Art Cities near Lake Garda

Lake Garda, nestled between the regions of Veneto, Lombardy and Trentino-Alto Adige, is not only one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy, but also an ideal starting point for visiting the art cities of Verona, Brescia, Mantua, Trento and Venice.

If you are looking for inspiration for your next trip, let me take you on a journey to discover the art cities closest to Lake Garda. In this guide, you will find some useful tips to help you plan your visit and choose the best means of transport for your needs, whether by car or train.

Verona

Verona is a city with a thousand-year history, whose origins date back to Roman times, when it became an important commercial and strategic centre along the Via Postumia. During the Middle Ages, the city enjoyed a period of great splendour under the rule of the Scaligeri family, who enriched its architecture with imposing fortifications and buildings. Verona subsequently passed under Venetian and Austrian rule, while always maintaining a central role in the cultural and commercial landscape of Italy.

In 2000, Verona was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its urban layout and architecture. Today, the city is an international landmark thanks to its trade fairs, including the famous Vinitaly and Fieracavalli, which confirm its strong commercial vocation and ability to attract visitors from all over the world.

Verona is universally known as the city of Romeo and Juliet, immortalised in William Shakespeare's famous tragedy. One of the most iconic places linked to this story is Juliet's House and its iconic balcony. Located in Via Cappello, in the city centre, the house is now one of the most visited tourist attractions. In the courtyard below, the bronze statue of Juliet has become a symbol of romance and tradition. The ritual of touching her figure is considered a gesture of good luck for those seeking love.

Walking through Verona, you can admire an extraordinary artistic and architectural heritage. The Arena, located in Piazza Bra, is the symbol of the city of Verona and one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world. Every year, this site hosts the prestigious Arena Opera Festival, one of the most eagerly awaited international opera events. The square is framed by Palazzo Barbieri, the town hall, and Palazzo della Gran Guardia, which contribute to the elegance of this part of the city.

Continuing towards the historic centre, you came across the charming Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Signori, both full of historic buildings and buzzing with life. The Roman Theatre, dating back to the 1st century AD and still hosting important musical performances today, is testimony to the cultural importance of the city since ancient times, while the Arche Scaligere, a monumental Gothic-style funerary complex, celebrates the power of the Della Scala family.

Not far away stands the majestic Castelvecchio, whose museum offers a journey through the military and artistic history of the city. One of the most beautiful viewpoints in Verona is located on the hill of Castel San Pietro, from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the entire historic centre and the Adige River below. Along Corso Porta Borsari and Via Mazzini, you can admire elegant buildings and boutiques, while from the 84-metre-high Torre dei Lamberti, you can see Verona from above.

Among the most important churches that I recommend you to visit, are the Basilica of San Zeno, considered an authentic masterpiece of medieval architecture, and the Basilica of Sant'Anastasia, the largest religious building in Verona.

How do I get to Verona? - Reaching Verona from Lake Garda is very easy. If you are leaving from Lazise, the most direct route is to follow the SP5 to Bussolengo and then continue towards Verona for a total of approximately 24 km. From Peschiera del Garda, on the other hand, you can take the A4 motorway, exiting at the Verona Sud tollbooth for a journey of approximately 29 km. Alternatively, you can take the SR11 road via Castelnuovo del Garda, which is about 26 km long. The last option is to take the train. The stations of Desenzano del Garda and Peschiera del Garda offer direct connections to Verona Porta Nuova station, with journey times varying between 12 and 19 minutes.

Brescia

The city of Brescia has experienced periods of great splendour since Roman times, when it was transformed into a strategic centre in northern Italy. Lombard and Venetian rule enriched the cultural and architectural heritage of the city, leaving behind a legacy of buildings, squares and monuments that testify to its glorious past.

Brescia was the site of the famous Ten Days, a revolt by the citizens against Austrian rule during the Risorgimento, which earned it the nickname ‘Lioness of Italy.’ Today, its historic centre is a perfect synthesis of these influences, with views that blend the ancient with the modern.

Walking through the streets of Brescia, you can find real artistic gems. The monumental area of the Roman Forum, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011, preserves the remains of ancient Brixia, including the Capitolium, the Republican Sanctuary and the Roman theatre, evidence of the city's prestige during the imperial era.

