A Centenary to Remember: The Union of Rivoltella and Desenzano in 1926
One hundred years ago, in July, the union of the Municipality of Desenzano with the Municipality of Rivoltella took place, through the royal decree of July 29, 1926. This established the merger of “Desenzano sul Lago” and “Rivoltella sul Garda” into a single municipality named “Desenzano del Garda”. At the time, Desenzano had 6,227 inhabitants and Rivoltella 3,154. Lawyer Pietro Paolo Papa, former mayor of Desenzano, was appointed mayor, and Dr. Giuseppe Clomer, former mayor of Rivoltella, became his deputy.
Since 1925, the figure of the podestà was being established in Italian municipalities, holding the combined powers of the Giunta and the Town Council, coadjuted by one or two deputies.
The distance between the two towns was 2 km. In Cesare Bertolini’s Rivoltella nei tempi, a document signed by the two mayors on November 16, 1926, is mentioned. According to this report, cordial relations existed between the two municipalities, stemming from intense trade relationships that had existed since time immemorial.
To balance its 1926 budget, Desenzano increased all local tax rates by 7.50%. Rivoltella, even adopting Desenzano’s maximum rates, would still have run a deficit. The new unified municipality, through cost-saving measures and minor expense adjustments, achieved a balanced budget with a 12% increase in customs duties. Rivoltella retained a detached civil office and a mayoral delegate to assist residents of the distant hamlet of San Martino in accessing municipal services.
In 1926, a trolleybus (filovia) connected the port of Desenzano with the railway station. It was a rapid and economical means of transport. The operating company, supported by a municipal contribution, extended the service to Rivoltella in 1927.
Five times the native Rivoltellesi (“de soca”) officially requested to become an autonomous municipality again: in 1934, 1937, and after WWII in 1949, 1951, and 1955. Even in the 2000s, some still claim their distinct identity.
20th Century Mayors: Gustavo Bianchi (1914-1917)
The years of the First World War were challenging for the mayor of Desenzano. Following the declaration of war against Germany and Austria on May 25, 1915, Desenzano became a rear-guard zone for the combat line running through the Upper Garda and Trentino. Military authorities requisitioned villas and buildings to house troops and war materials. Many local men aged 20 to 40 were sent to the front, including municipal employees and hospital staff.
The Mayor had to manage military requests while maintaining social cohesion. Despite Desenzano having barely six thousand residents, Mayor Bianchi was diligent in keeping the municipal services functioning normally. He endured these hardships for nearly three years.
On January 1, 1914, the Italian Mask Comedy Company directed by Emilio Picasso performed at the Teatro Alberti, staging Goldoni’s “La cameriera brillante” and “Le donne curiose” with great success. In January and February, student benefit events and Carnival balls raised funds for local schools and public music bands.
In April, Alessandro Salvini’s dramatic company performed D’Annunzio’s “La fiaccola sotto il moggio” and Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”. A massive benefit evening in May featured musical performances, piano solos by Armando Seppilli, and literary conferences.
Following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo and the outbreak of WWI, Teatro Alberti hosted a benefit for Belgium in December 1914, featuring the Town Band playing the Belgian national anthem and the Schola Cantorum singing Verdi’s choruses.
By May 1915, the theater was occupied by military troops, serving as quarters for the 111th and 112th Infantry Regiments. In February 1916, an Austrian air raid hit Piazza Umberto I (now Piazza Malvezzi), causing casualties and panic.
Adriana’s Memories: Giuseppe Gandini
Maestro Giuseppe Gandini of Lonato (1937-2021) taught Adriana to play the organ with patience from October 1994 until May 1997. From 1998 to 2008, he served as the organist for the San Giovanni parish and accompanied the Choir of Ettore Fantoni.
Gandini was highly esteemed by the choir. He regularly stepped in to conduct whenever Fantoni was unavailable, including at major events such as the 2006 ex-alumni gathering at the Abbey of Maguzzano. In addition to his musical work, Gandini taught literature in Lonato and published historical research on local churches, including significant works on the Convent of Maguzzano and the Church of Madonna della Scoperta.
