Bardolino

Bardolino stands on a hill area 30 kms far from Verona, along the East coast of lake Garda. Nearby there are Costermanno, Affi, Cavaion Veronese, Pastrengo and Lazise.
Bardolino’s economy is mainly based on tourism: throughout the latest years a particularly fine and appreciated wine production has contributed to the development of the village.

Inhabitants: 6.700
Height: 65 m above  sea level
Surface: 54,82 Km2
Province: Verona

Historical outline

Ancient ruins of lake dwellings are evident sign of prehistoric settlements. Besides, numerous Roman finds were found, such as coins and memorial stones. The name “Bardolino” probably derives from a Latin word presenting Gaelic roots: Bardus (= singer), or Pardali/Bardali (= the daughter of king Aulete, founder of Mantova). Bardolino was dominated by the Lombard people and the Frankish; probably as a consequence of the Hungarian invasion, the lake’s sides were fortified with rocks and castles, and still today it is possible to see the ruins of the walls, of the four towers and the two entrance doors whose aim was to defend the territory. Bardolino was governed by the Scaligeri family, the Visconti family and eventually by the Republic of Venice. In 1562 it was sacked by the Lansquenets and in 1798 it was absorbed by the Austrian Empire. The medieval walls stood till the XIX century, when they were broken down in order to build the railway line Verona – Garda and the present parish church.
In 1848 Bardolino rose up against the Austrian troops and in 1866 it finally entered the Reign of Italy with honour.

What to see

Church of San Zeno. It is a small building dedicated to the saint patron. It was built by workers from Lombardy.
Church of San Severo. It is a Roman building containing important frescoes. The deconsecrated building became property of the town council in 1869 and it became a theatre.
Parish church dedicated to San Severo and San Nicolò. It was rebuilt in 1842 on the previous structure of the building and it contains prestigious paintings created by G. Bevilacqua.
Church of Santa Maria of the Discipline.
Hermitage of S. Giorgio.
Oratory of S. Francesco (XVII century).
Abbey church of S. Zeno. It dates back to the VIII-IX century and it is one of the most interesting examples of Carolingian architecture in Northern Italy.

The castle
During the Scaligeri domination, the primitive castle of Bardolino was fortified with strong defensive walls reinforced by towers, glacises and battlements. Today it is possible to see only  the two entrance doors to the village and the rectangular tower along the coast.

The villas
Villa Rizzardi Guerrieri, Villa Bassani Raimondi, Villa giullari Gianfilippi, Villa Bottagisio: buildings which date back to the XIX century. They are liked better for the lakeside parks rather than for the architectonical value.

Casa Ottolenghi
Based on Carlo Scarpa’s project, the villa was built in 1974 and it stands on 9 pillars on a hill.

Sights:

Sisàn Museum
In this museum it is possible to get in touch with the ornithological, fish and hunting traditions of lake Garda territory. It aims at spreading the ornithological knowledge and the historic traditions linked to fishing and hunting in the southern area of lake Garda. The museum was inaugurated in May 2009 and it contains numerous multimedia interactive instruments providing a wide documentation in several languages.

Events

Bisse Regatta.
It is a rowing competition organized by Lega Bisse del Garda.
“Città di Bardolino” national piano contest. It is organized by Filarmonica Bardolino.
Feast of Chiaretto wine, in May in Bardolino.
Feast of the grape harvest, in October in Bardolino.
Feast of Novello wine, in November in Bardolino.
Bell Parade in Cisano, suburb of Bardolino, in spring.
Osei Feast, in September in Cisano.
Regatta of Cisano, Veneto rowing competition.

Sport

Bardolino hosts one of the most important International triathlon competitions: “Città di Bardolino” International Triathlon. Bardolino is the starting point and the finish point of the cycle race along the whole lake coastline.
“Veronello” sports centre hosts Chievo football team.
Bardolino women’s football team is the show piece of Bardolino’s sporting life. Since the 2004/2005 season, it has gained a series of victories which made them the leader society of women’s football in Italy.

Household names connected to Bardolino

Bardolino gave birth to Bartolomeo Zeni, a XVIII century painter, who became famous for his skill in portraying features faithfully. Also Cesare Bettelloni was born in Bardolino; in his romantic poems he praised the landscapes of lake Garda.

Typical products

“Bardolino” is one of the most fine wines in Italy. It derives from grapes like Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara and Negrara. It is internationally appreciated thanks to its organoleptic characteristics due to the mild climate of lake Garda, the characteristics of the morenic soil and the constant warm temperature.
“Bardolino Chiaretto” derives from the vinification “in pink”  of the red grapes.
“Bardolino D.O.C”. perfectly matches with courses like Scaligeri soup, risotto, tagliatelle with mushrooms, livers and peas, but also with glazed veal, white meat and spit-roast pigeons. It is perfect to drink for the whole meal because of its good digestibility.

Camper park

Rest area for campers at “Parco dello Sport”, in Via A. Colombano.
“Prandini” camper park in Via Leopardi, direction Riva del Garda. Fee paying parking.

Info

Tourist information office A.P.T. BARDOLINO
P.le Aldo Moro – Bardolino
Tel. 0457 210 078
City Hall Tel. 045 6213 210
Information Office  Tel. 045 7210 078