Garda Castles and Churches: GAL Awards €74,259 to Boost Heritage Value

The Lago di Garda Lombardia Consortium has secured a €74,259 non-repayable grant for the project “I Castelli e le Pievi,” submitted under SRD07 by GAL Garda Valsabbia. The initiative, presented in Gardone Riviera on 31 July 2026, aims to connect and improve access to historic and religious sites along the Brescia lakeshore and its hinterland.

The plan brings together castles in Valtenesi (including Padenghe, Moniga, Soiano and Manerba) and parish churches in the upper lake area and inland (including Salò, Gargnano, Tignale and Valvestino). It will create two thematic routes—usable by car and bicycle—to spread tourism flows beyond major towns and into smaller municipalities and internal areas, encouraging slower and more sustainable visits.

The project also includes an information and accessibility upgrade for 19 locations, collecting data on physical, sensory and informational usability, alongside inclusive 360-degree virtual tours. Funded at 90% of an eligible €82,510, the total investment—VAT included—exceeds €100,000, described as the consortium’s largest grant to date, involving 75 member organizations from both public and private sectors.
Italian Version