The Lake Garda area, famous for its natural wonders, is also fortunate to be surrounded by some of the most important Italian cities from a historical, artistic, and cultural perspective.
If during your stay at the lake you feel like spending an alternative day without having to travel too far, we highly recommend visiting the nearby cities of Verona, Brescia, Mantua, Trento, and Venice.
If you are undecided on which art city near Lake Garda to choose, or if you want your curiosity to be piqued, this article is for you.
What are the most beautiful art cities near Lake Garda?
Verona
Among the cities of art in the surroundings of Lake Garda, on the Venetian shore of the lake, we find Verona.
Verona is famous throughout the world for being the city of lovers, thanks to its indissoluble bond with the timeless Romeo and Juliet, the most iconic story of tormented love of all time. A stop at Juliet’s House cannot therefore be missed: in addition to the romantic balcony, inside you will find a pleasant museum containing objects and stage costumes from the most important performances of Shakespeare’s work. Before leaving, don’t forget to touch the right breast of the bronze statue of Juliet: legend has it that doing so brings luck in love.
By moving a few steps you will reach two of the most important squares in the city, Piazza delle Erbe, where the market is still held today, and Piazza dei Signori, also known as Piazza Dante due to the presence of a famous statue of the great poet. Once here, you just need to look up to admire the wonderful period buildings all around you which for a long time constituted the beating heart of the city, hosting the most illustrious and powerful figures. In the immediate vicinity there are also the fascinating Torre dei Lamberti, the Palazzo della Ragione with its majestic staircase in red Veronese marble and the Gothic-style monumental complex of the Scaliger Arches.
During your visit to Verona you cannot miss the Arena, an imposing Roman amphitheater dating back to the 1st century AD, one of the best preserved of its kind. The Arena is located in Piazza Bra, next to the Gran Guardia and Palazzo Barbieri, and every summer it hosts the highly appreciated Arena opera festival and several concerts by internationally renowned artists.
If you want to experience an unforgettable evening attending a show in the Arena, you can book this experience which also includes return transfers from various towns on the lake.
Another magnificent testimony to the Roman era is the Roman Theatre, inside the archaeological museum of the same name: although it has a decidedly smaller capacity than the Arena, important musical concerts are also held here, as well as interesting theatrical shows and monologues.
Also worth mentioning are the two most important churches in Verona, the medieval Basilica of San Zeno, inside which a very precious altarpiece by Andrea Mantegna is preserved, and the Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta), whose style is between Romanesque and the Gothic will leave you speechless.
We close with a little advice: by going to the top of Colle San Pietro you will have the opportunity to enjoy a unique and breathtaking view over the entire center of Verona, including the majestic and scenic Castelvecchio which overlooks the Adige river.
If you only have one day to visit the city of Verona, we recommend this one-day tour, with return transfers from various locations on Lake Garda, including Limone, Lazise and Riva del Garda.
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VENICE
Also in Veneto and the capital city of the region, we find Venice, with its marvelous alleys and romantic canals, known worldwide as the city on the water. One of its most famous symbols is the Grand Canal, crossed by numerous bridges, including the renowned Rialto Bridge, which offers a spectacular view of the gondolas and historic buildings overlooking the water.
An unmissable stop is St. Mark’s Square, the beating heart of the city, where you will find the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica, with its golden mosaics, and the Doge’s Palace, the ancient seat of power of the Serenissima. The square is surrounded by elegant historic cafes, ideal for a relaxing break while admiring the surrounding architecture.
Not far away, the Bridge of Sighs connects the Doge’s Palace to the New Prisons and offers a suggestive glimpse of the lagoon. According to legend, lovers who kiss under the bridge at sunset will see their eternal love come true.
For an authentic experience, explore the sestieri of Venice, the six districts into which the city is divided. Each of them has a unique personality and history, allowing you to discover different facets of this wonderful city.
Not to be missed is the Dorsoduro district, where the Accademia Gallery is located, hosting one of the most important collections of Venetian art, and the lively Campo Santa Margherita, a meeting place for residents and students.
