Lake Garda

{{Short description|Lake in Italy}} {{Redirect|Benacus|the genus of bugs|Benacus (bug)}} {{More citations needed|find=Lake Garda|date=January 2026}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2024}} {{Infobox body of water | name = Lake Garda | native_name = {{native name list |tag1=it|name1=Lago di Garda |tag2=it|name2=Benaco |tag3=lmo|name3=Lach de Garda |tag4=vec|name4=Ƚago de Garda}} | image = {{Photomontage|position=center | photo1a = GardaLakeItaly.jpg | photo2a = La Rocca di Manerba del Garda con l'isola dei Conigli.jpg | photo3a = Gardasee, Lago di Garda - panoramio (8).jpg | photo3b = Ciclopista del Garda 03.jpg | photo4a = Italy - Sirmione.jpg | photo4b = Malcesine, Castello Scaligero - panoramio.jpg | photo5a = Benacus creino.jpg | size = 250 | spacing = 2 | color = #FFFFFF | border = 0 | foot_montage = '''Clockwise from top''': [[Sentinel-2]] satellite image of the lake; view of the lake from [[Manerba del Garda|Manerba]]; mountains nearby [[Limone sul Garda|Limone]] and [[shared-use path]] of Garda; panorama of [[Sirmione]]; Castel of [[Malcesine]]; and panorama of northern-most part of Lake Garda from [[Nago-Torbole]] }} | image_bathymetry = | pushpin_map = Italy Lombardy#Italy Veneto#Alps | caption_bathymetry = | location = | coords = {{Coord|45|38|N|10|40|E|region:IT_type:waterbody_scale:500000|display=inline,title}} | type = | inflow = [[Sarca]] | outflow = [[Mincio]] | catchment = {{convert|2350|km2|abbr=on}} | basin_countries = [[Italy]] | length = {{convert|51.6|km|abbr=on}} | width = {{convert|16.7|km|abbr=on}} | area = {{convert|369.98|km2|abbr=on}} | depth = {{convert|136|m|abbr=on}} | max-depth = {{convert|346|m|abbr=on}} | volume = {{convert|50.35|km3|acre.ft|abbr=on}} | residence_time = 26.8 years | shore = {{convert|158.4|km|abbr=on}} | elevation = {{convert|65|m|abbr=on}} | islands = 5 (incl. [[Isola del Garda]], Isola San Biagio) | cities = ''[[#Towns and villages on the lake|See article]]'' }}

'''Lake Garda''' ({{langx|it|Lago di Garda}}, {{IPA|it|ˈlaːɡo di ˈɡarda|lang}}, or {{lang|it|(Lago) Benaco}}, {{IPA|it|beˈnaːko|lang}}; {{langx|lmo|label=[[Eastern Lombard]]|Lach de Garda}}; {{langx|vec|Ƚago de Garda}}) is the largest lake in Italy. It is a popular holiday location in northern Italy, between [[Brescia]] and [[Milan]] to the west, and [[Verona]] and [[Venice]] to the east. The lake cuts into the edge of the [[Eastern Alps|Italian Alps]], particularly the Alpine [[List of mountain groups in the Alpine Club classification of the Eastern Alps|sub-ranges]] of the [[Garda Mountains]] and the [[Brenta group|Brenta Group]]. [[Glacier]]s formed this alpine region at the end of the [[Last Glacial Period|last ice age]]. The lake and its shoreline are divided between the provinces of [[Province of Brescia|Brescia]] (to the south-west), [[Province of Verona|Verona]] (south-east) and [[Trentino]] (north).

==Etymology== In Roman times the lake was known as ''Benacus'' and by some it was revered as god Benacus, the personification of the lake, sometimes associated with the cult of [[Neptune (mythology)|Neptune]]. Today it is better known as Lake Garda, a toponym of Germanic origin attested since the [[Middle Ages]] and deriving from that of the [[Garda, Veneto|homonymous town]] on the Veronese shore of the lake, which, together with another famous locality of the lake, [[Gardone Riviera]], and others less known – such as Gàrdola, Gardoncino, Gardoni, Guàrdola and Le Garde – testifies to the Germanic presence in the area from the 6th to the 8th century CE, in particular the [[Lombards|Lombard one]]. The name ''Garda'' derives from the Germanic word ''warda'', meaning "place of guard", "place of observation" or "place of safety".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lagodigarda.it/index.php?id=31|title=Origine del toponimo Garda|language=Italian|access-date=12 February 2011|archive-date=22 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722041246/http://www.lagodigarda.it/index.php?id=31|url-status=live}}</ref>

The classic toponym of the lake, ''Benācus lacus'' (''Benaco''), is almost certainly of [[Celts|Celtic]] origin, therefore prior to romanization, and probably derives from ''bennacus'', comparable with the Irish ''bennach'', which means "horned". The term may derive from the many promontories of the lake.

== Geography == ===Morphology and hydrography=== [[File:Jezioro Garda - widok z Alp.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Lake Garda seen from [[Monte Baldo]]]] [[File:Colline moreniche del Garda.jpg|thumb|left|250px|[[Moraine]] hills are typical of the southern part of Lake Garda.]] The northern part of the lake is located in a depression that insinuates itself inside the [[Alps]], while the southern part occupies an area of the upper [[Pianura Padana]]. The shape is typical of a [[moraine]] valley, probably having been formed under the action of a [[Paleolithic]] glacier. Although traces of the glacier's actions are evident today, in more recent years it has been hypothesised that the glacier occupied a previously existing depression, created by stream erosion 5 to 6 million years ago.

A characteristic of Garda is the limited size of the hydrographic basin ({{convert|2,290|km2|disp=or}}) compared to the lake surface: at a length of {{convert|52|km}} of the lake corresponds the {{convert|95|km}} of the basin, while the respective widths are {{convert|16|km}} and {{convert|42|km}}. The eastern watershed of the Benacense basin has a direction parallel to the axis of the lake, while the western one has a more sinuous course. Within the basin, the major peaks are [[Presanella]] ({{convert|3,556|m|disp=or}}) and [[Adamello]] ({{convert|3,554|m|disp=or}}). Morphologically, the Garda hydrographic basin can be divided into four areas: the plain of about {{convert|200|km2}}, the lake surface of about {{convert|370|km2}}, the western portion of about 500 km2 and the eastern one of approximately {{convert|1,040|km2}}.

