The best MTB trails around Cavriana

After the Blessed Virgin Mary, "Mary Magdalene" is the most frequently mentioned woman in the New Testament writings. Originally called "Mary of Magdala," after her place of origin on the Sea of Galilee, over time the name "Mary Magdalene" became the one commonly used today. According to the biblical accounts, she is one of the women and men who followed Jesus of Nazareth. Furthermore, according to the Gospels, Mary Magdalene is one of the three women who, after the crucifixion and burial of Jesus Christ, wanted to anoint his body on Easter morning after the Sabbath rest, and she was the very first person to encounter the Risen Christ. ... “Let us allow this experience, imprinted on the Gospel, to also be imprinted on our hearts and shine through our lives. Let us allow the joyful wonder of Easter Sunday to radiate into our thoughts, glances, attitudes, gestures, and words… If only we were so radiant! But this is not mere window dressing! It comes from within, from a heart immersed in the source of this joy, like that of Mary Magdalene, who wept for the loss of her Lord and could not believe her eyes when she saw that he had risen. Whoever has this experience becomes a witness to the Resurrection (...)” (Pope Francis on Easter Monday 2014)

On the southwestern shore of Lake Garda, a few kilometers north of Desenzano del Garda, lies the small town of Padenghe sul Garda in the fertile Valtenesi region. Over several centuries, numerous castles and fortifications were built in this area, reflecting the fierce power struggle already underway for the wines and olive oils produced in the Valtenesi. The castle ruins, perched on a hill above Padenghe, represent the remains of a fortress built of rubble and fieldstones as early as the 10th century. Originally lacking corner towers, the approximately 70 by 38 meter structure, situated on the gently sloping side of a moraine hill facing Lake Garda, was protected by a ditch. It was probably only in the first half of the 14th century that two square wall towers and two corner towers were added to the curtain wall. The wall on the steeper southeastern side, reaching a height of about 9 meters, remained without towers. After 1330, under the rule of the Scaliger family of Verona, a separate noble castle was built on the northeastern flank, reinforced in the northern section by a round tower 17 meters high and approximately 9 meters in diameter. https://www.gardasee-domizil.de/burg-padenghe-sul-garda.php

Piazza Martiri della Libertà is the city's main square, where you can see the monument to the dead of the First World War (a work by Luigi Contratti) and the Venetian column topped with the Lion of St. Mark. The Republic of Venice ruled Lonato from the mid-15th century until the end of the 18th century, for approximately 350 years without interruption. The council chamber houses an 18th-century map of the Lonato area, and the ceiling features 18th-century carvings dedicated to the Lonato agronomist Camillo Tarello (1517–1573). This large hall is called the "Celesti Hall" because it contains an unusual work of art created for this space in 1693 by the Venetian painter Andrea Celesti (1637–1712). The council chamber houses an 18th-century map of the Lonato area, and the ceiling features 18th-century carvings dedicated to the Lonato agronomist Camillo Tarello (1517–1573). The large canvas (measuring 262 x 735 cm) was commissioned by the city administration in 1692 (to commemorate the end of the plague epidemic). In the center, Christ is depicted with the Virgin Mary on the left and Saint John the Baptist—patron saint of Lonato—on the right. On the left is an allegory of Lonato alongside the Doge of Venice and the three theological virtues, while on the right, the painter depicted the consequences of the plague: a lazaretto and the flying devil.

The Civic Tower, also known as the Torre Maestra, is located in the historic center of Lonato. Construction of this imposing building dates back to 1555. This tower was built to house the bells that would announce the events of the town's civic life, thus distinguishing it from the church bell tower, which served a similar function but was connected to the community's religious life. The tower therefore represented the civic institution while also addressing the general need for surveillance. Opening Hours: Year-round: Sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM July and August: Thursday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Sunday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Admission: €3

this little village on the Mincio is a sight to behold

Stunning scenery; once you pass under the arch, you can continue straight or turn right. The road to the right is somewhat bumpy.

Along the route you will find a kiosk in the shade close to the Mincio

Mincio River