Moniga del Garda

This is Lake Garda’s largest town and has been a popular holiday resort since Roman times. According to local folklore  the “Desenzano” name is derived from a the name of a Roman legionnaire called Decentium.

The lakefront, which has fantastic views up the lake to the Alps, is full of café/bars and “gelaterie” and there is also a large statue dedicated to Sant’ Angela. There are three large beaches, Desanzanino Beach, Spiagga d’Oro, and Porto Rivoltella Beach, where sunbeds and pedloes are available for rent.

Unlike most of the Lake Garda towns there is a road that follows the lungolago, past the marina and into the historic center of town. The central point of the historic centre is the picturesque Porto Vecchio (see Places to Visit below).

Porto Vecchio is lined with restaurants and bars, which continue into the narrow streets and open piazzas of the town. Desenzano remains lively most of the year due to it’s large population and also popularity with Italians from other towns, who come to the town for shopping and the nightlife.

Lake Garda Towns - Toscolano Maderno

Desenzano has fantastic transport links including a busy train station which makes travel all over Italy possible. The train station has direct links to Milan, Verona and Venice. There is a bus service outside the station which connects you to the rest of the lake, which is also accessible by the ferry port.

Desenzano is a great place for visitors looking for a lively holiday or those who want to visit some of Italy’s iconic towns such as Venice.

Tip

If you want to eat fresh home made pasta in an authentic Italian homely atmosphere then try Agriturismo Trenta. I make sure  visit every time I’m in Lake Garda.

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Places To Visit In Moniga

Porto Vecchio, dates back to the 13th century and was expanded during the Venetian Republic when Desenzano became the seat of the regions grain market.The port exits under a venetian style bridge (actually built in the 1930’s). Standing on the bridge gazing across the port you will see the imposing Todeschini Palace, which was built by Brescian architect Giulio Todeschini as the town hall in 1580, which it remained until the 1970’s. It is currently used as a conference center and as a venue for shows and temporary exhibitions.

The castle was built with four corner towers in 11th century, possibly on the the site of a roman fortification. Due to it’s elevated hilltop location, views across the rooftops of the town to the lake are simply stunning.  It is possible to tour the beautifully restored castle for just 3 euros (1 euro for senior citizens), but check before you visit as the castle sometimes hosts exhibitions and conferences.

The G. Rambotti Archaeological museum displays prehistoric and Bronze age artefacts from an ancient lake dwelling found in a nearby peat bog. Prehistoric Pile dwellings around the Alps are inscribed in the World Heritage List UNESCO. Read more here.

The town’s baroque style 16th century cathedral was built by Giulio Todeschini and consecrated in 1611 by the Bishop of Verona. It contains a fascinating 18th century work by Tiepolo, representing “Last Supper”.

The town has many historic monuments and attractions including an excavated Roman villa, which is considered to be one of the most important examples in Northern Italy. As well as the mosaics and ruins of the villa there is an adjacent museum containing artefacts from the ruins.

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