The walled village on Lake Garda
Lazise, on the south-eastern shore of Lake Garda, is one of the most charming villages on the lake and one of the few still entirely enclosed by its medieval walls, with crenellated towers and three gates. In 983 it was the first municipality in Italy to obtain an imperial charter of autonomy from Emperor Otto II, which is why it calls itself "the first free commune of Italy".
Inside the walls, the old town is a pleasant tangle of streets and squares, with the Scaliger Castle (private), surrounded by a park, and the Romanesque church of San Nicolò, on the harbour, with remains of frescoes. Facing the lake stands the Dogana Veneta, the old customs house of the Republic of Venice, which controlled trade on the lake, with its arcades on the water. The small harbour, with fishing boats and tables of cafés and restaurants, is the most picturesque corner of the village, especially at sunset. Lazise is surrounded by campsites, beaches and some of the most popular amusement and water parks in Italy, such as Gardaland and Movieland nearby.
Tip: on Wednesday mornings a large market fills the streets; the cycle path along the lake leads to Bardolino in about twenty minutes.
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