The location of Dogana Veneta is one of the structures I have most enjoyed during my experience as a wedding photographer in Verona. I have gathered all the most important information so you can learn more about the history, the structure and answer the most frequently asked questions about the villa. Enjoy your reading!

Dogana Veneta: a history of over 700 years

The Dogana Veneta is a monumental 14th century building located in the historic centre of Lazise on Lake Garda. Cangrande della Scala originally built the structureto house his ship. Later, the Republic of Venice chose it as the arsenal for its armed fleet against the Visconti. In the first half of the 16th century, the Dogana was transformed into a tezone, a structure used to produce saltpetre. This was used in the manufacture of gunpowder, the use of which was essential in the battles of the period. 

From the 17th century onwards, the building changed further, becoming a warehouse for goods coming from Venice. Lazise thus became one of the region's major economic centres, allowing trade between Veneto, Trentino and Lombardy. However, this rich moment soon came to an end: with the outbreak of the plague in 1630, trade began to decline. Not even two centuries later, in the 19th century, they stopped for good. The Customs House was transformed for the umpteenth time, becoming a cotton spinning factory. 

Finally, with Benito Mussolini's rise to power, it became the Casa del Fascio. A slow decline of the structure began from this moment on, which lasted until the early 2000s. In 2003, engineer Edoardo Ottoboni and architect Giorgio Ugolini began a meticulous restoration of the building. Thanks to their work, the Dogana Veneta has returned to its former glory and since 2006 it has been open for congresses and events.

Dogana Veneta: the perfect setting for a modern wedding

Dogana Veneta is truly a unique and spectacular location. The structure, in fact, sits gently on the shores of Lake Garda, enjoying romantic and breathtaking views. After careful restoration in 2003, the complex is now a perfect mix of history and modernity. For this reason, celebrating your event in Dogana Veneta means organising a modern but always refined wedding.

The Dogana has a beautiful private terrace that can host your trendiest aperitifs right on the lake. The Dogana staff can seat your guests on soft poufs with a contemporary design. From here, they can admire the sunset over the calm waters, creating a gorgeous photo shoot with you. The extra treat? You can make your triumphant entrance during the aperitif, reaching the terrace by sea!

Splendid, light-filled windows lead into the Dogana's interior. These are well-kept rooms, elegant in their simplicity and modernity. Beneath the magnificent ceiling with exposed beams, you can accommodate your guests in the two areas available. These are large, light-filled spaces that you can separate if necessary with a refined and impalpable curtain. You can serve both your banquet and a rich open bar, both prepared by the hotel staff.

An area of the building's large hall has also been made into an auditorium. This is a space where you can organise your romantic civil ceremony or games to entertain your guests. If you prefer to celebrate a religious ceremony, just behind the building you will find the delightful Church of San Nicolò. Dogana Veneta is truly a magical and evocative place. It will be the perfect location to organize an unforgettable wedding on Lake Garda, which will leave your guests full of wonder. 

Dogana Veneta: the structure of the location

The ancient Dogana Veneta is a historic building directly overlooking Lake Garda. The building stands next to the War Memorial of Lazise and only 150m from the Church of San Nicolò. Due to its strategic position on the lake, it has a dock that the newlyweds can also use for a triumphal entrance. 

The structure is characterised by stone walls and large arches, which allowed boats to enter in the past. In addition, there is a fine medieval crenellation on its top. Outside the Dogana, a large private terrace overlooks the lake, ideal for aperitifs and romantic dinners. It is an evocative and panoramic space, where the managers have comfortable poufs and sofas. The terrace can be set up to cut the cake or a breathtaking photo booth.

Dogana Veneta's interior is perfectly preserved and of great value. Beyond the large windows, you enter a refined and spacious environment. The structure, in fact, is characterised by stone walls and a ceiling made of old exposed beams. It is an elegant open space interspersed with pillars, which can be divided into two smaller rooms if necessary. It is also possible to request a theatre seating arrangement to organise your civil ceremony inside the structure. A truly unique setting in which to celebrate your special day in style.

Frequently Asked Questions about Customs Veneta

• Where is Dogana Veneta? Dogana Veneta is located in the historic centre of Lazise on Lake Garda.
• Can I celebrate my wedding inside Dogana Veneta? Certainly you can. You can organize the shooting and the reception inside the structure. The staff of Dogana Veneta offers you a selection of suppliers able to satisfy all your needs, according to your tastes and budget.
• Is there a restaurant inside Dogana Veneta? Dogana Veneta has a catering service with over 20 years' experience. It is possible to adapt the menu but not to hire an external catering service.
• What events can be celebrated at Dogana Veneta? Inside Dogana Veneta it is possible to organize your most important celebrations. The structure, in fact, is open to weddings and private parties. You can also organize your meetings, corporate events and gala dinners.
• Can Dogana Veneta host business meetings? Certainly it can. Dogana Veneta has been chosen by several important national and foreign companies for their events. In fact, it makes its indoor and outdoor areas available for the organisation of events and conventions. The structure is equipped with the best technologies and a dedicated staff at your disposal. 
• Can I stay overnight in Dogana Veneta? Unfortunately Dogana Veneta does not have any accommodation or suites. However, you can find many hotels and flats to stay in in the surrounding area.