The city is also renowned for its carnival, an explosion of colors and masks that attracts visitors from all over the world every year. The lavish parties and masquerade balls will make you feel like you’re in a fairy tale.
Lastly, don’t forget to take a trip to the lagoon islands: Murano, famous for its ancient glass-making art; Burano, with its brightly colored houses and lace-making tradition; and Torcello, where you can admire ancient Byzantine remnants.
An evening stroll along the illuminated alleys, with the sound of water lapping against the foundations, will make you fall even more in love with this unique city.
To visit Venice comfortably we recommend this full-day guided group tour departing from 17 locations on Lake Garda.
MANTUA
The city of Mantua is located just 40 km by car from Peschiera del Garda and lies on the banks of the Mincio River. The city’s history is closely tied to the Gonzaga family, who ruled Mantua for almost four centuries, from 1328 to 1707. It is thanks to the Gonzagas that Mantua is counted among the most interesting art cities in Italy today: their intense promotion and funding of arts and culture, especially during the Renaissance, attracted some of the most renowned artists from all over Europe to the city.
A perfect example of Mantua’s rich cultural heritage is Sordello Square, historically the city’s beating heart. Surrounding this square are the most fascinating and important buildings, including the Ducal Palace and the adjacent Castle of San Giorgio. The latter is known not only for the charm of its medieval architecture but also for a special room inside one of its four towers: the Camera Picta or Bridal Chamber, entirely painted (including the ceiling) by the prestigious hand of Andrea Mantegna in celebration of the Gonzaga family.
Also in Piazza Sordello, you will find the Mantua Cathedral, or the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, where many famous members of the Gonzaga family are buried.
The other fundamental historical and cultural center of Mantua is the ancient Piazza delle Erbe, which is surrounded by numerous buildings of inestimable cultural value. Among these are the Rotonda di San Lorenzo, one of the oldest churches in the city (erected in the 11th century), and the Gothic Merchant’s House. What undoubtedly draws the most attention are the 13th-century Palazzo della Ragione and the incredible Clock Tower built next to it in 1472. The tower features an enormous, finely crafted astronomical clock on its exterior, a true masterpiece of mechanics and architecture.
In the immediate vicinity of Piazza delle Erbe is the Basilica of Sant’Andrea, the largest church in Mantua. The initial design of the basilica was the work of Leon Battista Alberti, but it was partially modified during the actual construction, which took place after the death of the famous architect and humanist.
In the southern part of the historic center is the marvelous Palazzo Te, a 16th-century villa designed by Giulio Romano, a pupil of the renowned Raphael. While the exteriors of Palazzo Te are magnificent and meticulously detailed, the interiors are equally impressive. The palace is famous for its lavish rooms and chambers, many of which are entirely frescoed by Giulio Romano. Particularly unmissable are the Chamber of Cupid and Psyche, featuring 22 scenes inspired by Apuleius’s Metamorphoses, and the Chamber of the Giants, where the frescoes deceive the eye by hiding the architectural limits of the room.
Finally, we recommend considering other interesting stops such as the Casa del Mantegna, the rich Museo del Po, and the historic Bibiena Scientific Theater.
If you want to visit Mantua with a guide, you can book this two-hour walking tour. Available languages: Spanish, English, German, Italian.
BRESCIA
Although often underestimated and overlooked by the less informed, Brescia can actually be considered one of the most fascinating cities in Italy. The “Lioness of Italy” boasts, among other things, a rich artistic heritage that, in 2023, earned it, along with Bergamo, the title of Italian Capital of Culture.
A great starting point for visiting the city is Paolo VI Square, home to buildings of extreme cultural significance, starting with the two adjacent churches that share the title of the city’s cathedral. On one side is the New Cathedral (or Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta), an imposing church built between 1603 and 1825, which currently serves as the main seat of the diocese. On the other side is the Old Cathedral (or Winter Co-cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta), a Romanesque stone church dating back to the 11th century, particularly fascinating for its round floor plan.
