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desenzano FEATURES historic places DATING from THE roman empire ( Ist Century bc) to the Second Italian War of Independence(1859)

The Roman Villa Discovered in 1921, it is one of the most important archeological sites in the north of Italy. It was built between the end of the 1st century B.C. and the beginning of the 4th century as a lakeside villa. Its beautiful floor mosaics depict scenes of hunting, fishing and chariot riding . The name of the town probably comes from its owner, Decentius.

The Castle Built in the 10th century on the original Roman castrum, and later rebuilt in the 15th century, the castle served mainly as a refuge for the people. From the end of the 19th century to 1943, part of it was used as military barracks. The splendid view from the top of the recently restored tower is considered one of the most beautiful of Lake Garda.

St. Mary Magdalene Cathedral The Cathedral, dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene, was built between 1586 and 1611. It houses some remarkable works by Italian painter Andrea Celesti and The Last Supper by Gian Battista Tiepolo. Six paintings by Pietro Calcinardi are dedicated to the life of the Desenzano Patron Saint, Angela Merici.

The Tower of St Martin The tower is a monumental building erected in 1978, to commemorate the battle of San Martino and Solferino. It is 74 metres high. The nearby Ossuary contains the remains of the soldiers who died in the battle, fought in 1859 by the allied French and Piedmontese Armies against the Austrian Empire.

SIRMIONE IS FAMOUS FOR ITS SPA, CASTLE AND NEAR DESENZANO, SIRMIONE IS FAMOUS FOR ITS SPA, CASTLE AND CATULLUS’ VILLA

THE GROTTOS OF CATULLUS The caves occupy an area of about two acres and are considered the largest archeological zone in Northern Italy. More than a grotto, this famous site consists of the remains of a Roman villa, which the tradition says belonged to the Roman poet Catullus, a native of Verona, who wrote poems about the beauty of the place.

SCALIGER CASTLE The castle rises in a strategic position along the border of the Della Scala dominion and, from the beginning of the 15th century, of the Venetian Republic. It is one of the most important moated castles across Europe. The well-preserved castle with its walls, towers and drawbridges is the highlight in the small town and attracts many visitors.

ST. PETER'S CHURCH Originally built in the 8th century and renovated in the early 14th century, it is secluded from the town as it is situated on a hill. The church contains frescoes from the 12th-16th centuries. It was used in the past as a military hospital and its surrounding as a cemetery for the victims of the plague.

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