Olfactory Itinerary IV

We begin the journey from Lazise, a town recognised by the peculiar atmosphere and the unique aesthetic taste. Its promenade is without doubt the best of Lake Garda. Houses, restaurants and shops overlook this road with some proceeding into  characteristic alleys which are still called with the original name of “calle”.

Everywhere, in Lazise, is possible to find picturesque landscapes such as the tiny harbour, still used in these days by the local fishermen.

Leaving Lazise behind us, we continue to Bussolengo, better-known as “Terra delle Pesche” (land of peaches) because this is where the Scaliger population started to grow peaches. Here, especially during spring, you can smell the inebriant scent of peaches and enjoy the blooming flowers. Worth a visit is the town centre where is possible to admire San Valentino’s Church, one of the most important religious building of the area which contains priceless frescos form the 4th century, next stop is the Zoo Park Natura Viva, one of the biggest in Italy. Born as a simple exhibition of exotic animals, it quickly became a center for the safeguard of biodiversity and endangered species. The visit starts with a safari adventure followed by a walk to to have a closer look at the animals, including giraffes, lions, hyenas and many others.

Situated several kilometers from where we are we head to Verona. Lake Garda can be pictured as an entrance arch to the beauty of this picturesque city. Verona is a charming city with a an incredible historical baggage. It is possible to see the River Adige in its majesty emerging behind Verona’s buildings and bridges. Behind the city, like in a picture, the hills give the landscape a spectacular touch of green among shades of okra, ivory and pink like the peach trees in bloom. Verona is considered the city of love, music opera and theater. The tour cannot start other than from Piazza Bra, the biggest square where the famous Arena is situated. In this square there are also Palazzo della Gran Guardia and the town hall Palazzo Barbieri. Opposite to the Arena we can find the Liston, the city promenade characterised by numerous restaurants and bars. Few meters and we are in the shopping street that leads to Piazza delle Erbe and from here to Piazza Dante and Piazza dei Signori. The Roman Theater and the Archeological Museum deserve a visit as well. Continuing our promenade we stop in Castelvecchio. This Old Castle is characterised by its squared towers and red walls made of bricks with touches of ivy. Originally the castle-fort was erected on the ruin of a small church and it was named Castelvecchio at the time when Galeazzo Visconti ordered to build San Felice’s castle.

It is impossible to leave Verona without visiting Juliet’s tomb. In the dungeons of an old cluster that belonged to a community of monks called Cappuccini, we can find the  shrine, probably made around 1200. But there is a surprise, the tomb is empty. What’s the reason? Sacrilege? Thievery? None of this. Even though the legend affirms the exact contrary, it is possible that Juliet’s body was never here.

Leaving the “city of love” we proceed towards Villafranca di Verona. If you stop here you can visit the Scaliger Castle, built during the Medieval  Age and where nowadays events and shows are held all year round. Inside its walls it is possible to see seven tiny towers, called “Torresine” and two triangular shaped towers.

Leaving the Castle, we carry on through the green surrounding hills and we get closer to Lake Garda. We stop in Valeggio sul Mincio, famous for the Natural Park Mincio and for the natural oasis Castellaro Lagusello.  We suggest to stop here for lunch to taste food typical of the Venetian tradition. A must: the local peaches in syrup. Our journey continues to Borghetto, a tiny village built in 1400 around water mills. The view is idyllic. The watermills were used in the XX sec. while today they’re used  exclusively for commercial activities. If you happen to be here around Christmas, you will experience the unique atmosphere of the Christmas Market. One more stop in Valeggio is the Parco Giardino Sigurtà, a naturalistic park (60 hectares) considered one of the most unique ecological complexes of the world.  Here each month is unique: tulips in March and April, from May to September a 30.000 rose-lined avenue and finally June and July are also characterised by the appearance of water plants.

Once terminated our visit to Verona and its surroundings, we continue to the hills of Brescia. You will recognise this area by the shape of the hills that seem balconies kept up by tiny stone-walls.  Looking around you will realise that orchards are the protagonist of this landscape. Passing through  Parco delle Colline, we arrive in Collebeato where peaches have been cropped since ’20 and today represent the main activity of the village. For those who visit Collebeato in July it will be possible to take part in the Peach Festival, a parade dedicated to the promotion of the local peaches. During any other time of the year, you can try the “Persicata” a dessert made with local peaches, ripen just enough to give a delicious result.

The benefits of this fruit have been known since a very long time and even in the Chinese tradition, the peach symbolises longevity. It has digestive, detox and worm repellent properties as well as preventing cardiac diseases. The oil obtained from the stone of the peaches is essential for the care of the skin.

The peach also contains peptides with anti-inflammatory properties, that help to fight the ageing course of the skin. Finally, it is a concentrate of essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals that hydrates and protects the skin.

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