Lake Garda is a place rich in historical and artistic charm, capable of captivating tourists not only with its characteristic landscape but also with the many legends that animate the towns along its shores.

The name of the place derives from ancient Germanic: Warda, a term that indicates a place of watch and guard.

It was, in fact, an outpost nestled among the mountains, used to spot enemies approaching from all directions.

For many years, it was considered a small corner of the Mediterranean within the Alps, bravely defending this part of northern Italy from numerous foreign invasions.




Despite enduring four glaciations, this territory has been inhabited since its origins, as evidenced by traces of Paleolithic settlements, followed by the presence of Etruscans, Ligurians, and peoples from beyond the Alps.

The presence of various cultures has allowed the creation of numerous legends that still fascinate those hearing them for the first time, torn between believing in such magic or not.

The Legend of the Formation

According to ancient mythology, Lake Garda was born from the marriage between the Nymph Garda, daughter of the Benaco River, and the Sarca River.

By joining the waters of both, this large freshwater basin was formed, around which the towns we know today emerged, subjected to foreign dominations and the influence of different cultures.

From this same union, the Mincio River was born, which, in the fictional tales of the time, is said to be the parent of the famous poet Virgil.

Mythology is fascinating precisely because many stories are closely linked, and the main characters give life to a series of diverse and truly imaginative events.

The Legend of Malcesine

In the small village on the lake's shores, the legend of the lake's formation is entirely different.

It dates back to the dawn of time when pure white angels descended to earth for a brief period.

Their task was to make a barren land flourish by creating clear water streams and lush vegetation.

Even today, during the famous Fairy Festival, usually held near the summer solstice, the benevolent forest deities are remembered—some cast out of the heavens but kind towards humans and their stories, thus remaining on earth without falling into the underworld.

The Rock of the Star

This is a well-known and widespread legend that tells the story of a rock located in front of San Virgilio.

It is said to have formed from the unhappy love between the eponymous deity and the nymph Stella or from the tragic story of the brothers from Trimelone Island, petrified in a lifelike pose.

They are remembered for their fraternal love, which prevented them from separating even as they were about to be swallowed by the lake's waves.

Historical Tales

Among the legends with some historical basis is that of Adelaide of Burgundy, who was imprisoned within the Garda Fortress.

She was known for her kindness and Christian charity, even after being promised in marriage to the King of Italy and forced to marry him against her will.

Some local experts even tell that the Holy Grail is hidden on the shores of the lake, precisely in Desenzano, in the deepest depths of the Church of San Zeno.

According to legend, it was brought there by a group of heretics who fled from the crusaders in 1244 from the Castle of Montségur.

The most passionate enthusiasts are so fascinated by this story that they have ventured into searches, hoping to find a treasure of inestimable value for global culture and the most devoted Christianity.

We may never know how much truth these stories hold, but they make a stay here even more unique.