Salo, Lago di Garda

Mussolini founded here on 15 September 1943 the so-called Repubblica Sociale Italiana which was administrated from here until 1945. Other than in Germany where the Nazis have today no political representation in the Bundestag in Italy the neo-Fascists are in Rome in the parliament (Mussolini's granddaughter is one of the deputies) and are supporting Berlusconi. One of their strongholds is the Italian speaking part of the inhabitants of South Tirol.

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Salo, known as piccola Atene (small Athens) is situated on the western lakeshore, in the close vicinity of Desenzano. In the historical terms, it is known as the last refuge of Mussolini, who was killed here by the Italian Partisans in 1945.
Worth of visiting is nearby Il Vittoriale degli Italiani, which since 1921 was the seat of Gabriele D'Anunzio, famous Italian poet and politician. This huge complex is turned into the most omportant memorial center in whole Italy.

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Salo is the most charming of all the Lake Garda towns. Plenty to do and see for the visitor, but it doesn't feel like a tourist trap. A long, charming promenade curves around the beautiful bay of Salo, lined with restaurants, bars and cafes. Parallel to this the main shopping street is full of fairly smart (but not too expensive) shops and is free of vehicles. Its a great place to stay, as it's good place to stroll in the evenings.

The centre of this former short time capital city of Italy consists just of one street stretching from the main church to this tower.