Lazise Historical Timeline

Origins

The site was Roman, and then a fortified lakeside settlement controlling 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 built the castle in the fourteenth century as part of the same lake chain as Malcesine and Torri.

Cultural evolution

Under Venice the Dogana on the harbour served as customs house and arsenal -- galleys were built and fitted here, and the building later stored sulphur for gunpowder.

Present-day significance

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