The territory, which was inhabited down the centuries by fishermen, hunters and farmers, is full of prehistoric artifacts. The oldest finds (from the middle of the 5th millennium B.C.) were discovered at "Riparo Valtenesi". A huge necropolis with more than one hundred tombs dating back to the period between the Augustan Age and the end of the 4th century A.D. was brought to light at the foot of the Rock, which has played an important part in the history of the area of Manerba.
In 776 it was the site of the final battle of the Lombards led by Cacone, the nephew of King Desiderio, against the Franks. The Rock later fell into the hands of the Della Scala and Visconti families, and was subsequently ruled by the Venetians. Because it had become a hideout of bandits and brigands, Venetian governor Mario Soranzo had it destroyed in 1787. Like the rest of the province of Brescia, Manerba del Garda belonged to the Lombard-Veneto Kingdom starting in 1815. After the Second War of Independence (1859) it became a part of the Kingdom of Sardinia, and in 1861 it joined the Kingdom of Italy.

This rather flat island facing Belvedere Point is covered with vegetation and is approximately one hectare in size. Used for several decades as a firing range, it can be reached on foot along a ridge of stones that is occasionally covered with water. This path reaches the "altar rocks", which were probably given this name because Holy Mass was celebrated there once a year and attended by fishermen on their boats. Many tourists visit the Saint Biagio island of Manerba during the summer on lake garda.

This ancient church in Manerba dates back to 1454. It has a single nave and wooden roof. There are several interesting frescos inside: Gothic-style votive offerings depicting saints and the Madonna, the "Annunciation" in the triumphal arch and, in the apse, scenes of the "Passion" from the 16th century.

Several scholars believe the name "Manerba" derives from "Vicus Minervae", the cult that worshipped Minerva, the Greek goddess of wisdom and the olive tree. According to legend, Minerva and other gods disguised as animals fled to this area of the lake garda to escape Typhon the giant. Here, at the center of the "Valley of the Athenians", the goddess spent her time teaching "many of her arts" and the cultivation of the olive.