A lovely small town lying at the bottom left of Lake Garda, on a large, gently sweeping bay, protected from the wind at the foot of the 1867ft high Monte San Bartolomeo. It was the Romans who called the settlement Salodium and they turned Salo into their administrative seat in the 14th Century, as well as under the Venetians. The town became the political centre on the western shore. 

The Mild climates of this region attracted the aristocracy and the rich from northern Europe. In 1901 an earthquake struck the area and in the years to follow the old town centre was completely rebuilt. The planners at that time had incredible foresight and completely rebuilt a new lakeside promenade built on wooden piles driven into the bed of the lake.

During the Second World War Mussolini made Salo the capital of the Fascist Social Republic which for a time was effectively the nominal capital of Italy. 

It is also claimed that Gasparo da Salo, the inventor of the violin was born here in 1540. 

From the promenade Salo has some lovely views of the lake, with yachts and motor boats which just add to the character and colour of the scenery.   All along the leafy promenade are cafes, restaurants, hotels and occasional shops, interspersed with some unexpectedly attractive piazzas. 

Among the maze of piazzas and narrow streets of this old town is the Duomo, one of the finest late Gothic built churches on the lake. Inside, the dark stone contrasts nicely with the stunning murals and paintings, with work by Romanino and Zenon Veronese.

The promenade opens out to the Piazza Dal Vittoria, which is also where the ferry arrives.  This is a lovely piazza with restaurants, cafes, shops and hotels. The main shopping street runs parallel to the promenade and ends with a large clock at the ancient city gate Torre dell'Orologio. 

 Salo is a great place to stay or visit.