Gardone Riviera: Treasures and History on Lake Garda

Gardone Riviera is considered a real “botanical garden”, where the typical vegetation of Lake Garda alternates with the Mediterranean and sub-tropical ones. Located at the beginning of the Riviera dei Limoni, the numerous parks and gardens alternate along the lake shore with elegant historic villas, Gardone Riviera offers an elegant atmosphere and a suggestive lakefront that during the summer season comes alive with musical and cultural events.

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Gardone Riviera

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Gardone Riviera, located on the western shore of Lake Garda, is a picturesque town in the province of Brescia that marks the beginning of the Riviera dei Limoni. This village overlooks one of Italy’s largest lakes, nestled between rolling morainic hills and, to the north, imposing mountain ranges. Thanks to the Vittoriale degli Italiani, the monumental residence of the poet Gabriele d’Annunzio and now home to a prestigious museum, Gardone Riviera enjoys a well-established reputation as a renowned tourist destination.

Architecture and elegance in the heart of the Garda landscape

Despite its modest size, Gardone Riviera boasts elegant architectural works and monuments of great value, which blend in perfectly with the lake landscape, as if they had always been there. Among the first places to visit are the Church of St. Nicholas, located right in the square of the Vittoriale, and the charming Villa Alba, originally called “Villa Ruhland” – meaning “Peace in the landscape” – to reflect the very essence of the surrounding area. The villa, reminiscent of the ancient monuments of the Athenian acropolis, was acquired by the municipality in the 1970s and transformed into a refined cultural centre, hosting art exhibitions and cultural events of various kinds.

The Hruska Botanical Garden: a journey through the flora of five continents

Another must-see is the Hruska Botanical Garden, currently named after the André Heller Foundation. Here, hundreds of plant species from five continents lead visitors along a wonderful path surrounded by rocks and ponds.

Garda cuisine: authentic flavours and tradition on the lake shore

Gardone Riviera also offers the opportunity to savour authentic Garda cuisine, thanks to delicious regional restaurants, trattorias and taverns where you can relax and enjoy traditional dishes based on lake fish, all washed down with exquisite olive oils and Garda wines.

Village of Gardone Riviera
Municipality of Gardone Riviera
Province of Brescia
Lombardy Region

Inhabitants: 2.660 gardonesi
Altitude: 71 m. S.l.m.

The municipality is part of:
Strada dei Vini e dei Sapori del Garda
Comunità montana Parco Alto Garda Bresciano
I Borghi più belli d’Italia
Paesi Bandiere Arancioni

Acknowledgments
Orange Flag – Italian Touring Club
Blue Flag

Municipality
Piazza Scarpetta 1 – Tel. +39 0365 294600

BY CAR

From Milan: Take the A51 highway and follow the direction of Tangenziale Est, continue on the A4 highway, exit at Brescia Ovest, continue on the SP BS11, take the exit towards Verona / Salò, continue following the direction for Salò (SS 45BIS ), passed the town of Salò continue to Gardone Riviera.
From Bologna: From the A14 highway continue on the A1 highway, follow the Cremona – Brescia direction, continue on the A21 to Brescia Centro, follow the direction for the SS 11 Verona / Mantova, exit towards Verona / Salò, continue following the direction for Salò (SS 45BIS), after the town of Salò continue for Gardone Riviera.
From Genoa: From the A7 highway, follow the direction for Piacenza, continue on the A21 highway until Brescia Centro, follow the direction for the SS 11 Verona / Mantova, exit towards Verona / Salò, continue towards Salò (SS 45BIS ), passed the town of Salò continue to Gardone Riviera.
From La Spezia: From the Cisa A15 motorway, follow the direction of Milan, continue on the A1 Autostrada del Sole, follow the signs for Cremona, continue on the A21 motorway to Brescia Centro, follow the direction for the SS 11 Verona / Mantova , exit towards Verona / Salò, continue towards Salò, after passing the town of Salò continue towards Gardone Riviera.
From Brescia: Take the SP BS11 towards Centro / Tangenziale Sud, exit towards Verona / Salò, continue towards Salò, (SS 45BIS), after passing the town of Salò continue towards Gardone Riviera.

BY PLANE

Brescia-Montichiari Airport
Bergamo airport
Parma airport
Milan Linate Airport

What to see in Gardone Riviera

Discover what to see in Gardone Riviera among monuments, scenic views, museums, churches and symbolic places of the village. A useful selection to plan your visit and explore the area.