In the heart of Brescia lies the splendid Piazza della Loggia, an expression of the Renaissance period and Venetian influence on the city. Designed in the 15th century, it is surrounded by buildings of great historical value, the most representative of which is certainly the Palazzo della Loggia. Located in the western part of the square, this palace houses the headquarters of the Municipality of Brescia. On the southern side are the old and new Monte di Pietà buildings, while on the eastern side of the square stands the characteristic Clock Tower.

About 800 metres away from the square is the Santa Giulia Museum, the main museum in Brescia. Located inside the monastery of Santa Giulia, it displays archaeological finds and extraordinary works of art, such as the Cross of Desiderius and the Lipsanoteca.

Dominating the city from above is the Castle of Brescia. Built by the Visconti family in the 13th century on top of Cidneo Hill, it offers breathtaking views of the entire city. Today, the castle houses the Museum of the Risorgimento and the Luigi Marzoli Arms Museum.

Among the most important churches in Brescia, the Old Cathedral or Rotonda di Brescia and the New Cathedral or Duomo di Brescia, located in Piazza Paolo VI and built between 1604 and 1825, are certainly worth mentioning.

How do I get to Brescia? - Reaching Brescia from Lake Garda is easy and offers several transport options. By car from Peschiera del Garda or Desenzano del Garda, take the A4 motorway towards Milan and exit at Brescia Centro. If you prefer to travel by train, Brescia is well connected to both locations thanks to regional and high-speed trains, which will take you to the central station in about 20-30 minutes.

Mantua

Mantua is a city rich in history, art and culture, which deserves to be explored in every corner. Over the centuries, the city was ruled by various dominations, from the Romans to the Lombards, until the Gonzagas, who marked its period of maximum splendour. Under their rule, Mantua became a cultural centre of primary importance, hosting artists of the calibre of Andrea Mantegna and Giulio Romano. In 2008, the cities of Mantua and Sabbioneta were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The most illustrious figure linked to the city of Mantua is Publius Vergilius Maro, one of the greatest poets of antiquity, born in the nearby village of Andes, now called Pietole. I have written about him and other famous figures in my article entitled 10 Historical Figures linked to Lake Garda, which I invite you to read for more information on this topic.

Walking through the historic centre of Mantua, you can admire some of the most significant monuments. The Ducal Palace, with the Castle of San Giorgio and the famous Camera degli Sposi frescoed by Mantegna, is one of the main attractions. The Basilica of Sant'Andrea, designed by Leon Battista Alberti, is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, while Palazzo Te, built by Giulio Romano, enchants with its extraordinary decorations.

The historic squares, such as Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza Broletto, retain their medieval atmosphere with buildings such as the Rotonda di San Lorenzo and the Palazzo della Ragione.

Mantua celebrates its connection with the famous Roman poet through the Monument to Virgil, located in Piazza Virgiliana. This bronze sculpture, unveiled in 1927, depicts the poet in a solemn and thoughtful pose.

The streets of the city tell stories of different eras and styles, offering visitors a unique experience. Via Accademia is home to the Accademia Nazionale Virgiliana and the Teatro Bibiena, while in Via Cavour is located the Torre della Gabbia.

Piazza Sordello, named in honour of the Mantuan poet Sordello da Goito and considered the true heart of the old town, is surrounded by historic buildings of great value, including the Duomo and Palazzo Bonacolsi.

How do I get to Mantua? - Reaching Mantua from Lake Garda is very easy. Starting from Peschiera del Garda, take the SR249 towards Valeggio sul Mincio and then follow the signs for Mantua. After about 38 km, you arrive in the city, ready to explore its wonders. Alternatively, you can take your bike and ride along the scenic cycle path of the Mincio River.

Trento

Trento is a city rich in history and culture, located in the heart of the Trentino-Alto Adige region. Its origins date back to Roman times, when it was known as Tridentum, an important crossroads along the Via Claudia Augusta. In the Middle Ages, Trento became the seat of the Prince-Bishopric, established in 1027 and lasting until 1803, a period that left an indelible mark on the city. The 16th century marked its heyday thanks to Cardinal Bernardo Cles, who transformed Trento into a prestigious Renaissance centre. After passing under Habsburg rule, Trento became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1918, at the end of the First World War.

Walking through the historic centre, you can admire some of the most significant monuments in the city. Piazza Duomo is the beating heart of Trento, dominated by the Cathedral of San Vigilio, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture that hosted the sessions of the Council of Trent, and by the Fontana del Nettuno, a Baroque masterpiece created between 1767 and 1769 by the sculptor Francesco Antonio Giongo di Lavarone. Next to the cathedral is the Palazzo Pretorio or Palazzo Vescovile, home to the Tridentine Diocesan Museum, which houses precious works of sacred art.

