Desenzano, Lago di Garda

Desenzano is the departing point of the lake navigation service covering the lake longitudinally. The town was founded in the Roman Era. In the 15th century Desenzano flourished as a duty free fishing port and a seat of one of Italy's major cereal markets. In the beginning of 20thcentury it became a tourism, commerce and industry center (especially for food). Rich in expressive architecture, the city has an old port surrounded by a 16th and 17th century buildings. There is also a mediaeval fortification, Castello, foundation reconstructed in the 1300-1400. Also worth seeing is the 16th century cathedral with several paintings inside including Giambattista Tiepolo's Last Supper. There are ancient ruins of Villa Romana, an important archeological complex rich with mosaics (I-II and IV century.)

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Desenzano is one of the most popular destination on Lago di Garda. The town is situated on the western lakeshore, about twenty kilometres north of Sirmione. It has interesting old core of the town, very pitoresque old port which makes a part of the city centre and beautiful long promenade along the lakeshore.

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Beautiful and very attractive promenade of Desenzano is several kilometres long. It incluses pitoresque village of Rivoltella, which makes a part of Desenzano community. There are very good beach resorts on the northern end of the promenade, towards the direction of Salo.

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Situated at the south-west extremity of Lake Garda - the other side of Sirmione to Lazise - is Desenzano.
This is one of the principal towns of Lake Garda and had more of a working town atmsosphere as well as resort. Good promenade walk around the outer harbour and the main piazza has an inner harboutr too. It does have the advantage of a train station to make access easier - albeit - along uphill road from the lakeside.