Giorgio Vedovelli’s Lake Garda Guide Highlights History, Art, and Culture
Yesterday, in Gardone Riviera, at the Community headquarters, “The Lake of Garda”, a historical-artistic guide by Giorgio Vedovelli was presented. It is the result of collaboration between three publishing houses: Il Sommo Lago (Trentino), Cierre (Verona), and Grafo (Brescia). Rarely in the publishing field does one find such a shared vision and common goals. “A project that began three years ago — the author emphasizes —. Initially, the ambitions were limited. I also deepened my knowledge, in a sort of personal enrichment. The subject matter is vast, but thanks to ongoing territorial research, we conducted a serious investigation. The exploration extended into the inland areas: historic hills, Monte Baldo, Valsabbia. The iconographic material is significant. The photos are in color, almost all unpublished.”
The Content and Characteristics of the Guide
The president of the Community, Giuseppe Mongiello, states: «Three of the best publishing houses have united in an effort to be appreciated. It is the latest among a series of interesting guides. Each has its own characteristics. This one stands out particularly for its historical and artistic perspective. An enjoyable read, with windows offering evocative views, but not less fascinating. I remember, for example, amusement parks, rock carvings, bird trapping, festivals. Even the Morenic Hills of Mantua are included in a special route. The guide is primarily aimed at those who want to deepen their understanding and see beyond the façade. The lake is not only a holiday destination but is rich in history and a series of cultures».
368 square kilometers of surface area, maximum length 51.5 km, width 17.5 km, perimeter 125 km, water level 65 meters, maximum depth 346 meters, off Castelletto di Brenzone, average air temperature 13 degrees Celsius, water temperature 12 degrees Celsius, and a theoretical renewal time of nearly 27 years. This fact sheet begins the research work, highlighting that the lake contains Europe’s shortest river: the Aril, in Malcesine, just 173 meters long. A treasure trove of information, starting from Borghese Island, pointing to S. Biagio (the Rabbit Island), passing near Trimelone, and ending at Sogno Island.
Today, about 130,000 inhabitants live along the shores, concentrated in the southern part, where the larger towns are located (Peschiera, Desenzano, Salò, Bardolino, Garda). Towns that, like Riva and Malcesine, originated from the development of ancient port centers. The other smaller coastal centers primarily relied on fishing for their economy or, in the case of villages on the hills, on agriculture and silvo-pastoral activities.
The 210-page guide, freshly printed, is available for 28,000 lire. Vedovelli is a Verona-based teacher. He was born in Torri, where he still lives. Founder of the Center for Studies of the Benacus Territory, he currently directs the Museum of the Scaliger Castle in his town. He collaborates with the University of Perugia on the Linguistic Atlas of Italian Lakes and has authored numerous publications on popular traditions, history, and especially fishing. The guide aims to showcase the scenic beauty, the most famous monuments, portraying an unrepeatable uniqueness.
It presents the history of towns and districts, events (castles, grand villas, votive frescoes in country churches), work, and also gastronomy. The latter part includes recipes rich in charm, curated by Gianluigi Miele.
