Italy in Photos

Via Roma, 5, 25015 Desenzano del Garda BS, Italy (June 2025)

Duomo di Santa Maria Maddalena

The Duomo di Santa Maria Maddalena, located in the heart of Desenzano del Garda on the southwestern shore of Lake Garda in northern Italy, is a significant example of late Renaissance and early Baroque religious architecture. This parish church stands not only as a spiritual centre for the town but also as a cultural and historical landmark that reflects centuries of devotion, artistic achievement, and community identity.

The current church was built between 1586 and 1611, replacing an earlier medieval structure that had fallen into disrepair. Its construction was commissioned by the town’s civic and religious authorities during a period of renewed religious fervour following the Counter-Reformation. The architect behind the Duomo was Giulio Todeschini, a prominent figure from Brescia, whose refined architectural style is evident in the building’s harmonious proportions and elegant interior design. Todeschini’s work helped establish the church as a prominent example of late Renaissance architecture in the Lombardy region.

The façade of the Duomo is relatively simple and austere, but the interior offers a striking contrast, richly decorated with Baroque elements and significant works of art. The church is laid out in the form of a Latin cross with a central nave and two side aisles, featuring Corinthian columns, gilded altars, and a majestic, vaulted ceiling. Among its most notable treasures is a painting attributed to Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, one of the most important Venetian painters of the 18th century. His work, The Last Supper, located in the presbytery, adds immense artistic value to the church and attracts art enthusiasts from around the world.

The Duomo is dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene, a revered figure in Catholic tradition known for her deep faith and presence at key moments in the life of Jesus Christ. This dedication emphasizes the church’s spiritual mission and reinforces its role as a place of reflection and devotion for the local community.

Surrounded by the charm of Desenzano’s historic centre and just steps from the lakefront, the Duomo di Santa Maria Maddalena is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of the town’s enduring heritage. For visitors, it offers a unique combination of religious significance, historical depth, and artistic splendour, making it an essential stop when exploring the rich cultural landscape of Lake Garda.