The Garda promontory was used from early times as a fortress, being of strategic and administrative importance and a naval base under the Republic of Venice. This beautiful area is now a magnate for tourists with its shop-filled cobbled streets and a lakeside market held every Friday. The town is brimming with attractions for all ages including Gardaland, Caneva World, Altomincio Acquapark and Parco Acquatico Cavour. There are also numerous parks and gardens, churches and the ruins of the final castle that was erected here. Many archaeological finds have been discovered around Garda from the prehistoric to the Roman eras.