Comune di Desenzano

Residents: 26.415
Altitude: 96 m slm
Area: 60.1 kmq
Province: Brescia
CP: 25015

Desenzano on the south-western end of the Lake is with its 20.000 inhabitants the only proper town on the Lake. Already during the Middle ages Desenzano was an important trading place in Northern Italy. The well restored business houses along the harbour Porto Vecchio and in the old town are reminders of a glorious past. Lombardian prosperity is also displayed in the elegant shops, the extensive yachting harbour and the sauntering mile along the “Lungolago”. Desenzano offers a rich night-life with its many discos and bars. But there are also numerous possibilities for sportsmen and -women: swimming pools, riding stables and tennis courts which are available throughout the whole year. As Desenzano is located on the Verona-Milano trainline it is an ideal stating point for day trips to Verona, Venice and Milan.

Desenzano : Things to see

Arranged like an amphitheater upon the morainic formations surrounding the southern part of the lake, Desenzano is considered the capital of Lake Garda. It is home to many fine hotels, tourist resorts, camping sites and inns, and its restaurants serve excellent dishes and famous wines (Lugana, Tocai, Rosso Riviera). Desenzano has numerous sports facilities (swimming pools, riding schools, tennis courts, etc.) and places of culture (civic museum, library, auditorium, convention center, etc.). The picturesque open-air market held every Tuesday has existed since the 15th century. Transportation connections are excellent. The Desenzano train station is on the Milan-Venice line, and there is a Desenzano exit on the A4 “Serenissima” Milan-Venice highway. The V. Catullo Airport is in Villafranca, just 20 km away, while hydrofoils and boats leave from Navigarda’s port.

Desenzano : The “G. Rambotti” Museum

The museum, inaugurated in April 1990, displays the finds unearthed in the Polada peat bog between Desenzano and Lonato, and in the area of Lavagnone, an ancient lake dwelling about 5 km south of the town. In addition to ceramics, flint arrowheads, weapons and utensils, there is also a large oak plow from the Bronze Age (around 2,000 B.C.). It is a particularly interesting piece on account of its size — one of the two pieces measures 2.20 m — and its excellent condition. Open Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. For information, please call 030/9144259.

Desenzano : The Roman Villa

Discovered in 1921, the remains of the villa extend over an area of one hectare. It is considered the most important example in Northern Italy of the grand villas from the Late Roman era. Construction first began on the villa in the 1st century A.D., and it was finally completed at the beginning of the 4th century. Besides the “Antiquarium” with sculptures, necklaces, utensils, oil lamps, brooches, etc., other points of interest are the octagonal vestibule, the peristyle, the entrance hall, the sumptuous “aula trichora” and the “viridarium”, complete with a nymphaeum. The magnificent mosaic floor is decorated with scenes of hunting, fishing and farming. Open every day except Monday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For information, please call 030/9143547

Desenzano : The Cathedral (il Duomo)

Designed by architect Giulio Todeschini of Brescia (1524-1603) and built between 1586 and 1611, the cathedral is dedicated to Santa Maria Maddalena. Inside there are works by Andrea Celesti (1637-1712), Gian Battista Tiepolo (1669-1770), Zenon Veronese (1484-1553), Palma il Giovane (1544-1628), Andrea Bertanza and Pietro Calcinardi. The high altar with sumptuous marble inlays was supposedly made by the studio of Santo Calegari.

Desenzano : Lonato Citadel

Sitting high above the western banks of Lake Garda, Lonato attracts the gaze of passengers and visitors with its imposing medieval Visconti-Venetian turreted fortress towering above the city walls. A view from atop the castle spans the lake and the pre-Alps of Brescia and Verona to Monte Rosa and the Apennines. People who love our fine feathered friends can visit the Ornithology Museum in the tower, with nearly 700 species.

Desenzano : The Tomb of Atilia Urbica

The tabular sdesenzanophagus decorated with arches, which now sits in the cloister of the Santa Maria de Senioribus Church, was made for Atilia Urbicus by her sons. Probably sculpted at the turn of the 3rd century A.D., it bears a Latin inscription and depicts two women, one playing the lute and the other removing a cloth from a basket.

INFORMAZIONI DI PUBBLICA UTILITA’:

Carabinieri

Tel.112
 

Centro Dialisi
25015 Desenzano del Garda
Tel.+39 030 9145249
 

Emergenza Sanitaria

Tel.118
 

Guardia Medica
Lonato, Desenzano, Sirmione
Tel.+39 030/9120393
 

Iat Desenzano
Via Porto Vecchio, 34 25015 Desenzano
Tel.+39 030 9141510 Fax.+39 030 9144209

Ospedale
Località Montecroce 25015 Desenzano del Garda
Tel.+39 030 91451

Polizia
25015 Desenzano del Garda
Tel.+39 030 9148611

Polizia Municipale
25015 Desenzano del Garda
Tel.+39 030 9143572

Soccorso Pubblico di Emergenza

Tel.113

Vigili del Fuoco

Tel.115