Set on Lake Garda's southern shore, the
quiet town of Desenzano is one of the lake's most charming towns,
and boasts a long history. The area is known to have
been inhabited for several thousand years, as recently the
remains of a pre-historic pile dwelling were discovered on the
outskirts of the town (note that this site is not open to the
public). The town has been a popular tourist destination since
about the 1st century BC; wealthy families from Verona - then
north-eastern Italy's main city - began to visit the lake for
holidays.
Desenzano's heritage
Today the town continues to attract visitors, due in no
small part to the beautiful views of the Alps to the north, and the
clutch of pretty beaches at the lake's shore. The town itself is a
delight to explore. The compact centre consists of a series of
interconnected squares, along which there are various pavement
cafés, ice cream parlours, shops, bars and restaurants. The
medieval castle on the hillside and the picturesque waterfront are
some of the more popular attractions. The ruins of a Roman villa
can also be found in Desenzano, complete with a mosaic and a small
museum about the building. Other highlights include the
archaeological museum, which tells the fascinating story of the
town's long history, and the magnificent 16th-century Cathedral of
St. Mary Magdalene.
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