussolini

Among the historical figures who have linked their lives to Lake Garda there is also Benito Mussolini (1883 - 1945). In the autumn of 1943, the Italian dictator founded the Italian Social Republic (RSI) in a small territory between the municipalities of Salò and Gargnano on the western shore of Lake Garda.

10. David Herbert Lawrence

Closing this special list of historical figures is the famous English writer David Herbert Lawrence (1885 - 1930), who found in Lake Garda a great source of inspiration. Accompanied by Frieda, the woman who later became his wife, Lawrence travelled through Germany and the Alps to Riva del Garda and later Gargnano, during his 1912 trip to Italy.

His experience on Lake Garda was not just a passage, but a period of intensive life, which is reflected in the pages of his book 'Twilight in Italy', an essay collecting the writer's impressions and reflections during his stay.