They still say that deep in the waters of Lake Garda in this corner of the province of Brescia there is still stolen treasure. It was discarded quickly at the end of the Second World War as the allies moved north.

Today, Salò is a beautiful tranquil town on Lake Garda and worth a visit.

The best way to see the place is to walk beside the water from one end to the other before returning the way you came through the main street of the town itself.

We remember Salò for the size of the lake. It was the first time we had experienced an inland expanse of water where it was impossible to see the other side.

You also get a sense in Salò that this is where you start to leave Italy behind.

Culturally, northern Europe is looming in.