To the south of Lake Garda, between [[Brescia]], [[Mantua]] and [[Verona]], a large [[moraine|morainic]] amphitheatre develops: a succession of hilly circles with small flat areas interposed, in some cases marshy, originated thanks to the transport and storage action of the great Garda glacier. These morainic deposits were formed during the glaciations [[Günz glaciation|Günz]], [[Mindel glaciation|Mindel]], [[Riss glaciation|Riss]] and [[Würm glaciation|Würm]]: very limited morainic deposits are attributed to the two oldest, Günz and Mindel, while the outer morainic circles are attributed to the Riss glaciation and the inner ones to the Würm glaciation. The morphology of the hills is gentle and with delicate lines; from the highest points, it is possible to perceive the relationships that link the hills to the mountains as well as the circular amphitheatre shape of the hills, which seem to embrace the southern part of the lake.

The main tributary of Lake Garda is the [[Sarca River]], others include the [[Ponale River]] (fed by [[Lago di Ledro]]), the {{ill|Varone/Magnone River|de|Varone (Fluss)}} (via the [[Cascate del Varone]]) and various streams from both mountainsides, while the only outlet is the [[Mincio River]] ({{convert|79|m|ft|disp=or}}, at Peschiera). The subdivision is created by the presence of a fault submerged between [[Sirmione]] and Punta San Vigilio which is almost a natural barrier that hampers the homogenization between the water of the two zones.

If the water level of the [[Adige River]] is excessive, water is diverted to the lake through the [[Mori-Torbole tunnel]].

===Geology=== The Lake Garda area is considered one of the most seismic in Italy. The oldest known earthquake that struck the Garda region seems to have occurred in 243 (or perhaps 245): it was so disastrous that the city of Benaco, located where [[Toscolano Maderno]] stands today, suddenly disappeared. The disappearance of the town is probably due to the cracking and landslide of the mountain above Toscolano, which caused the flooding of a small lake enclosed by the mountains, whose waters submerged the populous town.

Other earthquakes, more or less intense, followed one another periodically: in 793, when according to the chroniclers it caused great calamities, especially in the Baldo area; in 1457, during which a mountain above [[Salò]] lowered; in 1703, when it caused the fall of numerous houses and caused many victims; in 1810, an earthquake particularly hit [[Malcesine]] where it caused a clouding of the waters and the formation of a crack {{convert|200|m|abbr=off}} long and {{convert|18|cm|abbr=off}} wide in the town square; in 1836, when the tremors caused some landslides in Mount Tomè, in the northernmost part of [[Monte Baldo]], which in turn caused a strong eruption of water.

In 1866 a rather long period of seismic agitation began in the Baldo area, with earthquakes of varying intensity, tremors, shaking and other phenomena of lesser importance, which saw as the most important event the earthquake of 5 January 1892, which shook the entire Garda region with extraordinary violence, causing the fall of chimneys and walls.

Other earthquakes more recently hit [[Salò]] and its surroundings, in particular, the earthquake of 31 October 1901 caused widespread damage to buildings, some collapses and cracks in the ground, while another earthquake in 2004 caused damage to some buildings.

===Islands=== The lake has also numerous small islands and five main ones, the largest being [[Isola del Garda]]. Nearby to the south is [[San Biagio island]], also known as the Isola dei Conigli ("island of the rabbits"). Both are offshore of [[San Felice del Benaco]], on the lake's western side. The three other main islands are Isola dell'Olivo, Isola di Sogno, and Isola di Trimelone, all farther north near the eastern side.

<gallery mode="packed" heights="150px"> File:2021 Gardasee 0420 Isola di Trimelone lmnr1.jpg|Isola di Trimelone File:Golfo di Manerba Isola San Biagio Isola del Garda Golfo di Salò Lago di Garda.jpg|Isola di San Biagio and Isola del Garda </gallery>

===Climate=== {{See also|Italian Lakes#Climate}} [[File:Lago di Garda venti.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Lake Garda with its wind pattern]] The particularly mild climate favours the growth of some hardy [[Mediterranean]] plants, including the [[olive tree]], [[parasol pine]], [[Mediterranean cypress]], [[Chinese windmill palm]] and [[Canary Island date palm]]. Some hardy [[citrus]] trees, such as hardy [[lemon]]s and [[Satsuma (fruit)|satsuma]] can also be found, which are extremely rare at this latitude (46° North).<ref>{{cite book|first=Catherine |last=Richards|title=Lake Como, Lake Lugano, Lake Maggiore, Lake Garda – The Italian Lakes|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ou6VJPNa_F0C&pg=PA91|date=2011|publisher=Hunter Publishing, Inc|isbn=978-1-58843-770-9|page=91}}</ref> In ancient times, poets like [[Catullus]] wrote about "Lacus Benacus" with its mild climate vivified by the winds. The lake is oriented from north to south towards the [[Po Valley]], so many winds typical of the lake are the result of a difference between lower and higher altitude temperatures. Due to this, winds are generated that descend from the mountains to the plains in the morning and go back to the mountains in the afternoon. The bottleneck formed by the lake basin affects the timing of the winds, many of which happen on a regular daily basis. The winds are all named, most in regional Italian dialect so a single wind may have different names.

