Rocca di Garda and Punta San Vigilio

DESCRIPTION
Enchanting itinerary in the Garda area.
The excursion starts from a fantastic location, Punta San Vigilio. Here we find the magnificent Villa Guarienti-Brenzone, a small church, a historic inn and a small port: a very romantic place, ideal for photography enthusiasts. It continues south along the lake until it reaches the pretty village of Garda. The lakefront is well cared for and offers spectacular views. Up to here all plain. Now we go up to the Rocca. We offer you three points of interest. The Madonna del Pign, the hermitage of San Giorgio and the Rocca Vecchia. At the first point you will find a Marian monument placed by the inhabitants of Garda as thanks for having been spared from the bombings during the Second World War. On the second floor, a Camaldolese hermitage, with a shop selling agricultural products. At the third the top of the Rocca di Garda. La Rocca is a natural balcony over Lake Benaco, from the various vantage points you can admire the entire southern lake. Since ancient times, precisely since the Bronze Age, the Rocca has had human settlements. Since the Lombard era, a fortress was erected on its summit which over the centuries became strategic for the control of the territory. The name of Garda owes its name to this fortress, from the ancient Germanic Warda or guard / fortress. The building was demolished in the 13th century and that is why there is no trace left.
In conclusion, the itinerary is not demanding and is within everyone's reach... those who are a bit trained!

ITINERARY
From Punta San Vigilio (65 m) walk along the lakeside promenade to the end of the village of Garda (65 m). The path starts here near the Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Initially follow the Abis, Madonna del Pign. Going up, at the first crossroads, take the path on the left - without indications - and in a short time you will arrive at the Madonna del Pign (135 m). Continuing at the first crossroads, turn right and climb towards the Rocca. Arrived at a saddle with 6 paths (245 m), you have to turn left to go to the Hermitage of San Giorgio (305 m). After seeing the hermitage, go back to the saddle and take the path that leads to Rocca Vecchia (265 m). A small ring is made and you return to the saddle. Now we return to Garda and Punta San Vigilio.

EXCURSION DATE
April 24, 2023

STARTING POINT
Punta San Vigilio

REFRESHMENT POINT
Both in Punta San Vigilio and in the town of Garda.

AUTHOR’S SUGGESTIONS
Be careful, as the paths are not well marked. Download the GPX track.
If you want to visit the Hermitage, call to find out the opening hours.

SAFETY TIPS
The viability of the proposed itinerary, like all mountain morphology, is subject to environmental changes due to natural events and weather conditions. Therefore, before leaving, consult the competent tourist offices and / or the refuges of reference.
Our GPX tracks are only indicative, that is, the route was carried out at best with the conditions of the trails and weather of that day. So always consider what to do on site.
Also remember to evaluate the route based on your physical abilities, training and the equipment you have.
You should leave someone the route you intend to do told.
Remember that the emergency number is 112.

EQUIPMENT
It is recommended to have the appropriate equipment for the route, weather conditions and season: windproof and / or rain jacket, map and / or GPS device, goggles, sunscreen, boots, first aid kit, specific clothing, gloves, backpack with food and drink.

RECOMMENDED MAPS
Tabacco 063 Monte Baldo - Malcesine - Garda

INTERESTING LINKS
https://www.tuttogarda.it/garda/punta-san-vigilio-garda.htm

HOW TO ARRIVE
A22 Exit Affi. Take the SP29 towards Garda, then left onto the SP9. In Costermano the SP8 up to the village of Garda. Here you take the SR249, towards Torri del Benaco, until you get to Punta San Vigilio.

PARKING AREA
At Punta San Vigilio, free to offer.
GPS coordinates: 45.573637, 10.675277

Parcheggio a Punta San Vigilio

Punta San Vigilio

Punta San Vigilio

Lungolago direzione Garda

Arrivo a Garda

Porticciolo di Garda

Indicazioni per la salita alla Rocca

Si sale

Vista dalla Madonna del Pign

Si va verso l'eremo

Elemo di San Giorgio

Vista su Garda

Vista su Bardolino

Vista della Rocca dal porto di Garda

Ritorno a Punta San Vigilio