The Eremita dell’Isola

A forbidden love, an impossible escape, an island hidden amongst the waves…

Way back when, as the Lombards invaded Italy and destiny was written with fire and the sword, Brescia was burned and conquered. Nobleman Marco Nanio and his son Antonio were captured and thrown into the hands of the powerful Lombard King Vitolfo.
But just then, where no-one expected it, a love blossomed: Vitilde, daughter of the king, fell madly in love with the young prisoner. The two married in secret, swearing eternal love far from the eyes of the world.

When the king discovered their union, his fury was relentless. Vitilde was exiled to the Island of Garda, isolated from everything. Antonio was locked up in the Rocca di Manerba, between chains and silence. The years passed…
But one summer night, during a violent storm, Antonio managed to escape. The waves thrashed him far, pushing him… until he was washed ashore right on the island where Vitilde was being held captive.

Fate, once again, had bowed to the power of love. The two embraced in secret and, to not risk being separated again, Antonio took refuge in the caves of the island.
In time, fishermen began to tell of a mysterious man who helped those in need during storms. A silent soul, which seemed to appear out of nowhere then vanish among the trees and rocks. This is how the legend began.

And since then, on the shores of the lake, his name is still whispered: the Eremita dell’Isola (Hermit of the Island).

Find out how to get to the top of the Rocca and visit one of the places featured in this forbidden love story.