The Veneto: Bardolino (Lake Garda)

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Bardolino is a gorgeous and sleepy village known for its wine….there’s more…..the wine is grown on the hills of town as are the olives and the olive oil produced here is some of the best! Tastings abound in the area for both products. The town lies on the eastern shores of Lake Garda. In the old center of town you must stop in at the beautiful 9^th century Cappella Di San Zeno to see some fine frescoes. The Chiesa Di San Severo (11^th century) is a Romanesque church with frescoes (the Apocalyse) and a wonderful campanile/bell tower. Do drop in at the Museo Del Vino located at the Cantine Zeni to learn about Bardolino wine….better yet, if you wish to "do" the Wine Road/Strada Del Vino, you’ll enjoy the ride through Cavaion Veronese, Affi, Rocca Del Garda and beyond — tastings anyone? If you’re interested in the olive oil (again, it’s DOC here), there’s a small village (Cisano) just south of Bardolino that has the Museo Dell’Olio D’Oliva where you can see the production process through the years. There are two wonderful villas to see the Villa Bottagisio and the Villa Giuliari-Gianfilippi. There’s a market in Bardolino on Thursday.