San Martino della Battaglia Tower: Monument to the Risorgimento on Lake Garda

On the top of a hill in the moraine hills of Lake Garda, a few kilometres from Desenzano del Garda, stands majestically the Tower of San Martino della Battaglia, an imposing symbol of the Unification of Italy and living testimony to the events that marked the Italian Risorgimento. This monumental complex, which includes the tower, a historical museum and an ossuary, represents one of the most significant places of memory in our country.

The Battle of 24 June 1859

The 24 June 1859 these hills were the scene of one of the bloodiest battles of the Second War of Independence. On this hill, which the’Sardinian Army led by Victor Emmanuel II conquered, lost and retaken several times with bloody assaults and repeated charges, a decisive battle took place against the right wing of the Austrian army led by General Von Benedeck.
The battle extended over three fronts: Medole, Solferino and San Martino della Battaglia. The clash was of unprecedented violence, fought hand-to-hand under a blazing sun, with the fate of Italy hanging in the balance at every assault. At the end of the day, the Sardinian-Piedmontese army managed to prevail, but the price was extremely high: thousands of young men lost their lives on these hills.
It was the vision of the horror of this battle that inspired Henry Dunant to found the International Red Cross, witnessing how a universal idea of human solidarity can be born out of a tragic event.

The Tower: History and Construction

The Birth of the Project

La Tower of San Martino was erected from 1880 thanks to a participatory national subscription, testimony to the emotion and patriotic feeling that united Italians after the achievement of Unification. The project was promoted by the Solferino and San Martino Society with the aim of creating a monument to honour the memory of Re Victor Emmanuel II and of all those who fought for the independence and unification of Italy.
The tower was solemnly inaugurated on 15 October 1893, sixteen years after the King's death, immediately becoming a recognised symbol of the Italian nation.

Architecture and Features

The tower rises to 64 metres high and is 7 storeys high, with an architecture vaguely reminiscent of the Pantheon in Rome, former burial place of Victor Emmanuel II. From its summit, a tricolour beacon radiates the three colours of the Italian flag at night, visible for many kilometres, like a beacon that guides and reminds.
The structure stands majestically like a giant chess piece, dominating the surrounding landscape and serving as a landmark visible from the entire lower Garda area.

Inside the Tower: A Journey through the Risorgimento

The Ground Floor

As soon as they cross the threshold, visitors are welcomed into a circular entrance which houses a large statue of Victor Emmanuel II, surrounded by the bronze busts of the other great protagonists of the Unification of Italy: Giuseppe Garibaldi, Camillo Benso Conte di Cavour and Giuseppe Mazzini. These four figures represent the different souls that contributed to the birth of the Italian nation.

The Spiral Ramp

A spiral ramp of about 400 metres leads visitors to the top of the tower via a route that is also a journey through history. Along the way, the walls are decorated with magnificent frescoes made by Vittorio Emanuele Bressanin that narrate, in chronological order, the fundamental episodes of the Italian Risorgimento.
The frescoes tell the story:

La First War of Independence of 1848
Le Five Days of Milan
The defence of the Roman Republic of 1849
La Battle of Goito
La Second War of Independence of 1859
The enterprise of the A Thousand of Garibaldi
La Third War of Independence of 1866
The conquest of Rome and the Breach of Porta Pia of 1870

Exhibition Galleries

Two galleries inside the tower house a permanent exhibition dedicated to the First World War, with explanatory panels, historical photographs and documents recounting the sacrifice of Italians in the conflict.

The Panoramic Terrace

Once on the summit terrace, the visitor can enjoy a unforgettable panoramic view. On a clear day, the view sweeps 360 degrees embracing:
The entire Lake Garda with its blue waters
The sweets moraine hills covered with vineyards
La Po Valley stretching to the horizon
Le Alps in the background on clearer days
The territory where the battle took place
At the top proudly waves the Italian flag, visible from miles away.

The Battle Museum

The Exhibition Halls

Behind the tower is the building that houses the Museum of the Risorgimento, opened in 1939 and is divided into three themed rooms. The museum houses a valuable collection of exhibits from the battle of 24 June 1859 and the entire Risorgimento period.

The Collections

Weapons and armaments:

Historical cannons with evocative names: Il Soprano, Il Tirolese, Micca, Pietro
Rifles and bayonets of the period
Soldiers' sabres and swords
Bullets and ammunition

Uniforms and equipment:

Sardinian-Piedmontese army uniforms
Austrian uniforms
Military helmets and headgear
Backpacks and flasks

Personal belongings of soldiers:

Pipes and snuffboxes
Hand-painted playing cards
Letters and personal documents
A bloodstained handkerchief
Medals and buttons
Cutlery and field utensils

These objects of everyday life are particularly touching because they allow us to get in touch with the humanity of the soldiers, with their fears and hopes, making us relive the everyday life of so many men who never returned to their families.

