Salò
Peacefully nestled along the western shore of Lake Garda in a cove sheltered from the winds, the town of Salò, with its gardens, villas, palaces, and the famous Zanardelli Lakeside Promenade, is the illustrious gateway to the Riviera of Lemons and Castles.
Where Salò is Located
Located in the province of Brescia, 30 km from the provincial capital, it has always been considered a strategically important city due to its position overlooking Lake Garda and its network of river connections linking it to the Adriatic Sea through the Mincio and Po rivers.
Salò is strategically positioned within a charming gulf at the foot of Mount S. Bartolomeo (568 m). From here, visitors can explore the Brescia side of Lake Garda.
Historical Notes
It is believed that the first settlements in the area date back to the Etruscan era, later overlapped by Roman settlements, as evidenced by a recently discovered necropolis.
During the Middle Ages, Salò became one of the most important centers on the Brescia side of Lake Garda, later falling under the rule of the Republic of Venice, followed by the Visconti and Scaliger families.
Medieval architecture can still be admired today with a walk inside the ancient walls, interrupted by various towers. The two main gates of the old fortified village were connected by Via di Sotto, which even today is the town’s main street.
From the Magnificent Homeland to the Republic of Salò
Around 1440, Salò took on the role of capital of the "Magnifica Patria," a confederation of 42 allied municipalities loyal to the Republic of Venice.
Traces of the alliance with the Serenissima are still visible today in the numerous symbols of the Venetian lion scattered around the town, as well as in the "Palazzo della Magnifica Patria," one of Salò's most cherished historic buildings.
In modern times, Salò once again became an important political center during the years of the Fascist Italian Social Republic, between 1943 and 1945, when Mussolini made it the capital.
Thanks to its central location and proximity to major communication routes, it is still considered a key point for the entire area, both for the services offered and for its lively economic and commercial activities.
The prestigious past of Salò is clearly visible in the elegant historic center and along the Zanardelli Lakeside Promenade, which was completely rebuilt after the violent earthquake of November 2004. These areas are rich in culturally and artistically valuable buildings, as well as shops and boutiques for shopping.
What to See in Salò: Main Attractions and Points of Interest
Zanardelli Lakeside Promenade
A stroll along the Zanardelli Lakeside Promenade is a must when visiting Salò. Stretching for 3 kilometers, it is one of the longest and most scenic promenades on Lake Garda, offering breathtaking views of the crystal-clear waters and surrounding mountains. Lined with elegant historic buildings, cafés, and boutiques, the promenade offers a relaxed and enchanting atmosphere, especially at sunset.
Palazzo della Magnifica Patria
This majestic historic building, built in 1524 and designed by Sansovino, overlooks the lakeside and bears witness to Salò’s importance as the capital of the Riviera during the era of the Magnifica Patria (1426-1797). It was rebuilt after the earthquake of 1901 with its Loggia.
Today it houses the Town Hall of Salò, and in its atrium, you can admire valuable frescoes by Angelo Landi, as well as ancient coats of arms and commemorative plaques located in the portico connecting it to the nearby "Palazzo del Podestà," also located along the splendid Salò lakeside, near the pier.
Cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata
Another architectural gem of the historic center of Salò is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata, considered the most important monument in the city and unique for being an actual cathedral right by the lake. The Cathedral of Salò was built in the 15th century in the late Venetian Gothic style.
Declared a National Monument in 1974, the cathedral houses important artistic treasures, including paintings and frescoes by Romanino, Moretto, Zenon Veronese, Paolo Veneziano, and decorations by Palma il Giovane. Noteworthy is also the splendid wooden altarpiece on the main altar, crafted by Pietro Bussolo, now known as the "Ancona di Salò."
The Historic Center
The historic center, stretching from Piazza Carmine to Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II (better known as La Fossa) and down to the lakeside, stands out for its intricate maze of alleys, narrow streets, and squares, enriched with noble palaces, refined boutiques, restaurants, and cafés.
Besides the Cathedral, other points of interest worth visiting in the historic center include the Clock Tower from the 18th century, the splendid Liberty-style Villa Simonini (now home to Hotel Laurin), and the Archaeological Museum, hosting artifacts ranging from the Bronze Age to Roman times.
