What to see in Malcesine: historic center, the Castle and surroundings

Malcesine, an enchanting village on the Veronese side of Lake Garda , is a place that enchants with its breathtaking views and its rich history. This little jewel, dominated by a majestic castle, is an essential stop for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the beauty of the surrounding mountains and the crystal clear waters of Garda.

The historic center of Malcesine

The beating heart of the historic village is its centre, which opens up inviting you to explore its narrow streets and brightly colored buildings. Walking through the historic center, you cannot miss a visit:

• To the suggestive Palazzo dei Capitani;
• To the majestic Church of Santo Stefano.

Both are symbols of the Venetian architecture that characterizes the area, a wonderful discovery to make. After having savored the unique atmosphere of the historic center, taking the cable car up Monte Baldo is a unique experience. In just a few minutes, you can find yourself 1800 meters above sea level, surrounded by a breathtaking view that embraces the lake and the surrounding mountains.

Malcesine Castle

One of the focal points of Malcesine is certainly its iconic Scaligero Castle , located on a rocky outcrop that juts out into the lake. This imposing medieval fortress, in addition to offering breathtaking views, is home to a museum that traces the history of the area and hosts cultural events and art exhibitions.

The Scaligero Castle , the undisputed icon of Malcesine, stands imposingly in a scenic position, dominating from above a rocky outcrop that juts out over the waters of Lake Garda. The presence of a first defensive construction on the rocky promontory in the center of Malcesine could date back to the first millennium BC, while the current castle was built in its original form in the 9th century AD. Today, in addition to being a historical symbol of the city, the Scaliger Castle it hosts a museum and represents a renowned location for exhibitions, events and weddings.

It is possible, and strongly recommended, to visit the castle: the visit route takes you through romantic courtyards and elegant rooms and among the rooms of the castle the most famous is the former powder magazine, now renamed the Goethe Room: here it is possible to admire the drawings made by famous German poet during his stay in Malcesine.

The Galley Hall of the Scaligero Castle

An important resource for fully understanding the historical and cultural heritage of Malcesine is represented by the Sala delle Gallee, a permanent exhibition that opened its doors in 2013 inside the Scaligero Castle. This exhibition space offers a fascinating retrospective on two crucial aspects of the city's history: navigation on the lake and the multiple functions that the castle has performed over the centuries. Through archaeological finds, models of boats and historical documents, visitors can immerse themselves in the events that have shaped the identity of Malcesine over the centuries.

The panoramic points of Malcesine Castle

Located on Lake Garda, overlooking the turquoise waters, the city castle has a wide variety of panoramic points where you can take photos or enjoy the view. From the heights of the Scaligero Castle, panorama lovers can enjoy the most evocative views from a balcony overlooking the lake, located at a height of 24 metres, from the "Rivellino" platform and the main tower. The latter, with a base of 31 meters and a height of 70 meters above lake level, has a pentagonal shape and dominates the entire village of Malcesine. From its top, it is possible to admire the picturesque historic centre, the waters of Lake Garda and the western slope of the majestic Monte Baldo.

What to see around Malcesine

Malcesine is not only a place of extraordinary beauty, but also the ideal starting point for exploring the other gems of Lake Garda. Places such as Sirmione, with its spa, Desenzano, with its historic centre, and Riva del Garda, with its caves, are certainly worth a visit during your stay. Furthermore, exploring the nearby hamlets, such as the picturesque Cassone di Malcesine, the suggestive Bardolino and the romantic Lazise is a way to be surprised by the local beauty; furthermore, just over an hour and twenty minutes from Malcesine lies Verona , one of the most beautiful cities in the Veneto. apartment online in advance to be able to enjoy the carefree and relaxing stay of a completely limitless stay.