What to do and see in Nago-Torbole, Trentino-Alto Adige: The Best Free Things to do

This tourist information centre provides information and materials about the Trentino area in north Lake Garda. Garda Trentino is the ideal location for an eventful holiday - with great watersports, rocky landscapes, the beautiful aroma of Mediterranean vegetation, fascinating heritage and delicious food & drink. Torbole stands on a calcareous slope on the sides of Mount Baldo.

For centuries, this road was the main link between Garda and Nago.It takes its name from a small shrine dedicated to Saint Lucy. A bronze plaque commemorates a daring undertaking by the Venetians in 1439: sailing up the River Adige to Ravazzone, they then transported large galleys and a number of small boats via the land route and then down the steep path to Torbole, where they were moored again to face the Visconti fleet in battle. It is a lovely stroll among the olive trees and there is a marvellous view of Lake Garda.

This was the headquarters of the Austrian customs who built it in the early 18th century. The little building gives the small harbour of Torbole a somewhat Venetian atmosphere.

Saint Andrea is the Patron Saint of the fishermen. The church is located above the oldest part of Torbole sul Garda in a panoramic position, with view on Lake Garda and surrounded by an olive grove. Saint Andrea’s Chapel was first mentioned in a document dating back to 1175. The church was rebuilt in late Baroque style after the devastation by the French troops of General Vendôme in 1703, but former architectonic elements were maintained. The alter-piece in the apse is noteworthy, and represents Saint Andrea’s Martyrdom, by the painter Giambettino Cignaroli (1706-1770) from Verona. The figures in the painting, detailed and realistic, are believed to have been modeled after commoners from the village. In the two aisles there are two wooden statues, representing St. Giuseppe and the so called Madonna Romani, after the name of the sponsor who donated it.

A panoramic viewpoint on a small rocky outcrop overlooking Torbole. From here the eye can roam over the lake and the houses below. The remains of a some walls suggest the existence in the past of a settlement or maybe a tower.

The ruins of Penede Castle surround the colossal rock extending towards Lake Garda above Torbole.Location of a prehistoric construction with walls, maybe a place fortified by the Romans, the castle ist first mentioned in 1210.After having been contended all through the middle age, the castle was sacked in 1703 and set ablaze by the French-Spanish troops of the Duke of Vendôme. The rocky spur of the castle was fortified by the Austrians in 1914 with artillery (80 and 100 caliber) in connection with the fortresses of Nago. This spot enjoys exceptional panoramic view. In the underlying wood we find the ruins of an enormous lime wall (probably a Roman tower) with parts of a staircase in red stone. Clay tiles, Roman coins and pottery were unearthed here, and represent proof of the Roman presence.

From the center of Torbole sul Garda follow the road climbs to Parco delle Busatte on the slopes of Monte Baldo (about 30 minutes). From the Park’s grassy area head south, for a spectacular hike along the Busatte–Tempesta trail, a nature route overhanging the lake about 4 km, including parts on metal stairs with a total of 400 steps. The route is mostly level with two climbs: Corno di Bò and Salt de la Cavra. This 90 minute hike through wonderful scenery, leading right above the lake in the midst of nature, flowers and geological phenomena, leads us to Tempesta.From here the trip back to Torbole can be made aboard a bus of the A.T.V. line.Difficulty: mediumLenght: 4 kmTime: 1h. 30 min.