Tignale is located on the Brescian shore of Lake Garda, more precisely to the north, between Gargnano and Limone. It is perched on the lake as it is situated at an altitude of 555 meters, hence its nickname Balcony of Garda.
The history of this village, which includes six hamlets, has been rather peaceful as it was suitable for cultivation and, therefore, poor in terms of job diversification. Connections with the Garda coast were only built starting from the twentieth century, allowing Tignale to be frequented and also open to tourism. In 1964, Winston Churchill also stayed here, leaving a piece of the history of World War II.
What to see in Tignale is different from other towns on Lake Garda: let’s discover it together.
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Sanctuary of Montecastello
The most famous monument in Tignale is the Sanctuary of Montecastello, a real masterpiece perched on Lake Garda and built on a rocky spur, reachable after a short walk.
The panorama that opens up from this position is one of the gems that I absolutely recommend not to miss if you are planning a trip to these parts. From here, in fact, you can observe Mount Baldo in front of you, the Sirmione peninsula to the south of the lake that extends into it, as well as the many small promontories that become absolutely recognizable by looking from here.
Think that the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Monte Castello was built on the ruins of an ancient temple that was then transformed into a castle and that, to this day, it houses a small temple (the Holy House) dating back to the 800s AD. As for the church, you only need to know that it is a real piece of history, built back in 1599, and a religious symbol of a territory that was once almost unknown, certainly sparsely frequented.
Open from March to October, a visit to this place is absolutely recommended to enter a past world that can still be felt within its walls!
Limonaia “Pra’ de la Fam”
From top to bottom. I said (and wrote) that Tignale is located at an altitude of 555 meters but its territory “reaches” down to the shores of the lake: here is also the Port of Tignale, a real gem of the village north of Benaco, called Pra’ de la Fam (in Italian it means meadow of hunger) because it was considered a real shelter during the violent storms of the lake in which people stayed for days without food.
Here next to it is the second “piece of history” of the place: the Limonaia Pra’ de la Fam.
As you know, Lake Garda is famous for having been a historical territory dedicated to the cultivation of lemons and citrus fruits, and the Limonaia Pra’ de la Fam is one of these: a real garden with pillars lined up and useful for lemon cultivation, which still come to life during the annual cultivation period.
Free visits are available on certain days of the week, with the possibility of accompanying them with tastings of typical lemon-based products.
Alto Garda Park
Tignale is one of the best representatives of the Alto Garda Park, an area full of military trails that have now become real symbols of lake trekking that mix history, sports, and breathtaking views.
Here there are also several possibilities for mountain bike enthusiasts, thanks to the possibility of cycling on several dirt and non-dirt paths. You can move from hills to real mountains up to 1600 meters high, immersed in the flora and fauna of the area. Furthermore, it is possible to book tours that will also take you to Tremosine.
Oil Mill and Spongadì
Two of the most characteristic products of the area are famous in Tignale: its oil, which perfectly complements the offer of various oil mills in the area, and its sweet specialty, namely Spongadì.
Starting from the oil of the area, you only need to know that there are several oil mills in Tignale but the most famous are easily recognizable: here, in fact, is produced the organic extra-virgin olive oil which in 2011 also won the Oliva d’Oro award.
Moving on to desserts, as already anticipated, the typical product of the area is called Spongadì, which recalls the Spongada of Val Canonica. A bread-shaped dessert, traditionally consumed during Easter, made from a dough of flour, milk, sugar, butter, eggs, and lemon zest.
Bon appetit!
