If you are looking for a “new” and lesser known place among the towns of the Lake Garda, then this village can be an interesting discovery. Because Bardolino is less famous than the renowned Sirmione or Riva del Garda, but certainly equally fascinating and attractive.
Bardolino is located on the Venetian shore of the lake, in enviable position where you can see a suggestive panorama for those who are visiting it. And besides the lakefront, what to see in Bardolino?
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The lakeside of Bardolino and his history
There are many places to see in Bardolino, but what immediately can capture your attention, entering in the town from the south, is the renovated and beautiful lakefront. It runs for a long distance along the lake territory, where you can walk with a relaxing atmosphere that allows you to admire a romantic and enchanting sunset, especially during the winter season.
Entering into the heart of the town you can admire the historic buildings which bring you back to the past of this territory. Bardolino was a lively center even in the ancient Roman period and, above all, in the Lombard and Carolingian period, where the east side of the Lake Garda was pretty important for commercial route.
This is testified by the remains of the Porta San Giovanni and the suggestive tower, which is part of the ruins left of the ancient Scaliger Castle. Wanted by King Berengario at the end of the ninth century, the castle was part of a defensive system that protected the inhabitants of Garda from possible raids from the enemies. During the time, this tower has been modificated, and it was finally reduced to a rectangular tower on the lakefront, the one we see today.
The historic center between churches and small alleys
The church of San Severo welcomes visitors right at the entrance to Bardolino: it was build in the 9th century, it looks like a Romanesque stone church where we can find also a crypt. Inside of it you can admire the medieval frescoes of the Veronese school, with scenes from the life of Christ and the Madonna, and with depictions of battles and the Apocalypse.
Not far away you can see the church of San Zeno, with his architectural and decorative details that makes it one of the best known examples of Carolingian art in Italy.
In the center of Bardolino there is also the church of Saints Nicolò and Severo, with a neoclassical facade that dominates the central square, Piazza Matteotti.
Alleys and alleys are very common in this area, and they give to the center of Bardolino some joyful Venetian atmosphere. Must know that the houses you can find here were once fishermen’s houses. The center today is full of commercial activities, and in summer there are plenty of outdoor places to admire the panorama in comfort. At the gates of winter, however, Bardolino is populated by interesting Christmas markets that you can’t miss!
Spas and beaches for those who love the benefits of water
The beaches of Bardolino are always a good idea when you are thinking about relax and summertime. You will find them well equipped, also close to the center, and you will find the free one (for example the beach in Punta Cornicello) and also the paid establishments like the Lido di Cisano and Lido Mirabello.
Bardolino is also very popular for spas, which flow from the source of low mineral water that comes from the uncontaminated Monte Baldo. The thermal water of Bardolino is indicated for hydropinic therapies, for the purifying treatments of the kidneys and the livers, and for hydrotherapy, baths and water exercises.
In your stay in Bardolino you will surely enjoy the typical dishes of Garda, also because there are many restaurants and clubs where you can try and fall in love with the delicacies of this place. Vineyards and olive groves are very common in this area, and you can also find a real museum for this products, the Oil Museum. But more important and famous in this amazing territory is his local wine, the Bardolino, with another important museum that you MUST visit: the wine museum.
Olive Oil Museum and Wine Museum
Starting from the Olive Oil Museum (hosted by the Cisano oil factory) we have to say that a visit here is more than interesting. There are 9 rooms that await you, here you can feel the history of olive tree cultivation at Lake Garda, and the processing of olives is well explained for any persons, from adults to the little ones. At the end of the visit you can find a small shop where visitors can buy local products from the Lake Garda. The best way to say goodbye.
The Wine Museum, on the other hand, is set up by the Zeni Winery in Costabella di Bardolino, which overlooks Lake Garda. Here too we start from an exhibition dedicated to the cultivation of the vine, to get to the sectors dedicated to the transformation of grapes into wine, where you can see the ancient work tools. And also here you can find a wine shop where you can taste wines, grappas and vinegars!
If you love wine festivals, be ready for the Chiaretto Festival (in May), the Grape Festival (in October), and the Novello Wine Festival in November!
In addition to the oil and wine ones, there is also the Sisàn Museum dedicated to the fishing world, very popular in old times here. An interesting visit if you want to get to know this area even better in its historical and craft activities.
Excursions around Bardolino
From the little port of Bardolino it’s possible to take the ferry boat and make some excursions on the Lake Garda. In half a day, or taking an entire day depending on the itinerary, with the Navigarda boats you can reach other touristic destinations, including Sirmione.
Private boat services are also available, where you can take a complete boat tour on Lake Garda.
For those who love cycling, however, there is no real cycle path but the habit of cycling on the lakefront is very common, reaching the nearby towns of Lazise or Peschiera del Garda.
Nearby here there is also a naturistic place such as Punta San Virgilio, one of the most beautiful areas to see in Bardolino, with a characteristic little pier and the ancient church of San Virgilio; a place where you can enjoy a romantic and unforgettable panorama.
