Salò

Salò is the largest city at the western shore of Lake Garda and belongs to the province of Brescia and is situated at the foot of “Monte San Bartolomeo” (568 m) in the Bay of Saló. The city is surrounded by Moraine Hills in the south and in the west. Salò is the most densely populated municipality of the “Alto Garda Bresciano” and is considered as the “capital” of this area. The “Riviera bresciana” a region between Salò and Gargnano characterized by wonderful Mediterranean vegetation begins in Salò. The climate is mild due to the geographical location of the town between Valtenesi, “Valle Sabbia” and the upper Lake Garda. Salò is an important centre of tourism, education and culture for the villages located at the western part of the Lake. The beautiful lakeside promenade is the longest of the entire lake. It leads to the idyllic, comfortable shingle beaches in the south of the bay. The “Colle San Bartolomeo” provides numerous walking paths and panoramic tours through the pine forest. The old town consist of a dense network of narrow streets and small squares, with many shops and excellent restaurants. The cathedral of “Santa Maria Annunziata” is considered as the most important church of Lake Garda.
A very strong earthquake has almost completely destroyed the city in 1901. The ruins along the promenade are reminders of this tragedy.