Manerba del Garda
Manerba del Garda: a city rich in history and natural beauty
Manerba del Garda is a municipality in the province of Brescia, located in the Lombardy region, with a population of 5,454 residents. The city is situated in Valtenesi, an area characterized by gentle hills that slope towards Lake Garda. The territory of Manerba del Garda is diverse and rich in natural and artistic beauty.
Physical geography
The municipality of Manerba del Garda includes the Island of San Biagio, also known as the Island of Rabbits, and the Altar Rock. The city's streets are divided into seven districts: Solarolo, Montinelle, Balbiana, Pieve, Trevisago, Campagnola, and Gardoncino.
History
Manerba del Garda has a long history that dates back to prehistoric times. The presence of humans on Lake Garda dates back to the Late Neolithic period, around 4000 BC, and under the city's Rock, remains of a Mesolithic village were found. Throughout the centuries, the territory of Manerba has been inhabited by various populations, leaving traces of their culture and traditions in the city.
The connection with Minerva
According to legend, Manerba del Garda was erected in devotion to the goddess Minerva. The goddess hid in the valley that now houses the city, where she planted her olive trees and taught many of her arts. This led to the construction of a temple in her honor. However, the temple was destroyed by the Barbarians.
Castles and defenses
The territory of Manerba del Garda was strategically important from a military point of view, as it represented an important point of connection between the terrestrial and river communication routes of the region. For this reason, castles were erected for defensive purposes in the XIII century, some of which were built on Roman fortifications. The tower of the Manerba Castle was the convergence point of a network connecting the towers of all the municipalities in the area. The castle had the primary function of protecting and sheltering the local populations.
The Riviera Community
From the sixteenth century, Manerba del Garda became a refuge for bandits and outlaws, which led the Serenissima Republic of Venice to destroy the walls in 1574. The city and other municipalities in Valtenesi became part of the "Riviera Community," which became a domain of Venice after the conflict with the Visconti.
Conclusion
Manerba del Garda is a city rich in history, natural and artistic beauty. The territory offers many opportunities for excursions and walks in the hills and along the shores of Lake Garda. The city is easily accessible from the nearby A4 motorway and from the Desenzano del Garda junction. I highly recommend visiting this city if you want to discover the history of the region and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
