Moniga del Garda

The town of Moniga del Garda lies on the western shore of Lake Garda, between the towns of Manerba del Garda to the north and Padenghe sul Garda to the south.

About the origin of the name Moniga, there are two possible interpretations. Some historians consider it to derive from the ancient Germanic word "morn", i.e. exposed to the morning, while others attribute it to the unconfirmed presence of a temple dedicated to the goddess "Diana Munichia".

However, this place was already inhabited in ancient times, probably since the Bronze Age, as suggested by the remains of a pile-dwelling site found at Porto.

The hilly territory surrounding Moniga del Garda has a morainic origin and is particularly suitable for the cultivation of vines and olives, also thanks to the temperate climate that has always favoured agriculture in the different Garda areas. The fulcrum around which a profitable wine business revolves is the Valtenesi land.

It is here that Chiaretto Valtenesi is produced. It is a smooth wine that is very well appreciated in combination with lake fish dishes and it was one of the first Italian wines to obtain D.O.C. certification in 1967.

The inventor of the wine-making process was a Venetian senator named Pompeo Molmenti, who lived in Moniga del Garda at the end of the 19th century.

In the past few years, an event dedicated specifically to rosé wines, called "Italia in Rosa", has been successfully organised. Held in the splendid setting of the castle, it attracts many wineries from all over Italy, as well as a large audience of visitors and food and wine enthusiasts.

What to see in Moniga del Garda

The most representative architectural element of Moniga del Garda is undoubtedly its castle. Built in the 10th century on a hill in the western part of the town, it had, like other similar buildings in the Valtenesi, the purpose of defending the locals from possible attacks by hostile populations.

The castle was never inhabited by a nobleman, a fact that over time helped to preserve it from particularly serious attacks. For this reason, the entire structure has been well preserved, receiving some maintenance work between the 14th and 15th centuries, giving the building its current appearance.

In a more recent period, several private houses were built within the walls, while the main tower was used as the bell tower of the nearby parish church of San Martino. The latter is very old and was almost completely rebuilt in the mid-18th century in Baroque style.

Also very characteristic is the small church of Madonna della Neve, located outside the town and surrounded by green countryside. Built at the end of the 16th century and with its front facing east towards the lake, it is a splendid example of Romanesque architecture.

What to do in Moniga del Garda

The territory of Moniga del Garda is well suited to anyone who wants to spend a relaxing holiday on Lake Garda.

The large natural area and the presence of the castle make it an ideal destination for those who love excursions and day trips.

Many trails through the nature are ideal routes for long, regenerating walks. Obviously a summer holiday involves spending a lot of time by the lake.

Moniga del Garda has many beautiful beaches, among which we recommend the Porto di Moniga beach, located near the harbour about one kilometre from the town centre, San Michele beach, and Liner beach, all with free access.

Shopping enthusiasts will certainly not be disappointed by the presence of the nearby shopping centre "Il Leone di Lonato", which can be reached in a few minutes by car or by public transport.

Then it is impossible not to take a trip to the lake, perhaps using the boat service operating during the entire summer period. This is an ecological and practical way of travelling around the lake, useful for example to reach the main amusement parks in the southern part of Lake Garda in a short time.

Image gallery

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Map of tourist sites

Click on the button below to open the detailed map of Moniga del Garda, where we have marked the main tourist sights of this place, sorted by typology.

Lake Garda Experiences

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