La Rocca di Manerba: the "mirador" of Lake Garda

La Rocca of Manerba it's one of those places you never get tired of going. The view from the top of the rocky spur is so beautiful that it captivates you every time. You can see a good part of the shores and conformation of Lake Garda. From Sirmione to Toscolano Maderno, from Bardolino to Salò. A feast for the eyes and also a perfect panorama for those with a passion for the camera.

Of course, selfies are always in fashion, but the camera in these cases is a must!

I have to admit that although it's a great place it is only a few tens of kilometers away da Brescia, I don't go back as many times as I would like. It is the usual speech that neighboring places have less charm than more distant places, sometimes we know better places on the other side of the world rather than our own lands. A nice bullshit.

That's why this article is part of Amazing Brescia, a parallel project that I try to carry on as a blogger from Brescia. The Rocca of Manerba is just one of the many places to see in Brescia and province, and in this case it is the ideal place to spend a Sunday relaxing in contact with nature in a fantastic setting.

The fortress of Manerba: brief historical notes

For “Rocca di Manerba” we mean both the spur conformation reaching out towards Lake Garda and the Rocca itself (intended as a fortification) present at the top. This important coastal stretch of the lake has been a landmark for man since prehistoric times.

La location was logically strategic and the remains of a settlement dating back to the Mesolithic period (8000-500 BC) were found, this to underline that it was an ideal position for the various settlements. It is also found in three circuits of defensive walls of medieval origin and obviously in the Rocca itself on top of the spur.

The Rocca di Manerba Park: the itineraries

The Rocca di Manerba is inserted within a wider area defined "Archaeological Natural Park of the Rocca - Sasso"Corresponding to an area of ​​about 90 hectares in which there are:

• La Rocca of Manerba.
• Il Sasso, that is the promontory below the Rocca with the high cliffs of sedimentary rocks overlooking Lake Garda.
• The entire coastal strip between Pisenze and Dusano.

Inside the Parco della Rocca di Manerba there are numerous itineraries to be followed, some more demanding, others less, all in the midst of the greenery and the quiet that only nature can create. You can take a look at the various itineraries on this map or on the maps of the poster present on the site.

It should be noted that the park enjoys a particular microclimate. The different geomorphological conditions combined with a certain type of sun exposure, have in fact favored the spread of numerous varieties and botanical rarities including wild orchids. The park is therefore a naturalistic oasis overlooking Lake Garda, not bad I would say.

Il main starting point it is the one near the visitor center, the museum and the refreshment bar. It is very convenient because there is a parking lot and in about 800 meters you can reach the Rocca directly. Parking is not paid and if you want to visit the Rocca on a public holiday, my advice is to arrive at the latest in the late morning in order to still find a place.

From this point you proceed on foot on the steep asphalted road that leads directly to the remains of the medieval fortress. The area of ​​the fortress was affected by an enhancement project that made it easier to access the archaeological site. A main tour route was equipped and an existing path was strengthened with wooden overpasses and parapets.

In addition, they were placed explanatory panels in multiple languages that allow you to better understand the history of the Rocca.

The visitor center is not the only starting point. Looking at the map you can organize yourself in order to follow different paths that lead to the Rocca. In fact, it is possible to start the walk from other places by parking in free parking areas of Montinelle or Pisenze. All the paths that can be traveled are well marked on the maps present.

The spur where the Rocca di Manerba stands is quite beaten and, during the days of good weather, it "crowds" quickly because the panorama attracts many people who, given the low difficulty of access, come for a walk. Many come with their dog, access is also allowed to them with the (obvious) foresight to leave clean.

The most panoramic point of the Rocca di Manerba

From the top of the fortress you can see the spur that juts out towards Lake Garda. It will seem little possible but there is a path that allows you to reach the Sasso in a few minutes' walk. The path starts immediately under the cross on the tip of the Rocca.

It is quite a challenging path and impervious and it would be advisable to use suitable footwear. After several stones and steps you reach the short climb that will take you to the panoramic point where you can lie down and enjoy relaxation with a lake view.

On the Sasso you have to be careful, especially if you are going with children. The sheer cliffs have no protections and just a little carelessness and you risk falling. Better to use caution.