Set on the western shore of Lake Garda, Toscolano-Maderno is an enchanting town in the Italian province of Brescia. It comprises two towns, Toscolano and Maderno, which were merged in the 1920s and are surrounded by the mountainous landscapes and hiking trails of Parco dell'Alto Garda Bresciano.
Things to do in Toscolano Maderno
One of Toscolano-Maderno’s most important architectural landmarks is the Chiesa Monumentale di Sant'Andrea Apostolo, which is said to have been constructed on the remains of a pagan temple in the 12th century. Admire the polychromatic stone facade with its Veronese influences before stepping inside to see the revered painting of the Madonna and Child by Paolo Veneziano.
Green thumbs can visit the Orto Botanico "G.E. Ghirardi”, a botanical research garden managed by the University of Milan. Originally established in 1964, it cultivates a diverse range of plants for medicinal and pharmaceutical use. Learn about the research activities being conducted across its 10,000 square metres, including the use of plants in the therapeutic and cosmetic industries.
Overlooking Lake Garda to the west of Toscolano-Maderno is the Vittoriale degli Italiani, a hillside estate where the Italian poet Gabriele d’Annunzio lived until his death in 1938. Admire the Villa Cargnacco, once owned by the German art historian Henry Thode, and explore the opulently decorated rooms of the Prioria. Also on the estate is the protruding bow of the “Puglia”, a circular mausoleum and an amphitheatre where summer performances are held.
Getting around Toscolano Maderno
Toscolano-Maderno is around 45 minutes’ drive from Brescia and just over 1.5 hours from the centre of Milan. Malpensa Airport is two hours away and has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular buses connect to Toscolano-Maderno, although renting a car will give you greater freedom to explore the area.