{{Weather box|width=auto |metric first=y |single line=y |collapsed = Y |location = Lake Garda ([[Salò]]) (1981–2010) |Jan high C = 7.3 |Feb high C = 8.8 |Mar high C = 13.4 |Apr high C = 17.4 |May high C = 22.8 |Jun high C = 26.7 |Jul high C = 29.4 |Aug high C = 28.7 |Sep high C = 23.8 |Oct high C = 17.8 |Nov high C = 11.9 |Dec high C = 8.1 | year high C = |Jan mean C = 4.5 |Feb mean C = 5.5 |Mar mean C = 9.5 |Apr mean C = 13.2 |May mean C = 18.2 |Jun mean C = 21.9 |Jul mean C = 24.5 |Aug mean C = 24.0 |Sep mean C = 19.7 |Oct mean C = 14.7 |Nov mean C = 9.0 |Dec mean C = 5.4 | year mean C = |Jan low C = 1.6 |Feb low C = 2.2 |Mar low C = 5.6 |Apr low C = 9.0 |May low C = 13.5 |Jun low C = 17.1 |Jul low C = 19.5 |Aug low C = 19.2 |Sep low C = 15.7 |Oct low C = 11.6 |Nov low C = 6.2 |Dec low C = 2.7 | year low C = | precipitation colour = green | Jan precipitation mm = 77 | Feb precipitation mm = 67 | Mar precipitation mm =86 | Apr precipitation mm =86 | May precipitation mm =106 | Jun precipitation mm =95 | Jul precipitation mm = 90 | Aug precipitation mm =115 | Sep precipitation mm =89 | Oct precipitation mm =120 | Nov precipitation mm =106 | Dec precipitation mm = 68 |unit precipitation days = 1.0 mm | Jan precipitation days = 7 | Feb precipitation days = 6 | Mar precipitation days = 8 | Apr precipitation days = 9 | May precipitation days = 11 | Jun precipitation days = 10 | Jul precipitation days = 7 | Aug precipitation days = 8 | Sep precipitation days = 6 | Oct precipitation days = 8 | Nov precipitation days = 9 | Dec precipitation days = 6 | year precipitation days = |source 1 = Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale<ref name = ISPRA>{{cite web | url = https://www.isprambiente.gov.it/files/pubblicazioni/SA_55_14_Valori_climatici_normali.pdf | title = Valori climatici normali di temperatura e precipitazione in Italia | publisher = Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale | access-date = 26 November 2024 | archive-date = 22 December 2024 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20241222224710/https://www.isprambiente.gov.it/files/pubblicazioni/SA_55_14_Valori_climatici_normali.pdf | url-status = live }}</ref> | source 2 = Enea-Casaccia (precipitation)<ref name=Clima1>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305162952/http://clisun.casaccia.enea.it/profili/tabelle/084%20%5BSal%C3%B2%5D%20capoluogo.Txt |archive-date=2016-03-05 | url = http://clisun.casaccia.enea.it/profili/tabelle/084%20%5BSal%C3%B2%5D%20capoluogo.Txt | title = Climate data for Salò, Lake Garda | publisher=Enea-Casaccia | access-date = 26 November 2024}}</ref> Climi e viaggi (precipitation days)<ref name=Clim>{{cite web | url = https://www.climieviaggi.it/clima/italia/lago-garda | title = Clima - Lago Garda (Veneto) | publisher = Climi e viaggi | access-date = 26 November 2024 | archive-date = 30 November 2024 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20241130222116/https://www.climieviaggi.it/clima/italia/lago-garda | url-status = live }}</ref> }}

===Fauna and flora=== Lake Garda is rich in [[biodiversity]]. ''[[Salmo carpio]]'', also known as the '''carpione''' (''carpione del Garda''<ref name=FB>{{FishBase|Salmo|carpio}}</ref><ref name=IUCN>{{cite iucn |publisher=[[IUCN]]|title=''Salmo carpio''|author=Crivelli A. J.|year=2006|volume=2006|article-number=e.T19856A9030378|doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2006.RLTS.T19856A9030378.en|url=https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/19856/9030378|access-date=3 May 2023}}</ref> or ''Lake Garda carpione''<ref name=JFB>{{cite journal|first1=S.|last1=Melotto|first2=G.|last2=Alessio|date=November 1990|title=Biology of carpione, ''Salmo carpio'' L., an endemic species of Lake Garda (Italy)|journal=[[Journal of Fish Biology]]|volume=37|issue=5 |pages=687–698|doi=10.1111/j.1095-8649.1990.tb02533.x}}</ref>) is a rare [[salmonid]] fish [[endemism|endemic]] to Lake Garda. It has been introduced to a number of other lakes in Italy and elsewhere but unsuccessfully in all cases.<ref name=FB/> The population in Lake Garda has been strongly declining, and is considered [[critically endangered]] ([[IUCN Red List|IUCN 3.1]]).<ref name=IUCN/><ref name=JFB/> The main threats are due to overfishing, pollution and possibly competition from introduced species such as [[Coregonus]] and other [[Salmonidae]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fishing-worldrecords.com/scientificname/Salmo%20carpio/show|title=Salmonidae up 10 kg >> Salmo carpio|website=Fishing Worldrecords|access-date=28 November 2016|archive-date=18 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118010320/http://www.fishing-worldrecords.com/scientificname/Salmo%20carpio/show|url-status=live}}</ref>

Adult lake trout outside the mating season are silvery with very few black spots on the body and almost none on the head. During the mating season, some males develop a dark mottled body colouration. Garda lake trout reach a length of up to {{convert|50|cm|abbr=off}}. They live primarily in depths of {{convert |100|to|200|m| abbr=off}}. They feed on [[zooplankton]] and bottom-dwelling [[crustaceans]] in summer. Males and females reach sexual maturity at two or three years. The mating takes place every one to two years. The spawning takes place in {{convert|50|to|300|m|abbr=off}} depth in the vicinity of underwater springs. The maximum age is five years.<ref name=FB/>

Areas around Lake Garda, inhabited since prehistoric times, are an environment of great naturalistic value, with vegetation typical of the [[Mediterranean climate]] such as [[Olea europaea|olive trees]], [[Vitis|vines]], [[lemon|lemon trees]], [[Agave (botany)|agave]] and other plants, which thrive thanks to the microclimate created by the Garda basin, which makes winter particularly mild. During the spring wildflowers such as [[Primulaceae|primroses]], [[iris (botany)|iris]], [[Viola (plant)|violets]] and [[Lilium bulbiferum|red lilies]] are born, while in summer some bloom varieties of wild [[orchids]]. Thanks to the presence of protected areas, hares and small wild mammals, water birds and birds of prey survive, while ponds and ditches are populated by [[Esox lucius|pike]], [[Cyprinus carpio|carp]] and [[Anguilla anguilla|eels]]. The herds of cattle, horses and other domestic animals give a bucolic aspect to the hilly landscape.

