THE TERRITORY: HISTORY AND TRADITIONS
Valeggio was founded near an old ford on
the river Mincio, less than 10 km from lake
Garda. It has always been a kind of cultural
and commercial "cross-roads" where
travellers over the ages have always found a
place to rest and cordial hospitality, along
with good food and wine.
Valeggio still cherishes this tradition, as
evidenced by its renowned tortellini and its
famous "love-knot" fest. The history of this
area is written in the bloody conflicts of the
past (it was situated along the Lombard
border) and in the fortresses which still dot
the country-side.
Between the 13th centuries the imposing
"castello" (castle) was built, along with the
battlemented walls (which surround the
picturesque mill-town of Borghetto) and the
famous Serraglio line and dam/bridge of the
Visconti. Valeggio was caught up in the
Napoleonic wars (sacked in 1800) and
witnessed the slaughter (near Custoza) of the
Italian Risorgimento.
Must-see
The bastion of the Scaligeri: the castle dominates the whole of the Mincio valley
Visconti Bridge: an extraordinary fortified dam, built in 1393
Sigurtà Gardens: one of the five most beautiful gardens in the world
Palazzo Guarienti: the country-house of the Marquis Guarienti Parish church of
San Pietro in cattedra
Borghetto: situated in the Mincio's river valley is a breathtaking sight.
