Lonato del Garda
Discovering Lonato del Garda: a journey through history and art
Welcome to Lonato del Garda, a delightful town located in the province of Brescia in Lombardy, Italy, in the area of the lower Lake Garda. With its 16,909 inhabitants, Lonato del Garda is an ideal destination for those who want to spend a relaxing holiday immersed in culture and history. In this article, we will guide you to discover the beauties of this city, from the territory to the history, from the symbols to the religion.
Physical geography
Territory
Lonato del Garda covers an area of 70.55 km², with an altitude ranging from 65 to 283 meters above sea level. The city overlooks Lake Garda for a short stretch of about 350 meters and is characterized by the fortress and the basilica of San Giovanni Battista, which constitute the nucleus of the inhabited area.
Hydrography
The territory of Lonato del Garda is crossed by the Arnò canal, derived from the Lonata ditch.
Climate
The city enjoys a temperate climate, with hot summers and mild winters.
History
The history of Lonato del Garda dates back to the Bronze Age when the first human settlements were built on stilts. During excavation campaigns, evidence was found documenting the presence of Roman settlements in the localities of Monte Mario and Pozze.
Later, the village was destroyed by the Hungarians in 909 AD, but was then rebuilt and fortified. Over time, the city was contested by different "tutors" or masters, who alternated in possession of the territory first as part of the Municipium of Verona and then as a fortified village or fortress.
In 1416, the territory of Lonato del Garda fell under the control of the Republic of Venice. In 1796, Napoleon Bonaparte entered the city after defeating the Austrians in the Battle of Castiglione. With the victory of the Franco-Piedmontese over the Austrian side in the Battle of Madonna della Scoperta in June 1859, Lonato del Garda became part of the Kingdom of Italy.
Symbols
The coat of arms of Lonato del Garda depicts a rampant lion on a blue field with two crossed keys in the front right paw. At the top, there are three lilies, granted by Louis XII in 1509. The shield is surmounted by the civic crown. The flag of Lonato del Garda, a split cloth of white and blue, was granted by D.P.R. of June 25th, 1953.
The title of City was conferred on the municipality of Lonato del Garda with D.P.R. of November 21st, 1996.
Monuments and places of interest
Religious architectures
One of the main attractions of Lonato del Garda is the Basilica of San Giovanni Battista, built in 1738 to the design of the Lonatese architect Paolo Soratini. The building stands on the remains of two churches, the oldest of which dates back to 1339.
Rocca of Lonato
The Rocca of Lonato, located on the top of a hill, is one of the most suggestive panoramic points of the territory and offers a breathtaking view of Lake Garda and the surrounding hills. Built between the 13th and 15th centuries, the Rocca of Lonato hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year.
Natural Reserve of Basso Bresciano
The Natural Reserve of Basso Bresciano, located near Lonato del Garda, is an oasis of peace where you can admire the local fauna and flora. The reserve is home to the Lavino Spring, a thermal water used since ancient times for its curative properties.
Other places of interest
Among the other places of interest in Lonato del Garda are the G. Rambotti Archaeological Civic Museum, the Town Hall, the House of the Podestà, the Municipal Theatre, the Church of San Francesco and the Parish Church of San Zeno.
Conclusions
In summary, Lonato del Garda is a city rich in history, art and scenic beauty. By visiting this city, you can immerse yourself in Italian culture and tradition and admire the masterpieces of religious and civil architecture. Lonato del Garda is a perfect destination for those who want to spend a holiday in relaxation and discover the Italian historical and cultural heritage.
