In April 1945, Salò was at the center of dramatic events related to the Italian Social Republic and the retreat of German troops. The last German convoy, consisting of about 40 vehicles and around eighty soldiers, departed from Gargnano heading towards Riva del Garda. However, along the Gardesana route, the unit encountered several obstacles, including explosions caused by mines left by fleeing soldiers. The local Resistance intervened to hinder the passage of Nazi forces by demolishing a strategic bridge on April 28.
After a brief clash with the partisans in Tremosine, the Germans were forced to retreat further into the Valvestino, abandoning many of their vehicles. The situation on the ground was confused and chaotic; the military found themselves compelled to choose between various escape routes through the surrounding mountains. The conflict was drawing to a close, and Liberation would arrive just a few days later, marking the end of a tumultuous historical phase for the area around the Lake Garda.