Documents and Testimonies

The museum also preserves valuable historical documentsmilitary orders, dispatches, telegrams, proclamations and written accounts of the course of the battle and the military strategies adopted.

The Ossuary Church of San Martino

Along the tree-lined avenue of the monumental complex is the solemn Ossuary Church, a place of recollection and remembrance. The sacred building holds the remains of the fallen of the battle in a particularly touching manner:
The apse hosts 1,274 skulls of fallen soldiers, arranged in an orderly and dignified manner
The crypt preserves the bone remains of 2,619 fallen, from both sides
The ossuary makes no distinction between victors and vanquished, between Italians and Austrians, but honours all those who lost their lives in this land. It is a place for deep reflection on the tragedy of war and the price of freedom.

Practical Information for the Visit

Opening Hours

Summer period (17 March - 15 October):
Daily: 9:00-12:30 / 14:30-19:00
Sundays and public holidays: open all day 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Winter period (16 October - 16 March):
Tuesday-Sunday: 9:00-12:30 / 14:00-17:30
Closed Mondays

Tickets and Fares

Tower + Museum of San Martino:
Full price: €7.00
Reduced (11-18 years and over 65): €5.00
Children up to 11 years: free
Single ticket (Tower + San Martino Museum + Solferino Fortress + Solferino Museum):
€10.00 (valid for 7 days)
Groups with guide (reservation required): €12.00
Only Ossuaryfree admission

How to get to San Martino della Battaglia

Address: Via Torre, 2 - 25015 San Martino della Battaglia, Desenzano del Garda (BS)
By Car:

From Milan: A4 motorway, exit Sirmione, follow signs for San Martino della Battaglia (5 km)
From Brescia: SS11 or A4, Desenzano exit, follow directions (8 km)
From Verona: A4, exit Sirmione or Desenzano

Parking spaces:
There is ample free parking at the piazzale dell'Osteria alla Torre, directly opposite the entrance to the monumental complex. Other parking spaces are available in the adjacent streets in Via dell'Ossario.
Cycling:
San Martino della Battaglia can be reached via bicycle paths and scenic routes through the Lugana vineyards. During the weekend it is a popular destination for cyclists.

Advice for the Visit

Duration of Visit

To visit the entire monumental complex at a leisurely pace, it is advisable to dedicate some time:

Tower40-50 minutes (ascent, frescoes and panorama)
Museum30-40 minutes
Ossuary15-20 minutes
Totalabout 2 hours

If you buy the single ticket with Solferino, plan the whole day.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April-May): mild climate, flowery hills, excellent visibility
Autumn (September-October): pleasant temperatures, harvest in surrounding vineyards
Early morningideal light for photographs, fewer visitors
WeekdaysMore peaceful and contemplative experience
During the summer, the ascent to the tower can be challenging due to the heat; it is recommended to bring water.

Accessibility

La ascent to the tower is via a spiral ramp with steps, so it is not accessible to people with mobility difficulties. In contrast, the museum and ossuary are accessible to all visitors.

What to bring

Comfortable shoes for climbing
Panorama camera
Water, especially in summer
Binoculars for a better view of the landscape

Events and Commemorations

Historical Re-enactment of the Battle

Every year, close to the 24 June, a grand historical re-enactment of the Battle of San Martino and Solferino is organised. Hundreds of figures in period costume recreate the deployments, military manoeuvres and clashes, offering visitors an immersive experience in history.

Official Commemorations

On 24 June, official ceremonies are held with the presence of civil and military authorities, the laying of laurel wreaths at the ossuary and religious celebrations in memory of the fallen.

Concerts and Events

Throughout the year, the monumental complex hosts military band concerts, choral performances and cultural events related to the history of the Risorgimento.

The Territory: The Morainic Hills and Lugana

San Martino della Battaglia is located in the heart of the moraine hills of Lake Garda, an area characterised by gentle hills created by glaciers during the ice ages. These hills are famous for the production of Lugana DOC, one of Italy's most popular white wines.
The vineyards surrounding the tower create a scenario of great scenic beauty, with neat rows of vines drawing perfect geometries on the slopes of the hills. During the grape harvest (September), the entire area comes alive with intoxicating activities and aromas.

Where to Eat Nearby

Osteria alla Torre

Directly opposite the entrance to the monumental complex is the’Osteria alla Torre, a restaurant serving skilfully reinterpreted typical Garda dishes. It has a large outdoor dehors with a view of the tower and a large car park. Ideal for lunch or an aperitif after a visit.

Trattoria Al Borgo

Via Unità d'Italia, 10 - Traditional cuisine with excellent local wines. It also offers rooms for those wishing to stay overnight in the area.

