Discover Salò: Old Town, History and Lungolago

Salò can be explored for trip planning through three distinct points of reference: the historic centre, the lakeside promenade and the starting point of the Bassa Via del Garda. The historic centre lies between Piazza Carmine, the Fossa and the lakeside promenade. The Lungolago di Salò runs along the entire gulf; as a lakeside promenade, it is part of a pedestrian area by the lake. This places the old town’s setting and the continuous connection to the lake alongside one another as two distinct points of reference.

The first section of the Bassa Via del Garda starts at Piazza del Carmine in the centre of Salò. If you include this stage in your trip plans, check the current trail conditions before setting off.

City history at the MuSa and historic buildings

The MuSa Museo di Salò presents the development of the city and its surroundings from Roman times to the present day. It also interprets Salò’s identity, treasures and contribution to national history. The museum opened in June 2015 and is housed in the church of Santa Giustina. The church belongs to a complex founded in 1587. This gives three distinct points in time: the subject matter spans from Roman times to the present, the museum opened in 2015, and the complex was founded in 1587.

The Centro Studi RSI in Salò offers another way to engage with history, with workshops held in the archive and library. The Centro Studi RSI is accessible to people with mobility impairments.

The Duomo di Salò also brings together two periods of construction. It was built in 1453 on an older Romanesque structure dating from the 13th century. The Palazzo della Magnifica Patria is a historic testament to Salò’s past. The Torre dell'Orologio serves another navigational purpose, marking the western entrance to the historic centre. The buildings thus highlight different aspects: the Duomo’s construction history, the Palazzo’s city history and the Torre’s role as an entrance to the old town.

The type of cultural experience also matters when choosing what to visit: the MuSa covers a thematic span of time, the Centro Studi RSI presents history through workshops, and the Duomo can be understood through its phases of construction. If you would like to shape your stay around a particular interest, you can take these different ways of exploring Salò’s history into account.

Planning your stay

The official INFOPOINT Servizio Informazioni Turistiche di Salò provides practical information on finding your way around the city, where to stay and what to see. It also offers information about museums, events and local festivals. This brings together questions about getting around and accommodation with ideas for cultural and event planning.

If you are looking for a hotel in Salò, first decide what you would like to focus on during your stay: the historic old town and its buildings, the MuSa, or the lakeside and route connections. You can then compare the specific details of hotels you are considering for your trip with your own plans.

Discover more destinations: Barbarano, Ome, Ceto, Sulzano, Montirone, Porzano, Gavardo, Sale Marasino.

Go to the main travel overview: Brescia.