Malcesine, the village that frames Lake Garda

Malcesine, an enchanting village among the most beautiful in Italy overlooking the Veronese shore of Lake Garda, is a place that combines history, nature and culture. Its name appears for the first time on 9 September 844 as Manessicelles, a term which, according to some scholars, means “at the tombs of the dead”, linked to the discovery of ancient Etruscan burials. In the following centuries, the place name underwent numerous variations, until it became the current Malcesine, of uncertain etymology but perhaps attributable to “Mala silex”, meaning “bad stone”, in reference to the steep mountains that dominate the village. Its thousand-year history tells of Etruscan populations, Roman, Lombard and Frankish rule, up to the great legacy left by the Della Scala family, the Venetian Republic and the Habsburgs, who shaped its evocative and unique appearance.

The beauties of Malcesine

Malcesine is located close to Monte Baldo, which has earned the nickname ‘Garden of Europe’ for its rich flora and fauna. It can be reached by the Malcesine-Monte Baldo rotating cable car.

A historical landmark for the village is the Scaligero Castle, which houses the Natural History Museum of Monte Baldo and Garda, the Sala delle Galee (Hall of Galleys) and the former powder magazine, which contains drawings by Goethe. Another notable building is the Palazzo dei Capitani, a Venetian building on the harbour, with a frescoed hall and a splendid garden overlooking the lake. Also of great interest is the Church of San Stefano, which houses works by Girolamo dai Libri. The village also boasts the Fraglia della Vela, a prestigious international sailing centre.

History comes alive in the recently restored trenches of Dos Merlo, while the hamlets offer unique curiosities: in Cassone flows the Aril, the shortest river in the world (175 m), next to the Lake Museum, which recounts fishing traditions and daily life; in Navene, the last village before the historic Italian-Austrian border, the path to Bocca Navene, a natural terrace overlooking Lake Garda, begins. Malcesine is thus a perfect blend of history, nature and culture, suspended between the sparkling waters of the lake and the peaks of Monte Baldo.

Strolling through Malcesine, you are immediately struck by the cosy atmosphere of the village and the spectacle of Monte Baldo, which is reflected in the waters of Lake Garda. Known as the “Garden of Europe” for its rich flora and fauna, it is an ideal destination for excursions and breathtaking views. Thanks to the modern Malcesine-Monte Baldo cable car, with 360° rotating cabins, you can climb from the lake shore to high-altitude trails and pastures in just a few minutes.

In the heart of the historic centre stands the elegant Palazzo dei Capitani, overlooking the lake. Built by the Scaligeri family and rebuilt during the Venetian period, it now hosts exhibitions, events and weddings in its charming garden overlooking the harbour. A few steps away stands the imposing Scaligero Castle, with its fortress overlooking the water, declared a National Monument in 1902. Its rooms house the Natural History Museum and the room dedicated to Goethe, who immortalised Malcesine during his “Journey to Italy”.

Among the places of worship, the Church of San Stefano stands out, housing precious works of art such as Girolamo dai Libri's Deposition. Finally, the hamlets offer other wonders: Cassone, with the Aril, the shortest river in the world, and Navene, the starting point for splendid panoramic excursions.

Events in Malcesine

Events in Malcesine enliven the entire year with traditions, music and gastronomy. Among the most evocative is the Triduo, a neoclassical-baroque setting over 15 metres high, illuminated by hundreds of candles and lamps, which houses the Blessed Sacrament.

In summer, there are a series of popular festivals such as the Festa della Musica (Music Festival) in July, the Fuochi di Sant'Anna (St. Anne's Fireworks) in honour of Saints Benigno and Caro on 26 July, the Festa dei Ciclamini di Cassone (Cassone Cyclamen Festival) in August and the Festa di Campagnola (Campagnola Festival) in September. Not to be missed at the end of September is “Ciottolando con gusto”, an itinerary through alleys and taverns to savour local dishes and wines. In October, the Mountain Festival celebrates Alpine traditions, while in December the village is filled with Christmas spirit with its markets.

In addition, from May to September, weekly concerts of classical, opera and modern music enrich the village. In December, the magic of Christmas arrives in Malcesine, with markets, a skating rink and entertainment.

photo credits saiko3p