<gallery mode="packed" heights="150px"> File:Viale delle Rose (58).jpg|[[Parco Giardino Sigurtà]] is a naturalistic park that is home to many different species of plants and flowers. File:Desenzano del Garda Torre di San Martino della Battaglia Panorama 02.jpg|Countryside around [[Desenzano del Garda|Desenzano]]. Vines are common in the southern part of the Lake. File:Olivi sul Lago di Garda.jpg|Olive trees File:Limonaia del Castel - DSC02132.JPG|Lemon trees in [[Limone sul Garda|Limone]] </gallery>

== History == Traces of human presence around the lake have been found related to the [[Middle Paleolithic]], in particular flint tools, but only above certain altitudes, as at lower altitudes, the actions of the glaciers have cancelled all the clues that could have proved the presence of man. There are some signs of encampments from [[Upper Paleolithic]], in particular on the slopes of [[Monte Baldo]] and [[Monte Stivo|Stivo]]. In the [[Neolithic]] the populations that inhabited the lake came into contact with the [[square-mouthed vases culture]], as evidenced by the objects accompanying some tombs from this period found near [[Arco, Trentino|Arco]].

===Bronze and Iron ages=== The greatest evidence of human presence in prehistoric times dates back to the [[Bronze Age]], when numerous aggregates of [[stilt houses]] arose in the lower lake before being abandoned during the [[Iron Age]] in favour of more strategic points. Lake Garda was a meeting point between the populations of [[Rhaetian people|Reti]] and [[Adriatic Veneti|Veneti]], whose presence is testified in particular by the necropolis of Garda, as well as that of the [[Etruscan civilization|Etruscans]] who came to trade in these areas. Also plausible is the presence of the [[Cenomani (Cisalpine Gaul)|Cenomani]], who would have settled in the area between [[Brescia]] and the lake around the 6th century BC, leaving their traces mostly in the Lombard toponymy.

===Roman times=== [[File:Lago di Garda,Sirmione, Grotte di Catullo.jpg|thumb|250px|right|[[Grottoes of Catullus]] in [[Sirmione]]]] The integration between [[Ancient Rome|Romans]] and [[Cenomani (Cisalpine Gaul)|Cenomani]], who controlled the Garda area, probably began in 225 BC, when there was a treaty of alliance between Cenomani, Veneti and Romans, even if the actual Romanization of the territory took place between the 2nd and 1st centuries BC. In 89 BC the rights of Latin cities were granted to the Garda areas by the will of the Roman consul [[Gnaeus Pompeius Strabo]], while forty years later Roman citizenship was finally granted to [[Brescia|Brixia]] (whose countryside included the western and northern banks of the Benaco) and [[Verona]] (which instead included the eastern shore). During the 1st century AD many roads were built, such as the ''[[via Gallica]]'', which connected Verona to [[Milan]] passing through [[Peschiera del Garda|Peschiera]] (the ancient ''Arilica''), and the ''[[via Claudia Augusta]]'', which connected the plain with the Resia pass and therefore the northernmost territories, as well as some minor roads that connected the Adige valley with the Garda. Two ''[[Pagus|pagi]]'' were also established: ''pagus Benacenses'' on Brescia and ''pagus Claudienses'' on Verona.

In 268 AD the [[Battle of Lake Benacus]] was fought between the army of the [[Roman Empire]], commanded by the future emperor [[Claudius Gothicus]], and the German federation of the [[Alamanni]]. The overwhelming victory obtained by the Romans allowed the expulsion of Alemanni from northern Italy, due to the very serious losses they suffered during the battle.

The Roman presence is amply testified also by settlements, villas (in particular the notes [[Grottoes of Catullus]]), by the remains of [[centuriation]] still visible today, by the remains of sanctuaries, tombstones and epigraphic testimonies.

===Middle Ages=== [[File:View malcesine lake garda veneto italy.JPG|thumb|250px|right|Scaliger Castle of [[Malcesine]]]] [[File:Italy - Sirmione - Scaligero Castle.jpg|thumb|250px|right|[[Scaligero Castle (Sirmione)|Scaliger Castle of Sirmione]]]] In the Middle Ages Lake Garda was described by [[Dante Alighieri|Dante]] in his ''[[Divine Comedy]]'': {{Verse translation| Suso in Italia bella giace un laco, a piè de l'Alpe che serra Lamagna sovra Tiralli, c'ha nome Benaco. | Above in beauteous Italy lies a lake, At the Alp's foot that shuts in Germany Over Tyrol, and has the name Benaco.}}

After the collapse of the [[Roman Empire]], the Garda region witnessed the passage of numerous Germanic populations, but the first one that settled there, after a long migration, was that of the [[Lombards]]. Their testimonies are mostly present along the southern and eastern shores, preferred to other areas due to their strategic importance: from here it was possible to control both the waterways of Garda and Mincio, and the Adige valley. During the Lombard hegemony, there was a first administrative reorganization, as well as the definitive Christianization of the area, begun in the previous centuries by [[Vigilius of Trent]] and [[Zeno of Verona]]. The lake remained on the border between three powerful Lombard duchies: Brescia, Verona and Trento.

The first documents that testify the presence of a ''Fines Gardenses'', an entity with its own officials for the administration of justice, even if not autonomous with respect to the Count of Verona, date back to 825, while after the year 1000 county of Garda was established by the emperor [[Emperor Henry II|Henry II]]. Starting from the 11th century, towns around the lake began to develop a differentiated policy compared to that of the major centres of influence – Brescia, Verona and Trento – and this greater autonomy meant that many centres became free communities. These possessed comfortable economic conditions compared to the inland countries and a strong social awareness and sense of community.

In the 13th century, however, the rule of the [[Scaliger]] family was established and they soon subdued the eastern shore of the lake. The Scaliger built numerous defensive constructions, in particular, they built the castles of [[Scaligero Castle (Sirmione)|Sirmione]], Malcesine and Riva, reinforced the port structures of [[Lazise]] and [[Torri del Benaco]], and built a great defense system called ''Serraglio'', the only one of its kind in Italy. This fortified system, completed by [[Cangrande II della Scala|Cangrande II]] in 1355, included isolated castles in [[Ponti sul Mincio]] and [[Monzambano]], serious continuous and uninterrupted castles and towers connected by defensive walls starting from the fortress of [[Valeggio sul Mincio]] and then continuing up to [[Nogarole Rocca]]. The Seraglio remained practically intact until the mid-19th century when it was partially dismantled.

