There is a Garda made of ferry bells, café terraces and strolling crowds — and another, more secluded Garda, just a few steps inland. This walk begins in the vibrant historic heart of Desenzano del Garda and unfolds gently through the hills of Monte Corno, reaching the peaceful and centuries-old silence of Maguzzano Abbey, a sacred place overlooking the lake since the 9th century.

You won’t need hiking boots or equipment — just a comfortable pair of shoes, a bottle of water, and a taste for quiet places. The rest is provided by the landscape: olive trees, birdsong, dry stone walls, and distant glimmers of the lake.

The Route: From the Old Port to the Abbey

Your journey begins in Porto Vecchio, Desenzano’s old Venetian harbour. In the morning light, the pastel arcades and gentle sway of fishing boats set the rhythm. Walk uphill past Piazza Malvezzi, then continue along Via Annunciata and Via Mazzini, before joining Via San Benedetto, Via Kolbe, Via Lorenzini, and finally Via Rimembranze, gradually leaving the urban buzz behind.

Soon you reach Via Rimembranze, and the transition is gradual. The pavement continues a little longer before giving way to quieter lanes. After crossing the main road (SP BS 572) at a designated pedestrian point, the route enters the outskirts of the Monte Corno Park. This section of the trail winds through rural farmland, shared bike paths, and gravel tracks bordered by hedgerows and scattered olive trees. As you move further, the urban outlines fade completely. The area is also part of a cycling network and, from several points along the route, you’ll enjoy striking panoramic views of Lake Garda and the morainic hills below Maguzzano.

Here you follow trail CAI 801-A, an easy and well-marked route. The path follows quiet lanes and gravel tracks, winding through olive groves, open fields and occasional woodland stretches. A small brick arch marks the entrance to a rural property, and as you continue, the landscape alternates between cultivated land and patches of shade. Before that, the trail skirts the gentle rise of Monte Reciago, a low hill dotted with olive groves and meadows. From this vantage, the landscape opens wide: you can see both the distant morainic ridges inland and the shimmering outline of the lake ahead. From time to time, the lake reappears, framed by cypress trees or glimpsed through vineyard rows.

At times the lake vanishes from view, hidden behind hedgerows or rising land — then reappears suddenly, framed by cypress trees like a secret kept just for you. Monte Corno, though modest in height, offers a quiet sense of elevation, both literal and emotional.

Monte Corno and the Horned God

Did you know?

Before reaching the abbey, the path crosses the low hills of Monte Corno, a place that — beyond its scenic beauty — carries ancient and mysterious echoes. According to the research of local author Simona Cremonini, Monte Corno has long been linked to the myth of Cernunnos, the horned god of Celtic origin. Represented with antlers reminiscent of a stag or elk, this deity is found in ancient rock carvings and may have been venerated in early nature-based cults.

Legends speak of masked rituals, hidden symbols, and even strange processions that may have survived into the 1960s — cloaks, torches, and rites that blurred the line between folklore and faith. Whether ancient protector or misunderstood figure, Cernunnos adds a layer of storytelling to this quiet stretch of countryside — and reminds us that even the most peaceful hills may have secrets buried beneath the grass.

Maguzzano Abbey

After about 4 km of walking, the path opens onto a place suspended in time: the Abbey of Maguzzano, perched on a gentle moraine hill with sweeping views over the southern shores of Lake Garda. Surrounded by olive trees and silence, the abbey has stood here for over a thousand years, guarding stories of monks, rebuildings, and quiet resilience.

Founded in the 9th century, the abbey has seen destruction, rebirth, and quiet resilience across centuries. The current Renaissance church dates back to the late 1400s, with a simple façade and an interior that blends harmony and austerity. Inside, artworks, frescoes and a cloistered courtyard still reflect the rhythm of monastic life.

Today, it is home to a small religious community that offers spiritual retreats and keeps alive a tradition of hospitality.
This is not a tourist attraction — it’s a sacred threshold where silence speaks more than words.

Practical Info

📏 Distance: ~8 km round trip

⏱️ Duration: approx. 3 hours

⬆️ Elevation: minimal – gentle countryside hills

🥾 Difficulty: Easy

🌸 Best seasons: Spring 🌼, Autumn 🍂, Clear Winter Days ❄️

📍 Start point: Porto Vecchio, Desenzano del Garda

🐾 Dogs allowed (on leash)

🚲 Cycling-friendly segments

🕍 Main landmark: Maguzzano Abbey

Text and Photo by Amy Signorini