Things to see in BrenzoneThings to see at Brenzone

The municipality bordering Malcesine, Ferrara di Monte Baldo, S. Zeno di Montagna and Torri del Benaco covers an area of 50 square meters and climbs from 65 m up to 2,200 m above the lake garda. The highest point is Cima Telegrafo [Telegraph Hill]. The area includes the towns of Castello, Castelletto, Marniga, Magugnago, Porto and Assenza plus other smaller villages that dot the mountainside (Sommavilla, Biasa, Marniga and Prada, which is also a winter tourist spot).
The small island of Trimelone, which up until a few years ago was used as a military depot, sits near the shore in front of Assenza. The town has not grown much in size and has preserved many characteristics of the past. As tourism is its main industry, the lake Garda is lined by many hotels, residences and camping sites. Numerous restaurants offer local dishes and specialties from the area (fish, olive oil, wine, etc.). Lake Garda is one of the best sites for the exciting regattas of the "Acquafresca" Sports Center of Assenza and the Castelletto Yacht Club.

San Zeno Church in Castelleto BrenzoneSan Zeno Church in Castelleto

The S. Zeno church in Castelletto Brenzone is considered one of the oldest examples of Christianity in the lake garda area. The eastern wing of the building dates back to the 11th century, and the western wing to the 12th century. The church has three apses, two aisles and a cycle of frescoes from the 13th century depicting the life of Saint John the Baptist. Interesting Roman artifacts have been unearthed in the adjacent graveyard.

San Nicola Church in BrenzoneBrenzone San Nicola Church

The church dedicated to S. Nicola is located at Assenza of Brenzone. The sacred place is mentioned in documents of 757 and of 769, but the actual building dates back to the 14th century. The interior has Gothic arches decorated with frescoes. The altar has a painting of the Madonna with Child, with San Zeno on the right and, in a corner, some believers who are members of the Ivani family that donated the work of art.

Giovanni Batista Parish Church at Magugnano BrenzoneGiovanni Batista Parish Church at Magugnano

The church was enlarged and restructured many times during the 18th century. Inside there is a 16th century crucifix and an altar piece depicting the martyrdom of Saint Sebastian, which was painted by Giovanni Caliari (1838). The Romanesque bell tower is from the 15th century.

The Good Friday Procession in BrenzoneBrenzone The Good Friday Procession

On Good Friday, the trail from Castelletto di Brenzone that winds through the olive groves to the quarters of Biasa and Fasor becomes the striking setting for the Stations of the Cross. The 14 stations are situated along the route. The townsfolk themselves interpret the Passion play while a choir sings Latin hymns.

Campo BrenzoneBrenzone Campo

Campo is a small hamlet of medieval origin that sits in a sunny hollow surrounded by rocks and old olive trees. Located on the trail that links Castelletto di Brenzone to Prada, it is now in ruins and abandoned.
The remains of a castle are surrounded by houses with lovely stone arches, vaults and portals and the small Romanesque church of S. Pietro in Vincoli, with frescoes from the 13th 14th centuries. Take time to stop at the old fountain and admire the ancient millstone used for olives and grains. For the past twenty years, the people of Brenzone on lake garda have spent Easter Monday at Campo. On that traditional occasion, "bigoli con le agole" (spaghetti with alborella fish) and "ôf dur" (boiled eggs) are cooked for everyone.