===Early modern history=== In 1387, following the defeat of [[Antonio della Scala]], the whole Garda area was subjected to the [[Visconti]]; as early as 1405 the eastern shore passed into the hands of the [[Republic of Venice]], while the western shore remained afflicted by the struggles between [[Guelphs and Ghibellines]]. In 1426 the Visconti lost Brescia and the western shore of the lake, which thus passed into the hands of Venice: gathered under the flag of the Republic of Venice, the 34 Benacense municipalities obtained ample autonomy. The war returned in 1438, due to the struggle between [[Republic of Venice|Venice]] and [[Duchy of Milan|Milan]]: an exceptional event, remembered with the name of ''[[Galeas per montes]]'', was the passage of a fleet composed of six galleys and twenty-five ships on the slopes of Monte Baldo, pulled by 2,000 oxen. This fleet sailed on [[Adige]] and almost reached [[Rovereto]], from where it was transported to Lake Garda by land through the valley of [[Lago di Loppio|Lake Loppio]]. The fleet was then used to counter the Milanese one and had its greatest success in a battle at Riva del Garda, which was followed by the capitulation of the city.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Romanoni |first1=Fabio |title=La guerra d'acqua dolce. Navi e conflitti medievali nell'Italia settentrionale |language=it |date=2023 |publisher=Clueb |location=Bologna |isbn=978-88-31365-53-6 |pages=98–100 |url=https://www.academia.edu/100479472 |access-date=26 April 2023 |archive-date=8 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708194804/https://www.academia.edu/100479472 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 1508 the [[League of Cambrai]] was formed against Venice who then strengthened the castles of its mainland domains, including those of Salò and Padenghe, and sent several galleys to the lake, as well as having new ones built directly on Lake Garda. During the war the Venetians lost part of their domains which were however recovered in 1512. In 1516 emperor [[Maximilian I of Habsburg|Maximilian I]] came to Italy and the lake returned to German hands again, allowing Venice to recover the lost territories.

In 1796 the territories of the Venetian Republic were involved in the [[Napoleonic Wars]]: at the end of May, the French advanced to the lake and defeated the Austrians at Borghetto sul Mincio, conquering Peschiera. At the end of July, the French were defeated and had to retreat beyond Salò, which was then occupied by the Austrians. Numerous clashes took place between the adversaries on the battlefield of Lake Garda. In 1797 the French occupied [[Mantua]], while Brescia valleys and towns on the lake rose up against the Napoleonic forces, even if the Republic of Venice maintained its neutral status and did not send aid to rescue. The Veronese, on the other hand, autonomously organized expeditions against the centres occupied by the French, but were defeated and forced to retreat to Verona, where on 17 April the anti-French insurrections called "[[Veronese Easters|Pasque Veronesi]]" (''Pasque Veronesi'') began. ". On 17 October the [[Treaty of Campoformio]] was signed: the southwestern shores went to the French, while the north-eastern ones went to the Austrians. In 1799 the war continued until the following year the lake returned to French hands: it became part of the [[Cisalpine Republic]] (later transformed into [[Italian Republic (Napoleonic)|Italian Republic]] and then again in [[Kingdom of Italy (1805–1814)|Kingdom of Italy]], always under French control.

In 1815 following the definitive defeat of [[Napoleon Bonaparte]], during the [[Congress of Vienna]] it was decided to create the [[Kingdom of Lombardy–Venetia]]: in this way, the whole Garda region returned to Austrian hands.

=== Later modern and contemporary history === [[File:Desenzano del Garda Torre di San Martino della Battaglia Esterno 06.jpg|thumb|200px|right|[[Tower of San Martino della Battaglia]], built on the site of the battle of San Martino, part of [[battle of Solferino]] (1859)]] The [[First Italian War of Independence]] saw an initial slow advance of the Piedmontese army towards the lake: at the news of its approach, Salò rebelled against the Austrians, several soldiers were taken prisoner and the Austrian insignia demolished. During the events also Riva del Garda and several towns on the Veronese side rose up. The Austrian army was forced to retreat to the [[Mincio]] line due to the advance of the Piedmontese troops and on 4 April the Austrians were driven out of Lonato and Desenzano, while the Piedmontese attempt to conquer Peschiera was unsuccessful. After the [[Battle of Custoza (1848)|Piedmontese defeat of Custoza]] the pre-war ''status quo'' was restored. In 1859 the [[Second Italian War of Independence|Second War of Independence]] began; on 18 June the [[Hunters of the Alps]] managed to enter Salò, from where [[Giuseppe Garibaldi]] wanted to leave to continue the advance towards Veneto crossing the lake with some boats, but new orders forced him to move the troops in the Brescia valleys. However, the Italian troops managed to sink an Austrian steamship before leaving Salò. Shortly after the [[battle of Solferino and San Martino]] was won by the Franco-Savoyards and Peschiera was besieged. With the [[armistice of Villafranca]] the war was put to an end: Garda returned to be a land border, on this occasion between Italians and Austrians. During the [[Third Italian War of Independence|Third War of Independence]] Garibaldi returned to Salò again and from there he invaded [[Trentino]]. Meanwhile, the Austrians [[Naval operations on Lake Garda (1866)|repeatedly bombarded]] [[Gargnano]] and tried to impose their dominance. Despite the humiliating Italian defeat, in 1866 Veneto was finally handed over to the [[Kingdom of Italy (1861–1946)|Kingdom of Italy]], except for the northern part of the lake which still remained under Austrian control.

[[File:Vittoriale il complesso monumentale.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Areal view of [[Vittoriale degli Italiani]]]] During the [[First World War]] towns on Lake Garda were attacked by aerial bombardment several times. The first took place on 23 July 1915, when Riva del Garda was hit. The steamers of the lake were requisitioned by the Italian army and were re-equipped as warships. The following year some guns and artillery batteries were installed, but on 20 February 1916, Riva was hit again by air. The following day three Austrian planes bombed Desenzano, while on 27 February bombs fell in Nago and Torbole. In 1918 Riva was bombed again. Later Limone and, once again, Riva were targeted, but with the end of the war, Trentino was also passed into Italian hands.

