Situated on the western shore of the Lake Garda
is Gardone Riviera. This little resort is situated 47km south of
Riva del Garda. It is most famous for the hillside estate, Il Vittoriale,
which was occupied by Italy's most famous soldier and poet, Gabriele
d'Annunzio. It is alleged Mussolini presented the bard the estate
in 1921, where he remained until he breathed his last in 1936. The
villa is ostentatious and bizarrely decorated, the trademark sign
of d’Annunzio. But the beautiful gardens outside are really
a sight for sore eyes. In addition to this there are other attractions
including the patrol boat commanded by D'Annunzio in World War I,
a museum containing his biplane and photos, and of course his famous
hilltop tomb. An admission of 6€ for adults and 4€ for
children aged between 7 and 12 and seniors over 60 is charged to
enter the grounds only. To take a 25-minute guided tour of the villa
you will have to pay an extra 5€ (4€ kids and seniors).
It, however, is in Italian, but you will have to take it to enter
the villa. Concerts and plays are held here during the summer months.
Visit www.teatrodelvittoriale.it for further information.
The century old botanical gardens, Giardino Botanica
Hruska, is a must see as it houses more than 2,000 species of exotic
plants from all over the world. It was stared by Arturo Hruska,
a Swiss naturalist and an admission of 6€ is charged. |
