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Today it displays relics of the "Risorgimento" era and of World War I. At a brief distance, between the morainic eleveations surrounding the Frassino lake west of Peschiera, stands the 16th century Santuario della Madonna del Frassino. The stretch of territory which extends from this town to the Sirmione peninsula is called "Lugana and it is famous for its wine. Here the Lake's fleet took shelter in the navy yard of port Peschiera. LaziseDeparting from the pier "Unita' d'Italia", the boat re-ascends the basin along the eastern shore, covered with vineyards and olive trees, and passes the small town of Pacengo with 18th century Camuzzoni Villas, the 19th century Villa Bottonay (now Barbaro). In less than thirty minutes, the boat brings you to Lazise where you can take in a beautiful view of the Lake with Rocca di Manerba an the left and the Sirmione peninsula to the left. Glancing inland you will see Peschiera and the Mantuan ramification. In Lazise, the ancient Lastium, there is a castle, reinforced by the Scaligeri in the 11th century, subsequently noblemen from Verona enclosed it into a strategic and military outpost. While agriculture and breeding made Lazise an active business center, the town has also discovered its tourist "calling". The historic center has preserved its medieval appearance thanks to the Scaligere walls, which lead to the castle, and the five towers dominated by a high donjon. Other worthwhile visits are the 12th century Church of San Nicolo' with its 16th century bell tower near the small port, and the low, long 16th century Dogana (Customs) building which dates back to Venetian rule. Just beyond Lazise, you pass the villa "La Pergolana" a 19th century edifice which incorporates an ancient convent. Then you will pass Cisano where you can admire the full width of the Lake as well as the 8th century parish of Santa Maria - seat of the Annual Bird Fair (September the 8th).
GardaA brief ten minutes ride brings you to Garda, the charming resort town situated in the center of a gulf enclosed by the slopes of Mount Baldo and the morainic elevations. Already inhabited during prehistoric times (proof of which may be found in the necropolis and the rock engravings found along the path leading to Torri del Benaco), it became an important center for the Romans, the Longobardo and the French. A story is tied to the no longer existing "Rocca" (rock): Berengario II, Marquis of Ivrea, supposedly held prisoner the Queen Adelaide, widow of King Lotario, guilty of having refused the marriage proposal of Berengario's son. She was eventually able to escape and take refuge in Canossa. In the ancient core of Garda there is a medieval village facing the three lined Lakeshore with the English-style park of Villa Albertini at the end. This is one of Lake Garda's largest complexes, and despite various transformations over the course of time, it has still preserved the look of a medieval castle with four crenellated towers. It was here on the 10th of June, 1848, that Carlo Alberto received the act of annexation of Lombardia and Piedmont. A walkable distance from Garda is the Eremo dei Camaldolesi (Camaldolesi Heritage) just near the famous "Rocca". Lake Garda, a boat trip - Part 2, north lakeText and photos in part courtesy of www.navigazionelaghi.it
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