In the period between the two wars the poet [[Gabriele D'Annunzio]] settled in [[Gardone Riviera]], where the "''[[Vittoriale degli Italiani]]''", his residence and now a museum, would later be built.

Until 1943 the events of [[Second World War]] did not particularly affect the lake region, but following the birth of the [[Italian Social Republic]] (a German [[puppet state]] and Fascist Italian [[rump state]]), the German command settled in Limone and, on 10 October, that of [[Benito Mussolini]] in Gargnano. The Ministry of Defense was located in Desenzano; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Popular Culture and the press agencies settled in Salò, which became the capital of the newborn [[Fascist Italy]].{{citation needed||date=June 2024}} At the end, Mussolini was strung up on a lamppost in his Lake Garda [[enclave]].<ref>{{cite book |title=Europe in the Era of Two World Wars: From Militarism and Genocide to Civil Society 1900-1950 |author1=Volker R. Berghahn |publisher=Princeton University Press |year=2008 |isbn=978-1-4008-3261-3 |page=132 }}</ref>

Fasano was the seat of the German embassy and Gardone of the Japanese one, while the Ministry of the Interior and the seat of the [[Republican Fascist Party]] (PFR) found accommodation in Maderno. The upper part of the lake was also occupied militarily by the ''[[Wehrmacht]]''. In April 1945 the lake was freed by the Allies and later became part of the [[Republic of Italy]]. The award-winning documentary film [[The Lost Mountaineers]] looks at the tragic events that happened in the last days of the war in northern Lake Garda.

== Myth and legend == According to the [[Greco-Roman mythology]], the River [[Mincio|Mincius]] was the child of the Lake Benacus.<ref>[https://www.poetryintranslation.com/PITBR/Latin/VirgilAeneidX.php Virgil, Aeneid, 10.163].</ref>

In ancient [[Germanic heroic legend|German Sagas]], Garda was home to [[Ortnit]].

== Towns and villages on the lake == Around Lake Garda there are 26 ''[[comune|comuni]]'', the most populated being [[Desenzano del Garda]] (29,179 inhabitants), followed by [[Arco, Trentino|Arco]] (17,857) and [[Riva del Garda]] (17,518). {|class="wikitable" style="width:520px; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; border:none;" |+''[[Comune|Comuni]]'' of Lake Garda |- ! Lombardy ! Veneto ! Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol |- ! [[Province of Brescia]] {{nobold|(clockwise: south to north)}} ! [[Province of Verona]] {{nobold|(clockwise: north to south)}} ! [[Trentino|Autonomous Province of Trento]] {{nobold|(clockwise: west to east)}} |- |valign="top" | * [[Sirmione]] * [[Desenzano del Garda]] * [[Lonato del Garda]] * [[Padenghe sul Garda]] * [[Moniga del Garda]] * [[Manerba del Garda]] * [[San Felice del Benaco]] * [[Salò]] * [[Gardone Riviera]] * [[Toscolano-Maderno]] * [[Gargnano]] * [[Tignale]] * [[Tremosine]] * [[Limone sul Garda]] |valign="top" | * [[Malcesine]] * [[Brenzone]] * [[Torri del Benaco]] * [[Garda, Verona|Garda]] * [[Bardolino]] * [[Lazise]] * [[Castelnuovo del Garda]] * [[Peschiera del Garda]] |valign="top" | * [[Riva del Garda]] * [[Arco, Trentino|Arco]] * [[Nago–Torbole]] |- |} {{Clear}}

<gallery mode="packed" heights="150px"> File:25015 Desenzano del Garda, Province of Brescia, Italy - panoramio (5).jpg|[[Desenzano del Garda|Desenzano]] File:View over Riva del Garda, Italy.jpg|[[Riva del Garda|Riva]] File:Lazise veduta.jpg|[[Lazise]] File:Barchetta - panoramio.jpg|[[Salò]] File:Cassone di Malcesine (lago di Garda).jpg|[[Malcesine]] File:Parrocchia Arcipretale Di S. Andrea Apostolo, Piazza S. Marco.jpg|[[Toscolano Maderno]] File:Limone sul Garda Blick auf den Lago di Garda & Limone sul Garda 10.jpg|[[Limone sul Garda|Limone]] File:Castello Torri 02.jpg|[[Torri del Benaco]] File:PeschieraDelGarda 24.jpg|[[Peschiera del Garda|Peschiera]] </gallery>

==Economy== ===Tourism=== [[File:Fontata Entrata Gardaland.jpg|thumb|250px|right|[[Gardaland]], the most visited theme park in Italy]] Garda's economy is mostly dependent on tourism.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lake Garda Resorts |url=http://www.lakegardaholidays.co.uk/resorts |publisher=lakegardaholidays.co.uk |access-date=28 September 2016 |archive-date=27 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327021113/http://www.lakegardaholidays.co.uk/resorts|url-status=live}}</ref> Back to Roman times, especially from the early imperial age, magnificent villas were present on the shores of the lake, conceived as places dedicated to ''[[otium]]'', an activity actually reserved for the ruling classes. In particular [[Sirmione]] was a privileged place for the presence of sulphurous springs that allowed thermal use. Starting from the [[Renaissance]] the lake returned to be populated with noble villas.

Tourism in the modern conception of the term, however, developed from the end of the 19th century, when elite tourism concerned almost exclusively the north-western area of the lake. One of the first tourist resorts was [[Gardone Riviera]], where the first small hotel was built. Expanded over time, it became one of the buildings that made up the luxurious Grand Hotel Gardone Riviera.{{citation needed||date=April 2025}} Restaurant Gardone Riviera remains an internationally renown destination restaurant, known for its lake views and [[pasta dish]]es.<ref>{{cite web |title=A local's guide to Lake Garda |url=https://www.timeout.com/italy/travel/lake-garda-guide |publisher=TimeOut |access-date=21 August 2024 |author1=Rebecca Ann Hughes |archive-date=3 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240803075611/https://www.timeout.com/italy/travel/lake-garda-guide |url-status=live }}</ref>

In vicinity of Hotel Gardone Riviera other small hotels and villas slowly arose and, after the poet [[Gabriele D'Annunzio]] had the [[Vittoriale degli Italiani]] built here, the fame of the place grew further. On the Veronese shore, tourism arrived much later, around the 1930s, when the current ''Strada Gardesana Orientale'' was built along the shores of the lake. With the arrival of tourists, "lakeside promenades" were planned. Since the 1950s tourism has undergone a sort of transformation: tourism with a long stay has been accompanied by "hit and run" tourism, with a short stop, just for the weekend or even for a few hours. The first is fed by tourists who want to spend their holidays on the lake, coming from different areas (in addition to Italians, numerous Germans, French, Swiss and Dutch), while the second is fed by those who live a short distance from the lake and who want to spend a few hours there. Both types of tourism have caused notable changes in the organization of the territory and the inhabited centres.

