Voltino: Church Art, History and Views

Voltino is considered one of the oldest villages in the municipality of Tremosine sul Garda. A hike to Monte Bestone is another option. When planning your trip, you can therefore decide whether you are more interested in church art and the history of the finds, or in views and outdoor activity.

Church of San Lorenzo Martire: architectural history and art

The Church of San Lorenzo Martire has three naves and is entirely decorated with frescoes. It was elevated to parish church on 23 June 1838; a structural expansion followed in 1859. The side aisles were added, another bay was added to the central nave, and the entrance was moved to its current position on the north side. The two dates represent different aspects: 1838 marks its ecclesiastical status, while 1859 marks the renovation. The altarpiece dates from 1575 and was created by Luca Mombello. It depicts the Madonna with Saints Lorenzo, Stefano and Giovanni Battista. Two perspectives on the church thus sit side by side: its architectural development and a precisely dated altarpiece with a named artist and depicted saints.

Archaeological traces from different periods

The archaeological evidence also points to different periods. Materials from an Iron Age settlement were found near Voltino. A Roman tablet dating from the 1st century AD was found in Mure, near Voltino. The difference lies both in the periods and in the types of finds: one points to Iron Age settlement material, the other to a tablet from the Roman period. These finds add further historical points of reference to the church’s architectural and artistic history.

The wayside shrine of Pozza

A wayside shrine in Pozza, between Voltino and Ustecchio, bears a fresco from 1668 dedicated to the Madonna as the helper of sinners. The fresco of the Madonna del Caravaggio at the wayside shrine of Pozza is still clearly visible, although it is not in perfect condition. Alongside the church, entirely decorated with frescoes, this is another religious artwork, housed in a wayside shrine. The comparison is one of artistic form: here, a three-nave church with frescoes and an altarpiece; there, a single fresco at a wayside shrine.

Landscape and trails

Voltino offers views of Monte Baldo and Lake Garda. The Diaclasi di Voltino is a deep rock fissure and provides a different, geological point of interest in the landscape. The first stage of the official circular route is the churchyard in front of Voltino’s small church; the churchyard is very close to the car park. Trail 110, by contrast, leads from Voltino to the summit of Monte Bestone in about 45 minutes to an hour. The two trail descriptions provide different kinds of guidance: the circular route is described by way of an initial landmark, while Trail 110 is described by its hiking destination and approximate walking time. Treat the walking time as a rough guide and check trail conditions locally before setting out.

Patron saint’s day

Voltino’s patron saint’s day is celebrated on 10 August. If you would like to plan your trip around this date, check the latest event dates in advance.

Discover more destinations

Rivoltella, Arias, Colombaro-Timoline, Palazzolo Sull'oglio, Calcinato, Roncadelle, Rovato, Porzano

For the main travel overview: Brescia.