Toscolano-Maderno
Toscolano Maderno: a dive into the history of Lake Garda
If you are looking for a place to experience all the nuances of Lake Garda, you can't miss a stop in Toscolano Maderno. This town of 7,486 inhabitants is located on the Brescia shore of the lake and is part of the Regional Park of Alto Garda Bresciano. Among its treasures, there is Mount Pizzocolo and an ancient history that intertwines with that of the lake itself.
Geography
Territory
Toscolano Maderno covers an area of 20.52 km². The area is mountainous and hilly, with peaks reaching 1,582 meters above sea level. The surrounding nature is lush, thanks to the presence of the lake and favorable climatic conditions.
Hydrography
Toscolano Maderno's territory is crossed by Toscolano, the stream that marks the border between the two fractions of the town. The Cartiere river, which flows in the Cartiere Valley, played a fundamental role in the industrial history of Tutti Maderno.
Climate
Toscolano Maderno has a Mediterranean climate, with temperatures around 20°C in summer and between 4°C and 10°C in winter. Thanks to its southern location on Lake Garda, the town is protected from the cold north winds, making the atmosphere mild all year round.
History
Ancient times
Toscolano Maderno boasts an ancient history dating back to the Etruscan era. In the port of Toscolano, originally called Benàco and then Tusculanum, a splendid villa was built by the Nonii, a noble Roman family. The villa was built in the 1st century AD and can still be visited today, thanks to the ruins and mosaic floors found in the park.
Medieval times
During the Middle Ages, Maderno became the capital of the Riviera of Salò, and the various administrative bodies settled there. In the 14th century, however, Beatrice della Scala decided to move them to Salò, causing the decline of the city. In this period, however, paper mills began to prosper, which would become one of the main economic activities in the area.
Paper production
The first paper mills were built around 1300 in the locality of "Camera" in Maderno. In 1381, a document was drawn up regulating the use of river water, marking the beginning of large-scale paper production. In the 15th century, the area between Toscolano and Maderno became the first paper-making center thanks to the superior quality of the paper produced.
Conclusions
Toscolano Maderno is a place worth visiting if you want to deeply discover Lake Garda. Its ancient history, unspoiled nature, and paper production are just some of the treasures you can discover by visiting this town in Lombardy.