Furthermore, in the second half of the 20th century, a real entertainment industry was formed along Lake Garda as a series of parks were built.<ref>{{Cite web |publisher=Explore Lake Garda |title=Italy: The Best Online Travel Guide |url=https://www.explorelakegarda.com/ |access-date=2024-11-13 |archive-date=14 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241114153158/https://www.explorelakegarda.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The most important is [[Gardaland]], the biggest Italian theme park which hosts numerous tourist attractions.

Lake Garda is also a popular destination for [[sport tourism]]. Riva, Torbole and Campione are famous for winds that attract people who practice [[sailing|sail]], [[windsurf]] and [[kiteboarding|kiteboard]]. The Centomiglia Regatta also sailed there every year.

== Transport ==

=== Ferries === [[File:L00 130 Peschiera del Garda, MFS Mincio.jpg|thumb|250px|Ferry on service on the lake]] Ship transport is provided by [[Gestione Governativa Navigazione Laghi|Navigazione Laghi]]. A daily ferry service connects major towns on the eastern and western shores of Lake Garda. The service runs from [[Desenzano del Garda]] to [[Riva del Garda]], via [[Peschiera del Garda]], [[Salò]] and [[Malcesine]].

=== Railway === The region can be reached directly via the [[Milan-Venice railway]], with [[Desenzano del Garda-Sirmione railway station|Desenzano-Sirmione]] and [[Peschiera del Garda railway station|Peschiera railway station]].

=== Buses === [[File:SAIA MAN Lions City 360 Sirmione 20120807.JPG|250px|thumb|right|Bus directed to Brescia in Sirmione]] {{multiple image | align = right | direction = vertical | width = 250 | header = | image1 = Ingresso della Forra a Tremosine b.jpg | alt1 = | caption1 = | image2 = La strada della Forra.jpg | alt2 = | caption2 = ''Strada della Forra'' in [[Tremosine]] is part of the State Highway that connects [[Salò]] to [[Riva del Garda]]. Due to its scenographic aspect in 2008, it was selected as one of the filming locations of the movie ''[[Quantum of Solace]]''. }} [[File:Ciclopista del Garda 02.jpg|thumb|right|250px|''Ciclopista del Garda'' opened in 2018 is a [[shared-use path]] for bikes and pedestrians which runs from [[Limone sul Garda|Limone]] to [[Riva del Garda|Riva]].]] Buses are faster alternatives to ferry services. On the eastern coast, ATV (Verona Transport Company) provides at least five daily bus routes between [[Verona]] and Garda, with one route extending to [[Riva del Garda]]. Trentino Transporti provides daily bus routes between Riva del Garda and [[Rovereto]] or [[Trento]]. On the western coast, SAIA (Brescia Mobilità) provides regular bus services between [[Desenzano del Garda]], [[Salò]], [[Gargnano]] and [[Brescia]].

