Municipality in the province of Verona, located on the eastern shore of Lake Garda, on a rocky ridge that seems to rise from the waters of lakes, creating a particularly picturesque scenario, the territory of Malcesine stretches from the shores of the lake to the summit of Monte Baldo. It is a tourist, artistic and historical center which preserves its medieval style, with houses joined together by small arches that shade the narrow streets, lined with pebbles.
The area was inhabited since ancient times and later colonized by the Romans, who built several fortifications. After the Fall of the Empire, the area was exposed to the repeated incursions and looting, by Lombards, Huns and Franks. This situation led the people to build their houses around the castle, in order to have a better protection. The area was ruled by the Bishops of Verona and in the second half of the XIII century, the town was assigned to the Scala family. During the Middle Ages, the entire area was subject to a great urban expansion that necessitated the construction of a first circle of fortified walls, of which traces still remains to this day. After a further expansion, a second wall was built, of which unfortunately, today, nothing remains. Since 1405 the territories submitted the domain of the Serenissima Republic of Venice.
Attractions:
- the Church of San Zeno in Monte, which is a simple building, located in a quite inaccessible area, at three-hours walk away from the center of Malcesine. It was built between the VIII and the IX century and was shelter and home of Saints Benigno and Caro;
- the XVIII century Church of Santo Stefano;
- the Church of the Madonna della Fontana;
- the Church of San Marco Evangelista;
- the Church of Santa Maria in Navene;
- the Church of Saints Nicolò and Rocco;
- the Church of San Michele in Vigne;
- the Scaliger Castle, situated on a rocky outcrop that overlooks the lake. It was built between the XIII and XIV centuries and has submitted renovations during the domain of the Veronesi and Venetians. It was part of a defensive system of several castles, built by the Della Scala, to defend the eastern shore of Lake Garda. It consists of several different garrisons and boundary walls, fortified and embellished with towers and battlements, dominated by a massive keep with a pentagonal base. Today it houses a museum with archaeological finds and relics of the Risorgimento;
- the Palace of the Captains, which was built by the Venetians in the XVI century. Located on the lake, is presents itself in typical Renaissance style;
- the Old Town Centre with its typically medieval atmosphere;
- the picturesque harbor.