What to see in Lazise? Many people ask me this question through my social channels and, before answering, I always reveal to everyone the secret that I was ashamed of until recently: I had never been to Lazise!
Yes, because in this small town on the Veronese shore I had never had the opportunity to stop, a gap that fortunately I thought of filling just last month on the occasion of a mini tour on the eastern coast of Lake Garda. I tell you from the start that I was particularly fascinated by its beauty and the beautiful lakeside, in addition to the fact that here the sun really sets much later than where I live (Toscolano Maderno): I was definitely not used to it and the day was really enjoyed until the last available ray!
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The (brief) history of Lazise
Fascinating is its history that can absolutely be “breathed” walking through the small alleys of the center.
You should know that Lazise is considered the oldest municipality in Italy, dated 983, when the emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, Otto II, granted the local administration the right to fortify the village with walls and to freely decide on the rights of transit and fishing (in essence they could decide the customs rules of the time).
The Castle and its Walls
A confirmation of what has just been described can be seen with your own eyes by visiting the city: the walls that enclose the old town are in excellent condition and the Scaligero Castle of the town, easily recognizable, is another testimony of medieval Lazise built around the year 1000. The complex is not open to the public as it belongs to a local family.
Church of San Nicolò
Near the harbor of Lazise, you can admire the church of San Nicolò, patron saint of sailors: a true treasure of the twelfth century.
Venetian Customs and the Harbor
Not far away is another complex of historical importance such as the Venetian Customs, built in 1300 next to the harbor, it represented the main entrance for goods passing from Lombardy to the Serenissima (Republic of Venice). Today this location has become a reference point for Congresses, Corporate Meetings, Weddings and cultural events.
As mentioned, it is located on the harbor of Lazise which is another reference point of the village as it is frequented by fishermen (in the past) and the real commercial center of the time. Today there are several bars that can allow you to enjoy a moment of relaxation in a unique place.
City Entrance Gates
As with many other villages on Garda, it is also important to recognize the signs of the past with the mythical entrance gates raised in the past. Here you will find:
- Upper Gate, called today San Zeno Gate: an imposing construction that lights up at night, giving a beautiful light play.
- Lion Gate, named after the depiction of the coat of arms of the Republic of Venice.
- Cansignorio Gate.
Lazise Lakeside
One of the most visited and appreciated “attractions” of Lazise is the lakeside. In this striped paved walkway you can walk in total relaxation accompanied by the beauty of the lake and with the possibility of having an aperitif in one of the many bars present. It’s not over yet, you can think of continuing on foot towards Bardolino and, if you want, even Garda to complete a really very suggestive route!
