Monzambano, fraz. Castellaro Lagusello, Castellaro Lagusello

It is a late medieval, almost intact hamlet. Castellaro Lagusello is a real gem on the borders of the Padan Plain, which arose during the Longobard period on a pre-existing Roman settlement. In the quietness of the southern side of Garda Lake, surrounded by the gentle morenic hillocks sides near Mantua, there is the "Lagusello", a minuscule heart-shaped lake, overtopped by the "Castellaro", its hamlet. Framed within a low castellated wall on an embankment, the small centre is overlooked by the square tower which looks out on the sole entrance and on the small lake of the natural protected reserve. The enchanted landscape made of hills, nature and medieval architecture is visible also beyond the still intact surrounding walls. Beyond the straight street which leads to the bridge, the tower dominates the main entrance and the small lake. Proceeding along the main road the itinerary reaches the Baroque church of S.Nicola, an imposing structure, with a sober façade, built in the XVIII century on the site of a pre-existing Romanesque factory. From the new and old rectory visitors enter the Gonzaga Tavoli Castle, of the XIII century. A private residence, its structure can only be seen from outside the gate. This castle had an important role through centuries: in 1796 Napoleon established here his headquarters, whereas in 1859 it hosted the meeting between Napoleon III and General Mac Mahon, before the famous victory of Solferino. Close to the Castle there is the church of S.Giuseppe, of 1700.
Near tha lake there is the natural reserve of Castellaro Lagusello, included in the Park of Mincio, which, thanks to a private management in the total respect of nature, preserves a wide range of botanic species and about fifty species of nesting birds.