Malcesine gets its place in history and literature as Goethe in the opportunity of a break of its “Trip to Italy” on 13th September 1786 made a stop here and became the main figure in a episode with nearly theatrical implications. Since then Lake Garda became for all those, which leave from the countries of Central Europe, the first sonny approach to the South.
The characteristic brightness, the dazzling light of the sun on the wavy water of the lake, the magnificent sunsets leave to singular and breathless impressions: light and shade play with the noteworthy shaped mountain and its rough ravines, antique certification of the age-old natural catastrophes. Completely in contrast is the inhabited zone, in which the slow work of nature, Mediterranean climate and human efforts brought to a well-maintained area, fully with olive-trees, oleander, cypresses, and gardens with lemon and fruit trees, which leave flowering smells in air.
The main attraction is the Scaligero Castle, which dominates Malcesine and the lake with its 70 m high Tower. Its “Lacaor” is one of the town's earliest settlements and during the summer it is an open-air theatre for shows and concerts. Inside there is the Monte Baldo and Lake Garda's New Museum of Nature and History, a complete window on the territory's fauna and flora.
A visit worth are also the ancient Pieve of Santo Stefano with its ceiling's magnificent decorations and baroque frescoes (among them the coats of arms of Malcesine, Venice and of the Scaligeri); the Library of Malcesine, in the just restored upper floors of the Palazzo dei Capitani that, beyond the hundreds of volumes in Italian, English and German language, has also music listening points and Internet access. Splendid building in gothic-venetian style, famous for its wonderful garden facing the lake and so named because house of the Lake Garda's Captain lodged there with the task to prevent contraband.
Don’t' forget the little Museum of the Fish in Cassone, on its harbor: a tour in the world and the history of fishing, of its men, its techniques. From Cassone where the Aril the shortest river of the world passes, it is possible with a three hours walk, to reach the holy Benigno and Caro Saints' retreat (XIII century), evocative place of contemplation and meditation.
Thanks to “Malcesine Più” you can choose among a huge offer of folkloristic and gastronomic evens arranged in the town's squares, while the cultural manifestation are organized at the castle's “Tenda Theatre”. Very attended is the Saturdays local market, one of the most oldest ways of commerce and a still alive tradition. The same as entering the little town's wine shops, where to approach and gain knowledge of "the antique culture of wine and local olive-oil ".
Every year at the beginning of October, Malcesine is the stage of "Ciottolando con gusto" - gourmet event, a tour among the town's inns and alleys to rediscover the traditional local flavours, while in April it hosts various international singing competitions. Many voices joined in chorus thanks one single melody: the scenery of Lake Garda.
With its many opportunities for accommodation, food and beverage, fun and amusement , Malcesine can is very reach in matter of hospitality: its large range of offers, its beaches, the lake, the mpountain and the beauty of the area gives a complete profile to satisfy all necessities, which nowadays a guest requires.