Manerba del Garda

The name “Manerba” probably derives from the Latin name “Minerva”, possibly suggested by the presence of a small temple dedicated to the goddess.
The specification “del Garda” (= of Garda), due to the proximity to the lake, was added in 1952. The island of San Biagio, better known as “island of the rabbits”, belongs to the town territory, too.

Inhabitants: 4.821
Height: 130 m above sea level
Surface: 28 km2
Province: Brescia

Historical outline

Manerba del Garda’s history dates back to the remotest ages: archaeological finds point to the presence of men in the Neolithic already, while many I century b.C. villas point to the presence of the Romans.
Manerba also holds a beautiful Rock, a defensive benchmark contended for years. With the domination of the Republic of Venice, the Rock lost its military function. When Napoleon fell in 1796, Manerba was annexed to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After the Renaissance movements, the village became part of Italy.

What to see

Church of S. Maria. It dates back to the XI century. It has a typical Roman building divided into 3 nave and aisles with beautiful frescoes. The altarpiece, made by Andrea Celesti, portraits the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.

Church of Santa Maria Assunta. It was built in 1746 in Solarolo. The front is in a baroque style, while the interior contains 7 altars made of stucco, marble and capitals. It also contains an octagonal dome.

Church of SS. Trinità in Solarolo. It dates back to the XV century and it adjoins the cemetery. The span front has a beautiful baked clay rose window.

Church of S. Bernardo. It is located in Montinelle and contains a picture portraying the Virgin and late-baroque altars.

Church of Santa Caterina. It is located in the suburb Gardoncino. It was built in a Lombard-Roman style and has a nice rose window in the middle.

Church of S. Giorgio. It is in a panoramic position and contains interesting frescoes of the XIV century.

Church of Santa Lucia. It is located in Balbiana. It is a unique hall building with wooden covering.

Sights

Naturalistic Archaeologic Park Rock of Manerba del Garda
The Rock of Manerba is a rocky peak over the lake. Along the paths through the park several species of plants and animals can be seen.
The microclimate of the area is perfect for the Mediterranean vegetation to grow. On the top of the Rock it is possible to visit the ruins of the medieval fortification whose value is being increased by many works in the area.
An equipped tour leads the visitor to the discovery of the finds thanks to explanatory panels

Archaeological Civic Museum of Valtenesi
The park hosts the Archaeological Civic Museum of Valtenesi. The expositive tour gives value to the landscape aspect of the territory and the way it has changed because of human settlements since the remotest time.

Island of San Biagio
It is better known as “island of the rabbits”; this portion of land surfacing in front of Manerba is private property. It can be reached by a taxy boat leaving Torchio harbour, or on foot, in summer, when the warm temperature allows people to cross the short way from the island to the land. The admission on the island is by ticket, except for the guests staying at San Biagio camp site.

Events

During the summer, Manerba offers a series of initiatives, feasts and events connected to the traditions of the territory, but also the chance to meet people, both natives and tourists, that crowd squares and beaches every year.

Carnival “Il Re del maol, del pastom e del chisol”, it’s an event where it is possible to taste salami, cotechino and pork sausage from Valtenesi.

At mid-August, in the occasion of the celebration of San Rocco and S. Maria Assunta  people can enjoy religious traditions and taste typical products.

For some years the International Piano Festival “Armonie sotto la rocca” has been organized in Manerba and it has been conducted by Maestro Daniele Alberi.

Sport

In Manerba it is possible to practise many sports: horse riding, tennis, water skiing, swimming. There are also nice roads to go cycling across Valtenesi and more demanding paths to go mountainbiking.

Typical products

Valtenesi and the territories nearby are a favourable environment for truffles to grow, in particular for Melanosporum Vitt also known as black truffle. This precious tuber grows under the soil of the eastern side of lake Garda, and it can be found at an altitude between 70 to 700 metres.
It smells good and intense, it’s easily digestible and used to prepare many typical courses.
The white truffle can be found, too; it has an intense taste, it’s bigger, but it’s not so fine as the black one.

Info

Tourist information office Pro Loco  Manerba del Garda
Viale Risorgimento, 1
25080 Manerba del Garda (BS)
Tel. e Fax +39 0365551121