Lake Garda is one of the most beautiful areas of Italy and is a huge attraction for visitors. People flock to this part of the country to enjoy the stunning scenery. The lake is located in northern Italy between Brescia and Verona. Here are 15 interesting facts about Lake Garda.
- With an area of approximately 370 square kilometers, it is the largest lake in Italy. It is 350 meters deep and has a circumference of 160 kilometers.
- The lake is split across three provinces. These are Brescia, Trento, and Verona.
- It was formed in the Quaternary Ice Age, approximately 1.5 million years ago.
- The first settlement on the lake is thought to have been in 2000 BC.
- Until the end of World War I in 1918, the northern part of the lake belonged to Austria.
- The lake is surrounded by the Garda Mountains. The highest mountain in this range is Mont Cadria which measures a staggering 2,254 meters.
- There are five main islands within the lake. These are Isola del Garda, Isola di Trimelone, Isola di Sogno, Isola dell’Olivo and Isola San Biagio.
- Visitors can stay at luxurious accommodation on the islands and enjoy watersports.
- Some of the lakes islands have castles and ruins to explore.
- Many famous battles have taken place at the lake including the Battle of Benacus in 269 AD and the Battle of Solferino in 1859.
- Lake Garda is the birthplace of the violin.
- A breed of fish called salmo carpio or carpione is an endangered species and it is endemic to Lake Garda. There are many factors that have contributed to the decline of this species, including global warming and pollution.
- Mussolini used the area between Salo and Gargnano at Lake Garda as the capital for the Italian Social Republic he had established.
- At its tip, the lake has many hot sulphur springs. Throughout the year, the temperature of the water remains at 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
- At the northern end of the lake, it is fed by the Sarca River. Lake Garda is drained by the Mincio River.
