15. Bastione Tognon

The Bastione Tognon in Peschiera del Garda tells centuries of Venetian military history. Discover it through symbols, strategies, and breathtaking views.

The Bastione Tognon, built in 1552, is one of the most significant structures within the Venetian fortress of Peschiera del Garda.

The Bastione Tognon is the fifth bastion of the defensive wall, forming an integral part of the complex military system designed during the time of the Serenissima Republic of Venice. To this day, the bastion preserves the visible remains of the Lion of Saint Mark, the emblem of Venetian power, carved in stone on the structure. However, the lion was partially destroyed during Napoleon Bonaparte’s military campaigns, leaving only part of the original effigy.

One of the most intriguing features from the bastion’s final period of use under Austrian control was the installation of an optical telegraph. This device was crucial for enabling rapid communication between three strategic points: Peschiera, the fort of Pastrengo, and Verona. This triangulation allowed messages to bypass the hills that obstructed direct transmission between Peschiera and Verona.
Another strategic element was its connection to the artillery stationed at Punta San Vigilio, coordinated with Pastrengo to prevent possible naval incursions from the lake.

The Bastione Tognon was also paired with its Counter Bastion, a defensive structure designed to absorb bombardments from the northeast.

This dual architecture enhanced the bastion’s defensive resilience and provided more effective protection during sieges.
Today, as you walk along the Bastione Tognon, you can admire its grandeur— the result of centuries of military history and architectural ingenuity. You’re nearly at the end of your walking tour of the fortress, but we invite you to pause a little longer.
Before concluding, take a closer look at the Bastione Feltrin, the next stop on your route, which is also rich in history and meaning.