Holidays in Desenzano

Desenzano del Garda can be found at the far southwest side of Lake Garda in the province of Brescia. This area enjoys the stunning views over the lake from a central position bordered on the west by the heights of Monte Corno and to the east by the peninsula of Sirmione.
The urbanisation of the zone dates back to roman times, when Desenzano was once and important town due to its position along the ancient Emilia road that linked Brescia and Verona.
The period of greatest splendour, from an economic-commercial perspective as well as a cultural perspective was during the rule of the Venetians.
Today Desenzano del Garda is a lively city with a great number of theatre shows and cultural events, which are held during winter in the Teatro Alberti and out in the open during the summer months. Near to the lake there are many stony beaches.

Not to be missed:

Villa Romana: this property is considered to have been home to the roman citizen Decentius, from whom it is believed Desenzano received its name. The entrance to the villa is open to visitors as well as a little museum with exhibits of the artefacts uncovered during excavations of the area.

Il Castello: constructed in the later medieval period on the foundations of a roman castra (a reservation of land cut-off for military use). For the most part the castle served as a refuge for the people. The views are splendid, and considered by many to be some of the most beautiful of Lake Garda, which can be admired from the castle’s terrace.

Duomo di Santa Maria Maddelena: constructed slowly over the years on top of an ancient rural church, it was never completed as originally planned by the architect Giulio Todeschini. Inside the structure, the pictorial cycle dedicated to Maria Maddalena was painted by Tiepolo, and considered one of the most beautiful examples of late renaissance art in the province of Brescia.

Torre di San Martino: constructed in a neo-gothic style in 1878 on the hill after which it is named to cerebrate the Italian Risorgimento. Inside it is richly decorated with frescos that provide an excellent example of the type of art that was popular during the Risorgimento.