Lazise historical timeline

Origins

The site was Roman, and later a fortified lakeside settlement controlling traffic along the southern shore.

Turning points

In 983 a diploma of Otto III granted the community the right to fortify itself and to fish the lake. It is widely described as the first such grant in Italy, and Lazise's identity has rested on it ever since.

Influential people

The Scaligeri of Verona built the castle in the fourteenth century, as one link in the same chain of lake fortresses that includes Torri del Benaco and Malcesine.

Cultural evolution

Under Venice the Dogana on the harbour served as both customs house and arsenal — galleys were built and fitted here, and the building was later used to store sulphur for gunpowder.

Present-day significance

Mass lake tourism arrived from the 1960s and the walled harbour became one of the shore's principal images. The town now takes very heavy summer visitor numbers for its size.