Trattoria da Renato

Via Unità d'Italia, 73 - Local specialities with genuine products. Cosy, family atmosphere.

Combinations of Visits

Complete Risorgimento Itinerary

With the single ticket you can also visit:
Fortress of Solferino (10 km): medieval fortress that was the scene of decisive battles
Solferino Museumrelics, weapons and uniforms from the battle
Charnel House of Solferinowhere other fallen of 24 June 1859 lie buried
The complete itinerary takes the whole day but offers a profound understanding of the events of the Risorgimento.

Lake Garda Itinerary

San Martino della Battaglia combines perfectly with visits to other Garda attractions:
Desenzano del Garda: 5 km, historic centre and lakefront
Sirmione: 8 km, Scaliger Castle and Catullus Caves
Peschiera del Garda: 12 km, Venetian Fortress
Lugana wineries: tastings in the area's numerous wine cellars

Where to Stay to Visit the Tower

A Casa di Sabina a Desenzano del Garda is the ideal solution for visiting the Tower of San Martino della Battaglia. The exceptional proximity of only 5 km makes it possible to reach the monumental complex in just a few minutes, while enjoying the tranquillity of a location surrounded by moraine hills.
After a day dedicated to the history and memory of the Risorgimento, the return to our modern and comfortable flats offers the perfect contrast between past and present. The swimming pool surrounded by greenery becomes the ideal place to relax and reflect on the emotions experienced during the visit.
The strategic location of A Casa di Sabina makes it easy to create itineraries that combine culture, history and Lake Garda relaxation. To discover our holiday flats or to organise your stay, contact us directly.

The Tower in Italian Culture

The Tower of San Martino della Battaglia has become over time a iconic symbol of the Italian Risorgimento. Its silhouette has been reproduced in countless prints, postcards and works of art. During the fascist period it was used as a symbol of national heroism, while in the post-war period it took on a broader meaning of remembrance and reflection on the war.
Today the tower represents a place of shared memory that goes beyond political divisions, a monument that invites peace and reconciliation between peoples.

Curiosities and Anecdotes

The Tricolour Lighthouse

The lighthouse at the top of the tower radiates the three colours of the Italian flag at night. This working lighthouse is visible from several kilometres away and is a night-time landmark for the entire Lower Garda area.

Popular Subscription

The tower was built thanks to a national subscription which collected funds from all regions of Italy. Even humble people contributed small sums, testifying to how emotionally attached they were to the events of the Risorgimento.

The Baptised Cannons

The four cannons on display in the museum have their own names: Il Soprano, Il Tirolese, Micca and Pietro. It was customary at the time to give artillery pieces names, often in honour of heroes or localities.

The Red Cross

Henry Dunant, who witnessed the battle of Solferino and San Martino, was so shocked by the number of wounded and the lack of adequate medical care that he decided to found an international relief organisation. Thus was born the International Red Cross, now active worldwide.

Educational and Family Activities

The monumental complex offers guided tours specifically for schools, with educational paths that help students understand the historical significance of the battle and the process of Italian unification.
For families, the climb up the tower is an adventure that involves even the youngest children, turning the history lesson into a memorable experience. Children up to the age of 11 enter free of charge.

Photography and Panoramic Points

From the Tower Terrace

The summit terrace offers unique photographic views 360 degrees. On a clear day it is possible to photograph Lake Garda with the mountains in the background, the moraine hills and the entire Po Valley.

From the Park

The park surrounding the tower offers several photo points to immortalise the grandeur of the monument. The tree-lined avenue leading to the ossuary is particularly impressive.

Photographic Tips

Golden hour: sunset by warm light on the tower
SpringFlowering trees in the park
Autumnwarm colours of the surrounding vineyards
Perspective from belowemphasises the grandeur of the structure

Sustainability and Conservation

The monumental complex is the subject of continuous maintenance and restoration work to preserve its structural and artistic integrity. The interior frescoes are periodically subjected to conservative restoration to ensure their legibility for future generations.
The park is managed according to principles of environmental sustainability, with a focus on the preservation of centuries-old plants and local biodiversity.

Conclusion

The Tower of San Martino della Battaglia represents more than just a monument: it is a place of living memory which connects us with the fundamental events of our national history. A visit to this monumental complex offers the opportunity to reflect on the value of freedom, the price paid to obtain it and the importance of peace.
From its panoramic terrace, looking out over the serene landscape of the hills of Lake Garda, it is difficult to imagine the violence of the battle that took place here. Yet, it is precisely this contrast between the beauty of the place and the historical tragedy that makes the visit so touching and meaningful.
San Martino della Battaglia deserves a careful and respectful stop, a moment to remember and reflect, before continuing the journey to discover the beauty of Lake Garda.