===Highways=== The lake is located at the centre of a crucial node between [[Brescia]], [[Verona]] and [[Trento]], and is therefore easily reachable via the transversal infrastructures of the [[Po Valley]] and those of the [[Brenner Pass|Brenner]]-[[Rome]] axis: {| class="wikitable" border="1" |- |- align="center" bgcolor="08842C" style="color: white;font-size:100%;" | colspan="6" | '''[[Autostrada A4 (Italy)|A4]] TURIN – TRIESTE''' |- !'''Type'''!!align="center"|'''Exit'''!!align="center"|'''↓km↓'''!!align="center"|'''↑km↑'''!!align="center"|'''Province'''!!align="center"|'''European Route''' |- | [[Image:AB-AS-grün.svg]]|| [[Brescia]] Est [[Image:RWBA Flughafen(R).svg|15px]] [[Brescia Airport|Brescia-Montichiari]]|| align="right"| 228.8||align="right"|413.5 || align="center"|[[Province of Brescia|BS]]||align="center"|[[Image:Tabliczka E70.svg|27px]] |- | [[Image:Zeichen 314 - Parkplatz, StVO 2013.svg|12px]]|| Parking Area "Campagnola" ||align="right"| 232.2||align="right"|409.1 || align="center"|BS||align="center"|[[Image:Tabliczka E70.svg|27px]] |- | [[Image:AB-AS-grün.svg]]|| [[Desenzano del Garda|Desenzano]] || align="right"| 243.9||align="right"|397.4 || align="center"|BS||align="center"|[[Image:Tabliczka E70.svg|27px]] |- | [[Image:RJLUKservices.svg|27px]]|| Service Area "Monte Alto" || align="right"| 244.6||align="right"|396.7 || align="center"| BS||align="center"|[[Image:Tabliczka E70.svg|27px]] |- | [[Image:AB-AS-grün.svg]]|| [[Sirmione]] || align="right"|251.3||align="right"|390.0 || align="center"|BS||align="center"|[[Image:Tabliczka E70.svg|27px]] |- | [[Image:AB-AS-grün.svg]]|| [[Peschiera del Garda|Peschiera]] || align="right"|258.8||align="right"|382.5 || align="center"|[[Province of Verona|VR]]||align="center"|[[Image:Tabliczka E70.svg|27px]] |- | [[Image:AB-AS-grün.svg]]|| [[Castelnuovo del Garda]] ''(under construction)'' [[Image:Italian traffic signs - inizio strada extraurbana principale (figura II 345).svg|14px|superstrada]] Strada Statale 450 di Affi|| align="right"|266.3||align="right"|375.0 || align="center"|VR||align="center"|[[Image:Tabliczka E70.svg|27px]] |- | [[Image:Zeichen 314 - Parkplatz, StVO 2013.svg|12px]]|| Parking Area "Val di Sona" || align="right"| 268.4||align="right"|372.9 ||align="center"|VR||align="center"|[[Image:Tabliczka E70.svg|27px]] |- | [[Image:AB-AS-grün.svg]]|| [[Sommacampagna]] [[Image:RWBA Flughafen(R).svg|15px]] [[Verona Airport|Verona-Villafranca]] || align="right"|270.4||align="right"|370.9 || align="center"|VR||align="center"|[[Image:Tabliczka E70.svg|27px]] |- | [[Image:RJLUKservices.svg|27px]]|| Service Area "Monte Baldo" || align="right"| 271.7||align="right"|369.6 || align="center"| VR||align="center"|[[Image:Tabliczka E70.svg|27px]] |- | [[Image:AB-Kreuz-grün.svg]]|| [[Image:Autostrada A22 Italia.svg|23px]] [[Autostrada A22 (Italy)|Autostrada A22]]||align="right"| 275.3||align="right"|366.0 ||align="center"|VR||align="center"|[[Image:Tabliczka E70.svg|27px]] |- | style="color:white; background:#08842c; text-align:center" colspan=6 | '''[[Autostrada A22 (Italy)|A22]] MODENA – BRENNERO''' |- | [[Image:AB-Kreuz-grün.svg]]|| [[Image:Autostrada A4 Italia.svg|23px]] [[Autostrada A4 (Italy)|Autostrada A4]]||align="right"| 86||align="right"|228 ||align="center"|[[Province of Verona|VR]]||align="center"|[[Image:Tabliczka E45.svg|27px]] |- | [[File:AB-AS-grün.svg]]|| [[Verona]] nord [[Image:RWBA Flughafen(R).svg|15px]] [[Verona Airport|Verona-Villafranca]]|| align="right"| 88|| align="right"|226|| align="center"|VR||align="center"|[[Image:Tabliczka E45.svg|27px]] |- | [[Image:RJLUKservices.svg|27px]]||Service Area "Garda" || align="right"|104 || align="right" |210|| align="center"| VR||align="center"|[[Image:Tabliczka E45.svg|27px]] |- | [[File:AB-AS-grün.svg]]|| [[Affi]]–[[Lago di Garda]] sud|| align="right"| 108|| align="right" |206|| align="center"| VR||align="center"|[[Image:Tabliczka E45.svg|27px]] |- | [[Image:RJLUKservices.svg|27px]]||Service Area "Adige" || align="right"|128 || align="right" |186|| align="center"| VR||align="center"|[[Image:Tabliczka E45.svg|27px]] |- | [[File:AB-AS-grün.svg]]|| [[Ala, Trentino|Ala]]–[[Avio, Trentino|Avio]]|| align="right"|135 || align="right"|179 ||align="center"|[[provincia di Trento|TN]]||align="center"|[[Image:Tabliczka E45.svg|27px]] |- | [[File:AB-AS-grün.svg]]|| [[Rovereto]] sud–[[Lago di Garda]] nord|| align="right"| 147|| align="right"|167|| align="center"|TN||align="center"|[[Image:Tabliczka E45.svg|27px]] |- |}

===Roads=== Lake Garda is also served by a road network that runs along the entire lake and is made up of the following infrastructures: *[[File:Strada Statale 11 Italia.svg|45px]] [[State highway (Italy)|State Highway]] 11 Padana Superiore, from [[Desenzano del Garda]] to [[Peschiera del Garda]] *[[File:Strada Statale 45bis Italia.svg|45px]] [[State highway (Italy)|State Highway]] 45bis Gardesana Occidentale, from [[Salò]] to [[Riva del Garda]] *[[File:Strada Statale 249 Italia.svg|45px]] [[State highway (Italy)|State Highway]] 249 Gardesana Orientale, from [[Peschiera del Garda]] to [[Riva del Garda]] *[[File:Strada Statale 572 Italia.svg|45px]] [[State highway (Italy)|State Highway]] 572 di Salò, from [[Desenzano del Garda]] to [[Salò]]

== Panoramas == {{wide image|Lake Garda - View from Monte Baldo.jpg |770px|Panoramic view from Monte Baldo of Lake Garda }} {{wide image|Cima Comer panorama Lago di Garda.jpg |770px|Panoramic view of Lake Garda from Cima Comer}}

== See also == * {{annotated link|Sirmio}} * {{annotated link|Rocca di Manerba del Garda}} * [[Italian Lakes]] * [[List of lakes of Italy]] * [[:it:Centomiglia?wprov=sfti1#|Centomiglia Regatta]]

== References == {{Reflist|30em}}

== External links == {{sister project links|auto=y|d=y}} * [http://www.visitgarda.com/en/garda_lake/ VisitGarda is the official website for the promotion of tourism of Lake Garda.] * [http://www.gardalombardia.com/ Gardalombardia is the official website for the promotion of tourism of the western coast of Lake Garda.] * [http://www.bresciatourism.it/en/area/lago-di-garda Brescia Tourism is the official tourism board website of Brescia and Garda Lake.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131028044514/http://www.bresciatourism.it/en/area/lago-di-garda |date=28 October 2013 }} * {{Cite EB1911|wstitle= Garda, Lake of | volume= 11 |last= Coolidge |first= William Augustus Brevoort |author-link= W. A. B. Coolidge| pages = 458–459 |short= 1}} * [http://blog.gardatrentino.it/en/discovering-lake-garda/ Discovering Lake Garda – official Blog lake Garda Trentino ] *[https://www.garda-see.com/en Tourist Information Lake Garda]

[[Category:Lake Garda| ]] [[Category:Lakes of Lombardy|Garda]] [[Category:Lakes of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol|Garda]] [[Category:Subalpine lakes of Italy|Garda]] [[Category:Waterways of Italy]] [[Category:Lakes of Trentino|Garda]] [[Category:Province of Brescia]] [[Category:Province of Verona]] [[Category:Garda Mountains]]