Tignale
Discovering Tignale
Tignale is a scattered municipality located on Lake Garda, in Lombardy, in the province of Brescia. With its 1172 inhabitants and an area of 48.42 km², Tignale is a small piece of paradise that offers a wide range of panoramic views to anyone who visits. The municipality is very diverse from a landscape point of view and there are many activities to do, such as cycling paths, hiking trails and visits to historical and cultural places.
Physical geography
Tignale is located on a plateau that overlooks Lake Garda. The territory extends on the slopes of the Piemp hill (1208 meters above sea level) and the Forca hill (997 meters above sea level), while the highest point, Cima di Mughera (1344 meters above sea level), serves as a background. From the Mediterranean towns of Porto di Tignale and Oldesio, you can reach the vast hinterland, mostly mountainous, with heights up to 1600 meters and alpine and subalpine views. The surface of the municipality of Tignale is rich in hollows, gorges, rocks, and hills, around the valleys of Nota, Vione and Luné. Tignale has a tiny harbor along the shore of Orto degli Ulivi, located between the Vione valley and the Baès valley.
History
Tignale has a very ancient and interesting history. During the Lombard period that lasted from the 6th century until about 1200, the domination of the area first passed to the Visconti family and then to the Archdiocese of Trento. From the communal statutes of the period, it can be seen that Tignale has always had a certain autonomy from the neighboring municipalities, especially due to its isolated position and the lack of communication routes. This independence is particularly evident during the Venetian domination between 1334 and 1797. In this period, more precisely between the 16th and 17th centuries, the legendary figure of the bandit Giovanni Beatrice made his exploits, disrupting the peaceful life of the inhabitants of the upper Garda, committing thefts and murders against merchants and bourgeois in the area. With the Treaty of Campoformio in 1797, the Venetian domination ended, passing to the French domination until the Unification of Italy. Between the 18th and 19th centuries, as on the rest of the coast, the cultivation of lemons and citrus fruits in general developed, as demonstrated by the Limonaia del Prà de la Fam, built in the second half of the 18th century by the Parisini family.
Trails and historical sites
Tignale is crossed by a dense network of pedestrian and cycling trails listed on the park's cartography. In addition, there are numerous remains of the First World War, such as trenches, paths, and galleries, often in extremely panoramic positions. These historical sites offer a unique opportunity to explore the territory and immerse yourself in history. Not only that, but the territory of Tignale also boasts places of great interest, such as the sanctuary of Montecastello, located on Mount Cas, which covers the view of the lake, and the museum of Garda olive oils, where you can taste local olive oil and learn some secrets of its production, from the field to the bottle.
Rural life
Rural life is an integral part of the municipality of Tignale. Along the territory, many still active farms can be found, such as the Cavalleri family's farm, which produces traditional cheeses and cured meats. In addition, there are also several agricultural companies such as the Bonfadini family's, which produces high-quality olive oil. During the summer, the municipality organizes a series of events that celebrate rural life, such as the polenta fair, where you can taste traditional dishes made from corn flour.
In summary, Tignale is a fascinating municipality that offers many opportunities for nature, history and rural life lovers. Pedestrian and cycling trails, historical sites, still active farms and local traditions make Tignale an ideal place for a day trip or a vacation.