Piazza Paolo VI also boasts the presence of the Broletto, a 13th-century building that served as the municipal seat during the Middle Ages, and the Pegol Tower, a 54-meter high stone tower.
A short walk from Paolo VI Square is Loggia Square, equally rich in incredible and interesting buildings. Dominating the square is the spectacular Loggia Palace (also simply called the “Loggia”), a perfect example of Renaissance architecture that in some ways recalls the characteristic Venetian style. Among the many famous architects who contributed to the design of the Loggia are Andrea Palladio and Jacopo Sansovino. On the opposite side of the Loggia stands the Clock Tower, built in the 16th century and equipped with a complex astronomical clock with two dials: one facing the square and the other facing Via Beccaria.
Also not to be missed is the building known as Monte Vecchio di Pietà or Lapidarium, on whose facade a series of Roman-era tombstones are embedded.
We now move to Colle Cidneo, almost entirely occupied by the solemn Brescia Castle, known as the “Falcon of Italy,” and its imposing walls with several bastions. The castle we see today was initially built in the 13th century but underwent various modifications, the most significant of which occurred in the 16th century. The overall excellent condition of the structure is impressive, and it currently houses two interesting museums: the “L. Marzoli” Arms Museum and the “Leonessa d’Italia” Risorgimento Museum.
Once you’ve climbed up to the castle, we recommend taking a moment to enjoy the breathtaking view of Brescia’s city center that unfolds before your eyes.
We conclude this article by recommending some of Brescia’s most important historical and cultural sites:
– The Santa Giulia Museum, probably the most important museum in the city. Here, you can admire the remains of ancient Roman domus, the famous frescoes of the Nuns’ Choir, and the Desiderius Cross, a prime example of Lombard goldsmithing.
– The Archaeological Park, a well-maintained area where you can discover the remains of Roman-era buildings. The park was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011 and is especially famous for the Capitolium and the Republican-era sanctuary.
– The Tosio Martinengo Art Gallery, a prestigious gallery that houses both ancient and modern artworks.
Also in this case we can suggest a visit with guide and aperitif, lasting 3 hours. English language.
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TRENTO
Nestled among the majestic mountains of Trentino, Trento is a city that captivates with its blend of history, culture, and nature. The historic center and the heart of the city is Piazza Duomo, where the Cathedral of San Vigilio and the Fountain of Neptune stand, architectural symbols of different eras that coexist harmoniously.
The Buonconsiglio Castle, with its towers and crenellated walls, is another unmissable stop. This imposing complex was the residence of the prince-bishops of Trento and today houses museums and exhibitions that tell the history of the city and the region. Strolling through its gardens, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the city and the surrounding mountains.
If you want to admire the city under the magic of night lights, we recommend this two-hour evening tour (Italian guide only). It’s a different way to visit the city, offering a romantic and mysterious atmosphere, and in the summer, a refuge from the daytime heat.
Not far from the center, the Muse – Museum of Science, designed by architect Renzo Piano, offers an interactive and engaging experience, perfect for families and science enthusiasts. The modern and eco-sustainable structure blends seamlessly with the natural landscape, reflecting the city’s focus on the environment.
Trento is also famous for its Christmas markets, which attract visitors from all over the world every year. The stalls, set up in the historic center, offer handcrafted products, local gastronomic specialties, and Christmas decorations, creating a magical and festive atmosphere.
Lastly, you can’t leave Trento without tasting the local specialties. The city’s restaurants and trattorias offer typical Trentino dishes such as canederli, speck, and polenta, accompanied by the renowned wines of the region, including the famous Trentodoc.
On this note, we suggest a stroll through the historic center of Trento to discover its connection with the winemaking tradition.
We hope these suggestions for art cities around Lake Garda provide you with useful ideas for planning your next visit to these beautiful regions surrounding the lake.
For history and culture enthusiasts, we also recommend reading the articles dedicated to other interesting destinations, such as the Vittoriale degli Italiani, the museums of Lake Garda, and the castles of Lake Garda.
Bon voyage!
