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Welcome to Gargnano
from Jesse's Journeys in Italy
Population: 3,016 (2004)
Official site:
Gargnano
Wikipedia:
Gargnano
Map:
MapQuest
Visit our Lake District Portal
Gargnano, midway up Lake Garda's
western shore, still has the
feel of a real town - where
people work at other jobs than
the tourist trade - and so is
one of those fine little places
that one can actually settle in
and gather one's thoughts.
The town tumbles down from the
main road mid way up the slopes
to the water's edge where on a
narrow strip along the lake
where the town's main buildings,
many of which have stood their
ground for centuries. crowd to
the edge of the water. Unlike
many other lakeside towns around
Lago di Garda and the other
Lakes of the Lake District,
there is no room for an
uninterrupted promenade.
Still, there is plenty of access
for those who want to dip their
toes in the water, or enjoy
recreational activities like
fishing, boating, sail boarding,
snorkeling and so on.
The principal building in
Gargnano is the Chiesa di San
Francesco with its campanile
- or bell tower - that can be
seen from a long distance.
The church has a cloister with
columns that have fruit
carvings. There is a a
smattering of cafes and
restaurants where one can sip
espresso or linger over lunch.
Leg stretching can include a
stroll around an ancient olive
factory, now closed, or in and
around some of the many villas
on the lake, some of which have
impressive boathouses and
launches.
Those who want a longer walk can
walk to Villa Feltrinelli,
now a 5 star hotel, which is 3
km or so out of town to the
north. The walk is made
more pleasant for the fact that
it takes one through silvery
olive and scented lemon groves.
Further on is the Capella San
Giamcomo Calina, built in
the 11th century. If you
walk around to the portico
facing the lake you will find a
13th century fresco of Santo
Cristofero, remarkable for
the fact that it has survived so
long in the elements.
Villa Feltrinelli has historical
importance, or at least
curiosity, being the palace from
which Italian dictator,
Benito Mussolini, played out
the penultimate acts of his
fascist rule over Italy,
presiding over the fantastical
Republic of Salo under the
protection of the Nazis.
His mistress, Claretta Petacci,
was installed in the nearby
Villa Il Vittoriale. By
the time he was installed in
Villa Feltrinelli, Mussolini was
a Nazi puppet and in fear of his
life from Italian partisans.
His fears were justified - while
attempting to escape to
Switzerland he and Claretta were
caught, shot and taken to Milan
here they ended hanging heels up
in Piazzale Loreto.
But don't let that discourage
you - Gargnano is a wonderful
"find" - a place to pass some
time doing well...not much.
By Vian Andrews, June 28, 2007 |
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