The Cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata in Salò is known for its marble Renaissance portal, but what very few know is that this sacred building once boasted a Gothic portal. However, the Gothic portal was not destroyed; it can still be admired on the Capuchin monastery church. When the city fathers no longer deemed this lovely doorway impressive enough, it was replaced with a new portal in 1456 and the Gothic predecessor was set into the west wall of the abbey church.
Mythological figures trim the balustrade of the largest palace on the lake. This 18th structure by architect Adriano Cristoferi is at its most impressive when viewed from the water. Today the palace with its precious works of art, antique furniture and decorative stuccoes is in private hands, and thus it is not possible to visit Count Bettoni's residence. You can, however, look at the park-like gardens with their graceful staircases and statuary through the wrought iron gate.
Cannon balls are embedded in the walls of these magnificent palaces along the harbour. They bear witness to the Austrian attack on Gargnano in 1866. Today, however, this is a very peaceful little town. The almost Mediterranean climate and sparkling waters of the lake make it a popular tourist destination. In the 13th century St. Francis of Assisi had the Franciscan monastery built here, and parts of it remain to this day.