Lake Garda

Lake Garda (ancient Lacus Benacus), lake, northern Italy, in the provinces of Verona, Brescia, and Trento. Italy's largest lake, it is 51 km (32 mi) long and from 3 to 18 km (2 to 11 mi) wide and has a total area of 370 sq km (143 sq mi). The Sarca River is its chief affluent, and the lake is drained by the Mincio River, which discharges into the Po River. Parts of the lake are exposed to sudden storms, but its western and southern shores are sheltered and have a mild climate. The latter regions are noted for the cultivation of lemons, mulberries, olives, and figs. The lake abounds in fish. Many villas are situated on its shores. On the peninsula of Sirmione (ancient Sirmio), at the southern end of the lake, are the ruins of a Roman villa and a castle of the Scaligers, an Italian family of the 16th century.