The castle
The settlement was home to a castle as early as the 5th century, although, much to the dismay of the locals, this was besieged by Frankish forces soon after its completion. Fortunately, Malcesine received a new castle, the Castello Scaligero, later in the Middle Ages, which was fortified in the 13th century and is still an important landmark in the town in the present day.
Monte Baldo
More than 2,200m in height, Monte Baldo offers incredible panoramic vistas of Lake Garda, and is often covered in snow during the colder months. The summit can be accessed via a two-stage cable car journey, which transports visitors to an elevation of 1,750m. In the final stage, hikers can continue walking on the ridge for a few more kilometres, admiring the breathtaking scenery below, until they reach the summit.
Palazzo dei Capitani (palace)
Dating back to the late medieval era, the Palazzo dei Capitani was pioneered by the wealthy Scala family, although the palace was remodelled in later years. Today, it is a protected national monument and a popular exhibition venue, benefiting from an outstanding location adjacent to the lake.
Day trip suggestions:
Brescia
Visit the splendid city of Brescia, which has existed for well over 3,000 years and is acclaimed for its two cathedrals. The city also features the remarkable San Salvatore-Santa Giulia former monastery, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the architectural remains of the striking Roman forum.
Verona
An inspiration for the playwright genius William Shakespeare, Verona is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains one of the finest Roman amphitheatres in Italy. The city is also revered for its Romanesque Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore, which dates back to the 12th century and has a magnificent 72m bell tower.
Where to eat in Malcesine
You won't have to look far to find authentic Italian cuisine in Malcesine, but some of the most popular restaurants close to Malcesine hotels include Casa Italia, Ristorante Al Gondoliere, and Al Corsaro. For other delicious Italian cuisine, head to Pizzeria Ristorante Ristoro, or choose Pizzaria da Gigi for more delightful Mediterranean flavours.
Hotel suggestions
For excellent value for money and stylish accommodation, choose the Hotel Alpino, the Hotel Vacanze 2000 or the Hotel Astoria. Other highly regarded accommodation establishments in the town include the sophisticated, high-end Hotel Val di Sogno and the charismatic Hotel Europa.
