With thoughts of fighting French Revolutionary battles in Northern Italy, my mind wandered to my visits to Lombardia. This time, specifically, I recall a visit to one of the anchors in the Quadrilateral. That anchor? Peschiera del Garda.
Peschiera del Garda
My first glimpse of Peschiera del Garda was from a train window on my first visit to Italy as we sped from Desenzano to Venice. The sight of the massive fortress was only that; a brief glimpse. On a return visit to Northern Italy several years later, we spent time exploring three of the four fortified towns in the Quadrilateral.
Peschiera del Garda is built upon an island at the southern end of Lake Garda where the Mincio River exits the lake. Its strategic importance is reaffirmed by the presence of its massive fortress. Enjoy my brief walk around Peschiera and the fortress walls.
Southeast bastion
Verona Gate
Northwest bastion
Although cloudy, the day was perfectly cool for a leisurely stroll around the old town and fortress before catching a train back to Verona.
Northern Italy - well all of Italy actually - is unbelievably spectacular and is blessed with such a varied landscape. You can never tire of that place. And then there is the culture, history, food, fashion,style,..... need I go on?
Lovely pictures! I visited lake Garda in a road trip from Calais to Venice with my nephew's,where we all decided to start historical wargaming again! Best Iain
Hmmmm..are you imagining creating this very impressive fortress in 18mm or 28mm scale Jonathan - that will be a challenge!
ReplyDeleteHi Keith. I don't think fortress building is in my future. Peschiera would be cool to see modeled for the gaming table.
DeleteOh, beautiful! My wife love Italy :)
ReplyDeleteNorthern Italy is beautiful, for sure. Your wife has good tastes!
DeleteGreat photos. Perfect inspiration for a siege game!
ReplyDeleteDid I tempt you?
DeleteNice post Jonathan. We are planning on heading up that way sometime next year. You have given me another idea of somewhere to visit.
ReplyDeleteMark, if you do go, there are plenty of historical sites to visit whatever your period of interest. I have suggestions.
DeleteNorthern Italy - well all of Italy actually - is unbelievably spectacular and is blessed with such a varied landscape. You can never tire of that place. And then there is the culture, history, food, fashion,style,..... need I go on?
ReplyDeleteI have not grown tired of visiting Northern Italy yet although I have made only three trips. The country is spectacular!
DeleteSuper post - ah yes - Italy - sunshine - excellent food - rich history and cultural heritage - lovely people...
ReplyDeleteIt's been a while since I was there, but the recollection brightens the day - thanks for that.
Tony, glad to contribute in a small way to brightening your day! Northern Italy is magical.
DeleteWhat a fantastic place to visit.
ReplyDeleteIndeed! After all of your hard work these last three months chained to the painting desk, perhaps it is time for a vacation?
DeleteQuite beautiful and formidable looking!
ReplyDeleteCorrect on both counts, Fran! It is an imposingly beautiful fortress.
DeleteVery impressive. Was the fortress ever seriously besieged?
ReplyDeleteIt was attacked following the battle of Castiglione and it was besieged during the First Italian War of Independence in 1848.
DeleteLovely pictures! I visited lake Garda in a road trip from Calais to Venice with my nephew's,where we all decided to start historical wargaming again!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Lake Garda is situated beautifully. We spent a couple of nights in Desenzano and loved it with side trips to San Martino battlefield and Sirmione.
DeleteReally impressive place, Jonathan. I wish I visited it.
ReplyDeleteVery impressive!
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