Borghetto sul Mincio

Borghetto sul Mincio is a hamlet of Valeggio sul Mincio in the province of Verona and was a fortified river crossing with Lombard roots. For almost a thousand years it was an important staging point for travellers; in 1796 Napoleon's army crossed its fortified bridge, and in 1859 Piedmontese troops did so. The village still has a medieval character, with Ghibelline battlements and the bell tower of the church of San Marco.

The Ponte Visconteo is a fortified dam-bridge about 650 m long and roughly 25 m wide, begun in 1393 on the orders of Gian Galeazzo Visconti and completed in 1395. It was meant to secure the western border and defend Verona; it began as a dam and was then developed into a fortress bridge. The historic water mills date from the early 15th century, and three are still working.

Cars are not allowed in the village centre and parking on the Ponte Visconteo is prohibited, so leave your vehicle outside. One of the most photographed spots is the wooden footbridge over the Mincio, and in 1954 scenes from Luchino Visconti's film "Senso" were shot here. Wikivoyage names mid-April to mid-June and September to early October as the best times; if you want peace and quiet, come on a weekday. A cycle path links Mantua and Peschiera del Garda along the Mincio.