A little further away, near the Due Pini Shopping Center, every Saturday morning Salò’s market stalls attract many visitors.
MuSa - Salò Museum
For art and history enthusiasts, the MuSa Museum is a must-visit. Located within the ancient complex of the Monastery of Santa Giustina, the museum features permanent and temporary exhibitions narrating the history of Salò and the Riviera del Garda. Highlights include sections dedicated to the period of the Republic of Salò and local cultural traditions.
Things to Do in Salò
Events and Festivals
Long regarded as a city of art and music, Salò hosts the annual international festival "Estate Musicale del Garda," honoring the renowned luthier Gasparo Bertolotti, better known as Gasparo da Salò, considered the inventor of the modern violin.
Every June, the historic Mille Miglia car race passes through the city, and many cultural, sports, and food events take place here, such as:
- Salò Golosa, a food and wine event held at the end of September celebrating local flavors with tastings and typical products;
• Salò Botanica, a flower and plant market exhibition held in May along the lakeside and in the historic center.
100 Destinations of Italy Award
On December 6, 2018, at Palazzo Madama in Rome, Salò received an official prestigious award as one of Italy’s top tourist destinations. The city was included among the top 100 tourist locations in Italy by the Committee for the Observatory of Italian Excellence, recognized especially for its cultural, artistic, and environmental appeal.
Boat Tour on Lake Garda
Discover Lake Garda from a unique perspective with Beeboatservice: private boat tours departing from Salò, ideal for couples, families, and small groups. Sail among breathtaking sceneries like Sirmione and Isola del Garda, with stops for swimming, sunset aperitifs, or simple taxi boat transfers.
Tailor-made experiences are also available for special events like private parties or romantic proposals, offering a unique way to experience the lake. Book a tour using the button at the top right or the "Contact Us" button at the bottom of the page.
Where to Eat in Salò
Salò offers a wide range of restaurants and trattorias, perfect for savoring traditional Garda and Brescia cuisine. For those seeking a refined gastronomic experience, restaurants along the lakeside, such as QbDuePuntoZero and Locanda del Benaco, serve dishes based on lake fish, risottos, and local specialties like beef with oil and polenta.
There are also pizzerias, bistros, and characteristic taverns, like Pizzeria Lungolago 64 and Osteria Felter alle Rose, where you can taste typical products and local wines such as Valtenesi, Groppello, and Lugana wines.
Read our article Where to Eat in Salò: A Guide to the Best Restaurants for more details.
Where to Stay and Nightlife
Salò offers top-level accommodations, including bed and breakfasts, trattorias, and traditional restaurants. Nightlife is mainly concentrated in the area called Conca d'Oro or "La Fossa," where young people gather, especially in the summer evenings for an aperitivo, animated by live music and shows.
Read our article Where to Stay in Salò: A Guide to the 10 Best Hotels for more information.
Outdoor Sports
Families can relax at the playground at the start of the lakeside promenade or explore the various small beaches in the area and the Rimbalzello Adventure Park, offering tree-top courses and a beach club with paid access.
Outdoor and sports enthusiasts can join a sailing course to enjoy the lake up close or simply relax and swim at Salò Beach.
Another option is to explore the Alto Garda Bresciano Park, a vast protected area stretching from the lake shores to the peaks of the Prealps, with hiking trails and spectacular landscapes perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in nature and breathe fresh air.
Tourism is certainly one of Salò’s key sectors and has helped the town rank among the top Italian municipalities for per capita income and quality of life. Increasingly, foreign tourists—particularly Germans—are drawn to this little gem overlooking Lake Garda.
What to Visit Around Salò
One of the first stops is the small Church of the Madonna del Rio, located in a valley behind Salò and accessible via a charming olive-lined path. Tradition holds that the sanctuary was built in the 18th century following an apparition of the Virgin Mary inside a cave, where she is said to have left the imprint of her foot.
Not far from the church, a woodland path leads to a delightful small waterfall, creating a fairy-tale setting. The Church of the Madonna del Rio is the traditional destination for Salò residents’ Easter Monday picnics.
Nearby attractions also include Palazzo Martinengo in Barbarano, and not far from the city are the famous Vittoriale degli Italiani of D’Annunzio and the Heller Botanical Garden.