A prosperous civilisation has flourished around Lake Garda over the centuries.
Thanks to its ideal microclimate, Lake Garda has in fact been, and still is, a theatre of art, culture and local traditions.
We would like to take you to ten of the main museums around Lake Garda that best tell its story.
I musei sul Lago di Garda
The Castel lemon house
In Limone sul Garda, it is an early 18th-century building, now owned by the municipality, which has undertaken its restoration. A fragrant walk is accompanied by useful information captions along the way. Some fifty citrus plants such as lemons, citrons, grapefruits, mandarins and kumquats are housed here.
A fragrant walk accompanied by useful informative captions along the way. The visit lasts 15 to 20 minutes, immersed in scents and history, with a beautiful view of the town of Limone.
The Vittoriale degli Italiani
The famous residence-museum of Gabriele d’Annunzio, in Gardone Riviera. Situated in a panoramic position on the lake, here you will find a concentration of art, poetry, eccentricities and curiosities from all over the world.
Don’t miss the amphitheatre that hosts international music and show business artists every year. Nine hectares of a unique and magical place; you can even admire a ship in the park! Absolutely not to be missed.
Museum of Tourism
Back in Limone sul Garda, this museum traces the history of the town since the 1900s with photographs and period documents. An excellent alternative in case the rain surprises you. Free admission!
Ugo da Como Foundation
In Lonato del Garda, this is a monumental complex comprising the properties of the Brescian Senator Ugo Da Como (1869 -1941) who wanted to build his cultural citadel here. From the mighty crenellated walls of the Rocca one enjoys a splendid view of the entire Lake Garda area.
A national monument since 1912, the Rocca is now also a perfect location for weddings and events. Crossing the park one arrives at the Casa del Podestà, where today one can visit twenty still-furnished rooms, but above all the
Library, which boasts fifty thousand ancient volumes dating back to the 12th century.
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Giovanni Rambotti Municipal and Archaeological Museum
We are in Desenzano and this small museum offers a journey through the prehistoric cultures that succeeded one another in the Benaco region, which is perhaps the most important area in Europe in terms of wetlands of archaeological interest.
Not to be missed are the rooms dedicated to the world’s oldest plough, the reconstruction of a prehistoric hut and the evocative room dedicated to handicrafts.
Arco Arboretum
A stone’s throw from the centre of Arco, the park is a true open-air museum. Now owned by the municipality, it belonged to the family of Archduke Albert of Austria, who resided in Arco when it was under Austro-Hungarian rule (until 1918).
It houses botanical specialities from all over the world, centuries-old plants, and even a pond with water lilies and turtles. A pleasant and relaxing place with a picnic area and benches.
Lake Museum
In Malcesine you will find this small free museum that offers a view of the life of the lake revolving around fishing.
Packed with objects and testimonies, it is an atmospheric must-see that will also appeal to children.
Museum of Fishing and Lake Traditions
Another museum with a local history theme is located in Peschiera del Garda.
Free and open only at weekends, it describes in detail the art of fishing with the help of period tools and implements.
A place with a simple and genuine atmosphere.
Olive Oil Museum
Located in Cisano di Bardolino, the museum is free and clearly illustrates the techniques used to extract olive oil, a product of excellence of Lake Garda.
You can admire period tools while listening to interesting illustrative videos distributed inside the museum.
At the end of the visit a shop awaits you with the sale of oil, of course, and olive oil products.
Sisan Museum of Ornithological Traditions
To close this virtual tour along the museums of Lake Garda, we suggest this small but rich museum, also in Cisano di Bardolino. It deals with local birding and fishing traditions.
You will come across stuffed birds and animals from Monte Baldo inserted in reconstructions of their natural environments and you can even hear their cries through their audio recordings.
In short, there is no shortage of museums on Lake Garda and they are well worth a visit, even if you are travelling with children or as an alternative when you don’t know what to do when it rains on Lake Garda.
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