The recently restored sanctuary is one of the most famous places of worship on Lake Garda due to its architectural and artistic value and the historical events of which it has been the protagonist. Built upon the remains of an ancient castle, the sanctuary has a small chapel called the Casa Santa [Sacred House], which dates back to 802 and contains a well-preserved 14th century fresco from the Giotto school. Of interest are canvases by Andrea Celesti (1637-1712) and some votive offerings, including one of the town of Tignale for the slaying of the notorious bandit Zuan Zanone (1617). A hermitage adjoining the church welcomes thousands of pilgrims every year. Small chapels depicting the mysteries of the Holy Rosary line the road that accesses the provincial road.

Rebuilt in the second half of the 18th century, the church has a single nave. The high altar is dedicated to San Zenone and the two side altars, by the Boscai school, are dedicated to San Carlo Borromeo and Maria Immacolata. In a niche above the baptismal font is an organ by Tondi, one of Brescia's most famous organ maker.

Skirting the main road that joins Gargnano and Campione, at the foot of the steep rocky wall plunging to the lake from a height of 300 meters, is the 18th century lemon grove of "Pra de la fam". Partly restored in 1985 by the Comunità Montana Alto Garda, it is tended using the traditional methods of citrus fruit growers in the Garda region. It is the only lemon grove on the western shore of the lake that is open to the public. Visiting hours: Wednesday, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. From April to October it is open Wednesday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and on Friday from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Free admission. Reservations are recommended for groups. (Comunità Montana Alto Garda Bresciano - via Oliva, 32 - 25084 Gargnano - Phone: 0365/71449 - Fax: 0365/72585).

It may seem impossible to climb from "Pra de la fam" (65 m) to Oldesio (450 m), but a path that was recently repaired by the Comunità Montana passes through the valley of the Baès stream and along the steep rocky slopes, leading to terraced olive groves beyond the provincial road and right to the foot of Oldesio. Starting out from the entrance under the portico of the building near the lemon grove on the lake and climbing the short flight of stairs, it takes about an hour to reach the top and enjoy the breathtaking view to Sirmione, Peschiera and beyond.

Piemp Peak (1,208 m) can be reached from Gardola on foot along two walking trails, and by mountain bike or car along five kilometers of asphalt road. Here the members of the Tignale chapter of A.N.A. (National Alpine Association) have built a small, picturesque refuge and chapel. The refuge, the departure point for many walks and hikes in the hinterland, is always open and at the complete disposal of excursionists.

The Park Museum uses innovative ways of informing visitors about the local area within the regional park in a fascinating and entertaining sequence. It introduces visitors to this beautiful region with varied scenery ranging from the Mediterranean-type landscape of the lakeside zone to the wonderful alpine environment of its inland area, and illustrates its formation, history, and traditional activities ranging from fishing to the cultivation of lemons, from agriculture in the mountain areas to the products of its local craftsmen. It does so using sights and sounds, evoking people and environments, old tools and natural history collections, videos and interactive points in a modern and interesting way.

The Church of San Pietro is about 200 m. from the centre of Gardola, which has a part protruding which is a hillock in the form of an ellipse, an area which is still called "castello"(castle) today, even if, after various studies and with all the necessary prudence, the origins would seem to be much older, from before the Roman period, or late-Roman. The function of the altar table at the time of the de-consecration of the church is not known. It was constructed using a pink stone which, under macroscopic examination, might have come from the stone quarry on Mount Denervo, in Tignale. The front of the church was demolished during the first world war because the church was used as a store for lorries, and in the fifties the building was transformed into a theatre and the altar was moved to its present position in the church in Olzano. According to a typology in widespread use from the fourth century the reliquary was in the form of a sarcophagus and decorated with crosses within a simple frame and containing a cover which was curved when seen in section. In 2002, with the excavation still open from those years before, it was possible to survey and analyse the archaeological deposit layer by layer, recognizing a sequence. This sequence comprises at least eight periods of building for the place of worship.

The extra virgin olive oil from Tignale's "Latteria Turnaria" Co-operative is an organic product of the highest quality. The local luxuriant varieties of olive trees are grown along terraces in one of the most attractive areas of the local regional park (Parco Alto Garda Bresciano) and are cultivated using traditional methods. The olives are handpicked and then taken directly to the olive mill. The cold pressed oil is golden-coloured and has a fruity taste.

You can visit the oil mill in Tignale, buy oil and other produce and be informed about the production of the oil and its characteristics from the people who work there.

Address:
Oleificio Biologico di Tignale (Tignale Organic Oil Mill)
Via XXIV Maggio
25080 TIGNALE
Tel. +39 0365 73471 - +39 0365 760006 - +39 0365 73087

The Oil Mill is open for the public to buy its products on:
Tuesday from 10.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.
Thursday from 5.00 p.m. to 6.30 p.m.
Saturday from 5.00 p.m. to 6.30 p.m.

GUIDED TOUR OF THE OIL MILL (free)
Every Thursday at 5.00 p.m.