Things to see in Gargnano

Gargnano is a picturesque small town on the edge of Lake Garda in the province of Brescia.

The town itself has just over 3000 inhabitants, so is one of the smaller towns bordering the lake. Gargnano is particularly picturesque with narrow, winding medieval streets, a small waterfront with a marina and a large church with an impressive spire.

The majority of the shops and restaurants are within a few hundred meters of the waterfront, but there are shops and hotels spread along the entire length of the main road that is set a little back from the waterfront.

Aside from its impressive history (there are buildings dating back to the 9th century), Gargnano is also renowned as a centre for sports, including athletics, sailing, archery and clay pidgeon shooting.

Just above Bogliaco (a little south of Gargano) is the 1 Church of San Pier d'Agrino, that boasts a 5th-century wooden statue of St. Peter and paintings by Pilotti, Brusasorci, Celesti and Ricchi. Nearby is a sanctuary where a wooden crucifix of the German Gothic school is venerated.

Along the lakeside is the 8th century villa Bettoni, which has very pretty gardens, and at the entrance to Gargnano is the former convent of St. Francis, founded in 1221. The centre of Gargnano boasts a town hall built by Traffegini in 1581.

Following the Via le Rimembrazana from the centre and heading North, a few minutes walk brings you to a park with a playground, a beach and a restaurant. Walking further, brings you to the 2 Villa Fletrinelli

minutes or so further along this same road. Hidden down a side street and lying next to a small harbour, it has some impressive frescoes of the 4th century Veronese and Trento schools.

Along the Gardesana is the 11th century neo-classical 4 Church of San Martino, which was built on the remains of a Roman building. The church was enlarged in 1837 based on designs by Rodolfo Vantini which added two majestic domes.