Lake Garda: Malcesine, Limone, May 2025

About an hour drive north along the eastern shore of Lake Garda is the charming fishing village, Malcesine, nestled at the foot of Mount Baldo.  It has captivated artists and poets such as Goethe over the centuries and became one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in Italy” in 2023.  The historic old town with its quaint squares and cobblestone alleys is dominated by the Scaligero Castle built on a rocky spur.  Many people like to come here to sail and hike up to Monte Baldo or alternatively take the Malcesine-Mt Baldo cable car up.

Malcesine

Malcesine

 

Malcesine

 

Scaligero Castle, like the one in Sirmione, is named for the della Scala family from Verona who ruled the area.  Built in the first millennium AD, it is one of the best preserved castles on Lake Garda.  You can climb its tower for incredible views of the lake and even the Dolomites.  The castle houses the Museum of Natural History displaying the local flora and fauna.

Scaligero Castle, Malcesine

 

Scaligero Castle, Malcesine

 

 

Scaligero Castle, Malcesine

 

 

Malcesine

 

 

Malcesine

 

 

Scaligero Castle, Malcesine

 

 

Malcesine

 

Scaligero Castle, Malcesine

 

Built by the della Scala family of Verona who ruled over Lake Garda during the 13th to 14th centuries, the Palazzo dei Capitani once housed the Captain of the Lake who was responsible for law and order of the lake.  It is a good example of Venetian architecture and today hosts various exhibitions and other activities like concerts and weddings throughout the year.  Look out for the frescoed facade featuring the emblem of the Serenissima.

Palazzo dei Capitani

Palazzo dei Capitani

Malcesine

Malcesine

Malcesine

Malcesine

Malcesine

Views of Limone sul Garda across the lake.

Malcesine is linked by ferry to Limone sul Garda, Riva del Garda, and other destinations via Navigazione Laghi services (https://www.navigazionelaghi.it ).  From Malcesine, I took a ferry across the lake to Limone Sul Garda located along the north-western end of Lake Gard, set amongst a backdrop of rocky cliffs.  Even though it is known for the production of citrus fruits since 1700 in lemon houses, it is by pure coincidence that it was named Limone.  The name Limone came from the Latin word “limen” meaning border because the city was on the border with Trento.  It is also known for its fine olive oil from its numerous olive groves.  Lemons are celebrated in the bars and restaurants with lemony pasta, sweet lemonade, and of course limoncello.  As you walk around the town, you will see street signs decorated with images of lemons.  The town’s most recent claim to fame was being the setting for some of the scenes in James Bond’s Quantum of Solace movie.

 

Limone Sul Garda

 

 

Limone Sul Garda

 

 

Limone Sul Garda

 

 

Limone Sul Garda

 

Along the coast up the hill are white stone pillars of the old lemon houses which once supported winter covers shielding the lemons from the winter winds.  These pillars are strategically positioned to face the sun.  Nowadays, most of the lemon-growing has moved to Sicily for its better climate, but there is still some small production left here. Limonaia del Castel, dating back to the early 18th century, is a lemon house and open-air museum showcasing the traditional techniques of growing lemons.  It is built of stone and extends over several terraces with the highest terrace offering panoramic views of the lake.

Limonaia del Castel

 

Limonaia del Castel

 

 

Limonaia del Castel

 

 

Limone Sul Garda

 

 

Limone Sul Garda

 

 

Limone Sul Garda

 

 

Limone Sul Garda

 

Limone Sul Garda