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Borghetto, a small jewel crossed by the Mincio
- Category What see Lake Garda and Verona
What to do and see in Borghetto, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, nestled in the fabulous Mincio valley.
Number of views: 23058Agriturismo - Where to stay overnight
- Borghetto sul Mincio, diamond of the Mincio valley
- What to see and do in Borghetto sul Mincio
- What to do and see around Borghetto sul Mincio
- How long does a visit to Borghetto sul Mincio last?
- Borghetto sul Mincio (video):
Borghetto sul Mincio, diamond of the Mincio valley
Borghetto is certainly the best known hamlet of Valeggio sul Mincio for various reasons - historical, landscape and monumental - that make this place so interesting that it boasts its recent inclusion in the Club of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy.
This small village, born in symbiosis with the Mincio river and characterized by ancient fortifications dating back to the medieval period, owes its charm to the harmonious relationship that history and nature have preserved almost intact over the centuries and today it represents an urban “unicum” to visit at least once in a lifetime.
The oldest center of Borghetto still maintains the characteristic aspect of the "medieval village" intact today, underlined by the presence of the bell tower, by the wheels of the water mills (once used for milling of wheat and cereals) and from the fortresses of Ponte Visconteo, an extraordinary fortified dam built in 1393 at the behest of Gian Galeazzo Visconti, Duke of Milan, in order to guarantee the impenetrability of the eastern borders of the duchy.
650mt long. and about 25mt wide, with the road surface 9mt. above the river level, the "Ponte Lungo" (so commonly called by the inhabitants) connects with the above Scaligero Castle through two high crenellated curtains and integrated into a fortified complex called" Serraglio ", which in its time, extended for about 16 Km., Up to the plains of Nogarole Rocca.
The spectacular presence of the Ponte Visconteo and the Castello Scaligero together with the pleasant natural context and places of historical value undoubtedly make Borghetto a popular tourist destination. Along the banks of the Mincio you can spend pleasant days immersed in the stillness and tranquility of its silent streets, visiting the small Church of San Marco Evangelista (18th century), on the remains of a previous Romanesque church of the eleventh century. and observing the mysterious statue of St. John Nepumoceno, which tradition has it that it protects those who fall into the river from drowning.
What to see and do in Borghetto sul Mincio
There are several things you can do from the moment you find yourself near Borghetto:
There are some relaxing walks that can be taken starting from Borghetto, which also involve cycle paths, through which to reach or leave the small village.
In addition to these, it is clearly recommended to take a walk through the streets of the village itself; Borghetto is truly characteristic, among its views and its mills (some still in operation and can be visited inside). You can also find shops, colorful houses and restaurants in suggestive and unique points where you can relax with friends, family or as a couple.
The Ponte Visconteo is practically the symbol of Borghetto sul Mincio and gives the landscape an aura and an atmosphere of other times. Being also accessible, both by car and by walk, it shows Borghetto from another perspective. During the sunset and the pleasant summer evenings, thanks to the lights that enliven it, it takes on a truly undeniable charm.
Another typical product of the Mincio Valley is undoubtedly the tortellino. Made following an ancient recipe and small in size, this dish is truly delicious.
Every year in June, during the first summer period, over the Visconteo Bridge, the feast of the Knot of Love is celebrated: a large outdoor party with a long table with over 3,000 people that celebrates the real tortellino of Valeggio
Another of the recommended things to see is the Scaligero Castle, which reigns supreme over the Mincio Valley from the top of the hill.
To reach it starting from Borghetto, just take a road that starts from the public park and leads to Via Belvedere Mincio. After a short walk, you will reach a climb that leads up to the top of the Castle Hill.
The view from the Castle leaves you speechless, as does the Castle itself, a truly imposing and majestic work, thanks also to its towers.
What to do and see around Borghetto sul Mincio
Borghetto sul Mincio is a small village and therefore can be visited quite quickly, but there are several places in the surrounding area that are worth visiting by adding them to the itinerary:
There is the splendid Parco della Sigurtà, spectacular from every point of view. A naturalistic park with an area of 60 hectares, filled with countless floral and fauna species, known for its lush and lively tulips. Over the years, it has received numerous awards, such as the most beautiful park in Italy in 2013 and the second most beautiful park in Europe in 2015.
Furthermore, only 8 kilometers away is the splendid lakeside town Peschiera del Garda, next to which are located Desenzano, Sirmione, Lazise and many other wonderful places.
Always a short distance from Borghetto and Peschiera del Garda, are the most famous amusement parks of Lake Garda: Gardaland, Movieland and the Caneva Aquapark.
How long does it take to visit Borghetto sul Mincio?
Staying at Borghetto clearly varies according to the itinerary you want to take, being a small village, as already mentioned above, it can be visited in about a couple of hours, if you opt to see only the village itself.
If you want instead, in addition to Borghetto, also visit the Scaligero Castle of Valeggio, it is necessary to calculate a half day.
Otherwise, combining the visit of the village with a relaxing afternoon in the Parco della Sigurtà, it will be better to consider the whole day.
