Already known in Roman times, Salò has always played a crucial role in the history of Lake Garda and Italy. An important commercial capital in the Middle Ages (it gave birth to the great luthier Gasparo da Salò), in 1426 it became associated with the “serenissima” Republic of Venice. This is still evident today through the lion column of St. Mark in the main square of the town and the numerous works inside the Duomo (1453), which features late Gothic architecture on the exterior and Renaissance elements on the interior.
Another testament to this era is the Magnifica Patria Palace, now the municipal seat and museum. From 1943 to 1945, during World War II, it was chosen by Mussolini as the capital of the Italian Social Republic, hence the name Republic of Salò. All the structures housing the activities of the R.S.I. represent a history that has endured to the present day, despite the earthquakes of 1901 and 2004.PALAZZO DELLA CROCE ROSSA
Near the door of the Carmine, it housed the offices of the Ministry of Popular Culture (also called Minculpop) headed by Fernando Mezzasomma, brain fascist propaganda.
The building now houses a communuty of accomodationfor children run by the “CROCE ROSSA”
VILLA AMADEI
The villa has housed the offices of the “top ministry official” and the Division of Performing Arts.
Here he worked a young Almirante, future secretary of the Italian Social Movement.
GUARDIA COSTIERA
Now home to the Coast Guard , The buildig was the barracks of the units of the “Muti”, under the orders of thr Germans, and the “X-Mas”, a kind of private army under the command of Prince Junio Valerio Borghese.
EX ALBERGO ITALIA
The “HOUSE OF FASCIO”. This three-storey building of the eighteenth century, now visible on
the lakeside promenade of Salò, at the time it was made available to the men of the guard ofMussolini, where every evening bullettins were sent to war.
EX COLLEGIO CIVICO
This was the headquarters of the Republican National Guard Renato Ricci, in the center of Salò.
The tower of the building and the old belltower of the Church of Santa Giustina, home appliances since 1877 for weather reporting and seismic observatory Pio Bettoni.
PALAZZO DELLA MAGNIFICA PATRIA
Today, the town hall, is the simbol of the golden age of the Serenissima. Built in 1524, it waslargely rebuilt after the earthquake of 1901. In the age of R.S.I. it was the seat of the interpreters for the translation of the foreign press, Inside Presets are fine paintings and frescoes as well as a wall painting of the eighteenth century completely hammered.
TEATRO COMUNALE
Built by Sfondrini, was used for the entertainment of the officers. During this period there were held shows of great value which saw guests the best actors of the time.
ORATORIO MASCHILE
The Oratory Salò once housed the grouping of the Black Brigades Pavolini estabilished in 1944.
EX CASERMA DEI CARABINIERI
Once deposed the Corps, the National Republican Guard replaced the setting up its uffices in the building of Garibaldi street.
VILLA ANGELINI
At the end of the lakeside promenade of Salò were placed phone booths for journalists. Right next to the Ministry of Culture and Agency Stefani.
ALBERGO GALEAZZI
Located on the road between Salò and Gardone, was intended to house the officers of Foreign Affairs.
Downstairs was instead set up a cafeteriafor employees Germans.
HOTEL LAURIN (EX VILLA SIMONINI)
This was the headquarters of the Foreign Ministry, headed by Mussolini. The beautiful villa, Hotel Laurin today,is one of the moststriking representatives of the elegance of the Art Noveau
style of the early twentieth century.
Since 1960 the villa was converted into a hotel.
In addition to being a rich cultural destination, Salò offers the opportunity to engage in various activities. From water sports to mountain biking and trekking along marvelous paths in the surrounding hills, there’s something for everyone. For the more daring, we also offer paragliding lessons.
Every day, our numerous tour operators organize boat trips to visit the main locations around Lake Garda. These excursions provide a different perspective that will truly take your breath away. Our reception is always ready to fulfill any of your requests.
