Desenzano del Garda
Discovering Desenzano del Garda!
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about Desenzano del Garda, an Italian municipality in the province of Brescia in Lombardy. With its 29,108 inhabitants, it is the most populous municipality in Lake Garda and the second in the province. With its location in the southeastern part of the province of Brescia, the northern part of the municipality overlooks the lower Lake Garda, while the rest of the territory extends towards the moraine hills.
Physical geography
Desenzano del Garda is located about 25 kilometers east of Brescia and can be easily reached from the local train station. The city is located in the warmest part of Lake Garda and extends its territory to the south on the hills, with a long coastal strip in the north of the lake. In this hinterland area, the municipal territory borders Veneto (province of Verona, municipality of Peschiera del Garda), and is about 30 km from Brescia and 40 from Verona.
Climate
Desenzano del Garda enjoys a particular climate thanks to the presence of Lake Garda. According to the thirtieth annual average of reference 1961-1990, the average temperature of the coldest month, January, is around +3.0°C; that of the warmest month, July, is +23.4°C. This climate is a sub-Mediterranean climate type, with milder winters and slightly cooler summers than the rest of the Po Valley, which has a humid temperate climate, according to Koppen.
Origins of the name
Desenzano was so named until 1862, when the royal decree of 7 September 1862, n. 830, baptized it "Desenzano on the Lake." The current denomination "Desenzano del Garda" was assumed with royal decree 29 July 1926, n. 1460, in the context of the reorganization of local administrations. At the same time, the territory of the suppressed municipality of Rivoltella del Garda was incorporated.
The toponym Desenzano is supposed to derive from the Latin name "Decentius," the presumed owner of the farm and the Roman Villa of Desenzano Del Garda of the IV century, of which the excavations can be visited. There is also a popular etymology that connects the toponym with the word "descent," since the village extends along the hill slope.
History
Prehistoric and Roman times
Desenzano Del Garda has a rich history that can be discovered through its archaeological sites and ancient buildings. In 1873, the excavations conducted by Pietro Polotti in the "Polada" area on the border with Lonato del Garda discovered a palafitticola station dating back to the Bronze Age and which took the name of Polada Culture. In the Lavagnone area, Renato Perini found another contemporary settlement that in 2011 became part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Between the 1st century BC and the 1st century, near Desenzano rose a "Podere" inhabited by a hundred people. The Roman Villa of Desenzano Del Garda, whose remains can be seen at "Borgo Regio," was built between the II and III centuries along the "Gallic road" as a residence for wealthy citizens. The area of Desenzano and Lugana was the scene of several battles during the Military Anarchy and the Late Antiquity: the Roman emperor Decius defeated Philip the Arab in 249 and the following year stopped on the shores of Lake Garda before leaving to fight the Goths in Thrace.
Medieval period
During the Middle Ages, Desenzano played an important role both for its strategic position and for the presence of its castle. In 1191 it was fortified again, thanks to Frederick Barbarossa, passing then under the control of Verona and Brescia until 1259 when it was assigned to the Visconti Lordship of Milan.
Tourist attractions
Desenzano Del Garda is a popular tourist destination. In addition to its historical treasures, such as the Roman Villa of Desenzano Del Garda, you can visit the Clock Tower, the Castle of Desenzano, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maddalena, the Church of San Biagio, and the Basilica of San Giovanni Battista. The city is also famous for its nightlife and its beautiful lakeside promenade, where you can shop and taste local cuisine specialties.
Throughout the year, Desenzano offers numerous events and festivals, including the Antique Market, the Fish Festival, the Carnival, and much more!
Conclusions
In conclusion, Desenzano del Garda is a city rich in history and culture, which obviously deserves to be visited. You will find historical treasures, beautiful views of the lake, excellent restaurants and bars, and much more. I recommend you to visit this place if you have the opportunity to do so!