Not far away is the Civic Tower of Trento, also known as Torre di Piazza. Built in the 12th century, it overlooks the historic centre from a height of 46.5 metres and houses two historic bells, the Renga and the Guardia, that once marked the rhythm of city life.

One of the most representative buildings in Trento is undoubtedly the Castello del Buonconsiglio, the former residence of the prince-bishops, which houses numerous Renaissance frescoes of extraordinary beauty.

Among the most characteristic streets, Via Belenzani stands out for its frescoed buildings, while the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, with its elegant facade, is another architectural gem not to be missed.

The city of Trento hosts numerous events and festivals, including the Festival of Economics and the Trento Film Festival, which attract visitors from all over the world. Another unmissable stop is the MUSE, the Science Museum designed by Renzo Piano, which is a must-see if you want to learn more about scientific and environmental issues.

Also very interesting is the Spazio Archeologico Sotterraneo del Sas (SASS), located under Piazza Cesare Battisti, where it is possible to admire artefacts and mosaics belonging to the ancient Roman city of Tridentum.

How do I get to Trento? - Reaching Trento from Lake Garda is easy and offers different travel options. By car, starting from Affi, take the A22 Brennero motorway to the Trento Sud motorway exit, a journey of about one hour. From Riva del Garda, follow the SS45bis towards Arco and then towards Trento, covering a distance of about 40 km. For those who prefer the train, the Domegliara - S. Ambrogio station, located along the Verona-Brennero railway line, allows you to reach Trento with a direct journey of about an hour.

Venice

Venice is a unique city, characterised by a timeless charm that has inspired poets and writers for centuries. Its origins date back to the 5th century, when local populations sought refuge in the islands of the lagoon to escape barbarian invasions, particularly that of the Huns in 452 AD. In 697, the first doge, Paoluccio Anafesto, was elected, marking the beginning of the Republic of Venice.

Over the centuries, the Serenissima became a powerful maritime republic, dominating trade in the Mediterranean and profoundly influencing the economy and politics of the surrounding regions, including Lake Garda. Since 1987, the city of Venice and its lagoon have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Strolling through the streets of Venice, you are immersed in an extraordinary artistic and architectural heritage. The Doge's Palace, symbol of Venetian power, enchants with its Gothic elegance and rooms frescoed by masters such as Tintoretto and Veronese. St. Mark's Basilica, with its golden mosaics, testifies to the greatness of the city and its links with the Eastern world. The Rialto Bridge, the oldest bridge on the Grand Canal, is a masterpiece of engineering and a landmark for tourists.

Piazza San Marco, the beating heart of the city, is the only urban space in Venice to be called a piazza, while the others are called campi. Its origins date back to the 9th century, and in 1264 it was paved, becoming the political and social centre of the Serenissima. Here you can find some of the most iconic monuments of Venice, including St. Mark's Bell Tower, the Clock Tower and the Procuratie, which frame the square with their elegant architecture.

Not far from Piazza San Marco is the Bridge of Sighs, built between 1600 and 1603 to a design by architect Antonio Contin, which connects the Doge's Palace to the Prigioni Nuove, crossing the Rio di Palazzo. Its name derives from the legend that prisoners, crossing it, sighed as they saw the outside world for the last time before being locked up.

Among the most fascinating churches are San Giorgio Maggiore and Santa Maria dei Miracoli, both home to priceless works of art. Every corner of Venice is a journey through history and beauty, with countless palaces and monuments testifying to its glorious past.

Once you arrive in Venice, the best way to explore it is on foot, by gondola or by vaporetto, which allows you to visit the most picturesque islands of the lagoon. Murano, famous for its glassmaking tradition, Burano, with its colourful houses, and Torcello, the cradle of Venetian civilisation. All these small islands are unmissable stops if you want to discover the authentic soul of the city.

Today, Venice continues to be a cultural centre of primary importance, hosting international events that attract visitors from all over the world. Among these, the most important are the Biennale d'Arte, the Venice Film Festival and the Venice International Boat Show.

How do I get to Venice? - Traveling to Venice from Lake Garda is easy and offers several transportation options. In my article entitled From Lake Garda to Venice, you will find all the information you need to comfortably reach the lagoon city by car or train.

Map of art cities

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