Peschiera del Garda

Canals and bridges bring a slice of Venice to Garda

Peschiera del Garda, located on the southern shores of Lake Garda, is a delightful town blending history, natural beauty and Italian charm. Its top highlight is the imposing, star-shaped fortress in the heart of the town, an impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The fortress was built in the 15th century by the Repubblica di Venezia. It sits atop the Roman foundation of the town, which used to be called “Arilica”. This Renaissance-era masterpiece, surrounded by canals, offers fascinating insights into historic military architecture. 

Don’t miss the Porta Brescia and Porta Verona, two bridges which are striking ways to get onto the fortress. Within the fortress you’ll discover the lively town centre, so make sure to go for a stroll.  

The canals and bridges add a unique Venetian charm to the town. They are lined with flower pots and shops, as well as terraces to enjoy al fresco dining. And with so many waterways, there are boats everywhere, so you could even go for a gondola ride! 

Peschiera has become a popular spot to stopover and explore while in the Lake Garda area, especially from nearby towns like Sirmione and Bardolino. It’s also in close proximity to the Gardaland Resort amusement park.