San Felice del Benaco
The name of San Felice probably derives from the Latin “sinus felix” (happy inlet) or the patron saints of the town: Felice, Adauto, and Flavia.
The ancient name Scovolo, from “scopolus” (rock), was used until the fifteenth century.
The town is 35 km from Brescia and 55 km from Verona. Since 1927, San Felice, Portese, and Cisano form a single municipality. The roots of the settlements are very ancient, in fact, pile-dwelling stations, Roman tombstones have been discovered and the remains of medieval castles are still visible.
Portese
The quiet hamlet of Portese is about a kilometer from the center of San Felice. This small village was once a fishing community unlike San Felice, whose economy was traditionally based on agriculture. Its name derives from “portensis”, the adjective of “portus” (port) because it is called the port of Valtenesi.
In ancient times and the Middle Ages, the historical events of Portese were linked to those of San Felice, until the destruction of Scovolo (1279) when a castle was erected in the village and the community of Portese and Trevignane was established.
Only in 1927 were the two centers definitively united. In Portese, there is the docking of Navigarda for public transport on the lake.
Cisano
This small village is located on a hill from which you can admire the enchanting landscape of the Gulf of Salò. Its name probably derives from “Caesius” or the low Latin “Caesa” (woodcut).
Walking through the streets of the recently renovated historic center, you are immersed in a peaceful atmosphere where time seems to stand still. The characteristic rural houses are now transformed into civilian residences. The settlement presumably dates back to the 16th century, although the village is certainly older.
The Raffaele Cominelli Foundation stands in the historic center, an important cultural center, where the Alterbar, the social inclusion project promoted by the Foundation and the municipal administration, is active.