It is located about 24 kilometres west of Verona, in the Province of Verona. It is situated in the eastern shore of Lake Garda, between the municipality of Castelnuovo del Garda, Bardolino, Pastrengo, Bussolengo and the Province of Brescia (municipality of Sirmione). Its name derives from the Latin “lacus” that it means lacustrine village.
As regards monuments and sights, the church of Saint Nicolò is located near the Old Port of Lazise and dates back around the XII century. Equally interesting is the church of Saints Zenone and Martino.
The civil architecture includes the Old Port and the Dogana Veneta (Venetian Customs House). The Port was smaller than it is today and showed two towers and a main entrance near the higher one. No tower survived, nor the walls which protected the port and were linked to the Scaliger Castle. The Port was enlarged with a dockyard in the XVI century, used to protect the fleet. Therefore the dockyard turned into a Customs in 1607. Lazise counts many important villas, as Villa Pergolana (the most renowned), Villa Bernini (located on the shore and encircled by ancient walls), Villa Bottona (Medieval style), Villa Baratta (and its beautiful park), Villa Bazzoli and Villa Cedri, in the district of Colà.
The Scaliger Castle and the walls which encircle the historic center are the most impressive sight of Lazise. The Castle was built during the Venetian dominion. Lazise has always had three entrances equipped with gates and drawbridges: The Porta Superiore (Main Entrance), today called Porta San Zeno, east side; The Porta Lion (its name derives from the Venetian emblem of Lion on it), south side; The Porta Nuova (New entrance), realized later and called today Porta Cansignorio, north side.
The Castle, after the Venetian attack in 1438 and in 1528, was damaged. It lost its defensive importance in the XVI century and became a private propriety.
Regata delle bisse: it deals with the Bisse championship, a race involving traditional rowing boats and taking place between the months of June and August every year.
Festa dell'ospite: The district of Pacengo hosts this festival at the end of the month of August every year. It celebrates the local gastronomic products and tourists can enjoy concerts and fireworks.
Antica Sagra della Madonna della Neve: The district of Colà hosts this festival at the beginning of the month of August every year. In the past, families in Colà celebrated their best local products and sold them to strangers. The gastronomic tradition is still strong: the "Anara col Pien" (roasted stuffed dock ) is a renowed local dish.
Cuccagna del Cadenon: this event usually takes place together with the Festa dell'Ospite and in deals with a 8 meters grease covered pole, set horizontally on the lake, where people should run in order to reach a small flag at its bottom. Everyone is allowed to run and enjoy.
Sagra del Marciapie: local festival taking place between the last day of Carnival and the first day of the Christian Lent.
Festa di San Martino: the 11th November visitors can enjoy local gastronomic dishes along the streets.
Festa di Santa Lucia
National Exhibition "I giorni del Miele" (the Honey days): a big pavilion host the celebration of Honey, cakes and sweets during the first days of October.
