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Valtenesi

 

A region rich in history, traditions and natural beauties, that offers tourists a landscape with green fields on hills and a mild climate for relaxing.

Valtenesi is a region spreading out between the lake and the green hills around it including the villages of Padenghe sul Garda, Moniga del Garda, Manerba del Garda and San Felice del Benaco at the lake as well as the upper villages of Puegnago del Garda, Polpenazze del Garda and Soiano del Lago.

Manerba, according to some historians who trace its indications in a diploma of Frederick II of November 1, 1221, defined by order of size, location and historical value "the capital", gives rise to the territorial name "VALTENESI" of the entire area in the district to its "ancient parish" called precisely Tenense.

The archaeological finds, preserved in the museum of Manerba testify to the presence of settlements dating back to the Ancient Neolithic age, attested between 4,500 and 5000 B.C. in the area of the park of the Rocca and to the period of the pile-dwellings in the locality that was the Lake of Lucone, near Polpenazze, dried up in 1458.

Starting from the tenth century, the area follows the development of the surrounding territory, with the fortification in that period of some localities and this explains the presence in Valtenesi of well-preserved castles of the thirteenth century A.D., some of which were built on the ruins of Roman fortresses. Many other historical aspects of the area remain as evidence of the passage under the various dominations: first of the Scaligeri, then of the Visconti, of the Republic of Venice, of the Austrian dominion and finally of the Kingdom of Italy.

reference image www.riservaroccamanerba.com

The olive trees growing has an ancient tradition in Valtenesi and local olive oil is unique and excellent thanks to the particular microclimate of the lake, has recently been conferred the honor of being among the best in the world.

The tradition of wine production dates back to the past as well and there are lots of local and renowned wines, such as: Garda Classico Bianco Doc. - Garda Classico Rosso e Rosso Superiore Doc - Garda Classico Chiaretto Doc. - Garda Classico Groppello Riserva Doc.

Some typical dishes come from ancient farmers’ and fishermen’s traditions: Spiedo with Polenta (meat dish); Grilled pike and coregone, Sardines "en saor", Home-made salami.