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Garda is one of the most popular holiday resorts of the Riviera degli Ulivi. The town is located in one of the most beautiful coves on the Veronese coast of the lake and is about 32 km from the city of Verona. Garda borders the popular tourist destinations of Torri del Benaco and Bardolino and is dominated by the Rocca, the ruin of an early medieval tower.
Garda is the town that gave its name to the lake, which before was known as Benàcus or Benàco. The name Garda comes from the German word "warte" (guard, lookout) and refers to the fortress, which in the Middle Ages was one of the most important observation point.
There is various evidence that the area was occupied very early, such as the remains of pile-dwellings dating back to the Bronze Age or graffiti on Mount Luppia depicting animals, wars, knights, trees and labyrinths. The old town still exerts the charm of the medieval town, with small coloured houses flanking the narrow alleys.
To the north east of the cove is Punta San Vigilio, one of the most magical places on the lake. It is a small peninsula with a chapel, a guesthouse, a villa, a small harbour and the wonderful Siren Bay.
In Garda there are many villas and palaces, the most beautiful and noteworthy are the Palazzo dei Capitani, Villa Alberini, Villa Canossa and the Hermitage of San Giorgio on the Rocca.A Garda you can wander peacefully for the wonderful walks on the lake and its small port full of typical Italian boats is one of the most popular photographic subjects. Enjoy the beautiful sunsets in a café on the beach sipping a Venetian or a Hugo and during the day take walks and bike rides to discover the largest lake in Italy.
