Madonna di Montecastello

Pilgrimage Church and Fortress Above Lake Garda: On the western side of the mountainous lakeshore between Campione and Gargnano rises a striking, 700-meter-high cliff face. From afar, the gleaming white walls of the Madonna di Montecastello pilgrimage church and monastery can be seen at its sharp edge. In earlier times, a contested fortress stood atop this cliff until the 16th century, when a pilgrimage church was built on the site. However, even during the First World War, Monte Castello was fiercely contested, as evidenced by the numerous trenches above the monastery. An interesting, though somewhat exposed, circular trail reveals the full beauty of the mountains surrounding Lake Garda and offers a breathtaking view down to the lake below.