Castel Venzago: Cammino, History and Roman Traces

The local history of Castel Venzago includes the former Castello di Castel Venzago; it is no longer preserved.

On the Cammino di Fede e Solidarietà

The Cammino di Fede e Solidarietà is designed to explore the birthplaces and places of life of San Luigi Gonzaga from Castiglione delle Stiviere, Blessed Paola Montaldi from Volta Mantovana, and Saint Angela Merici from Desenzano del Garda. Castel Venzago lies along the route of the Cammino di Fede e Solidarietà. For planning your trip, this connection is particularly interesting if you want to consider cultural themes not in isolation, but in the geographical context of several places.

Orientation with specific waypoints

Cultural orientation also includes the Chiesa di San Giovanni Decollato: it is one of the churches of Lonato del Garda. On the section diverted due to construction work, turn right at the Chiesa di Castel Venzago and then left at the intersection towards Astore or Castiglione delle Stiviere. On this section, take the unpaved Via Fenil Bruciato branching off to the left; it is not signposted. Anyone planning the diverted section should take into account the sequence at the Chiesa di Castel Venzago, at the intersection, and on Via Fenil Bruciato in this order. The unpaved surface and the lack of signage are specific conditions of this section. Route planning therefore takes into account both the changes of direction and the specific condition of Via Fenil Bruciato on this section of the Cammino di Fede e Solidarietà.

The vanished Castello di Castel Venzago

The medieval Castello di Castel Venzago was conquered and destroyed by Frederick II in 1241 and 1242. The former Castello stood on a small hill.

Venzago’s historical estates covered approximately 2,000 hectares. The municipality acquired parts of these estates in 1408 from Berardo de Madiis or Maggi and in 1416 from the Margrave of Mantua. Many of the houses that make up today’s village appear to have been built on the foundations of the former Castello di Castel Venzago. During a stay in Castel Venzago, the focus is therefore not only on a single surviving building, but also on the connection between the historical area, former rule, and present-day development. Eight years lie between the acquisition in 1408 and the one in 1416.

Roman Traces in Pietra Pizzola

In Pietra Pizzola, a hamlet of Castel Venzago, an isolated Roman burial was associated with the remains of a Roman building. These Roman traces form an independent, older historical layer alongside the medieval history of the Castello.

Further destinations

For further trip planning, you can also find Travagliato, Cevo, Gavardo, Raffa, Offlaga, Vesta, Torbole Casaglia and Gardone Riviera.

For the overarching travel overview: Brescia.