Salò’s 1587 Classic Reprinted with New Insights and Annotations

On the occasion of the 400th anniversary of its publication, the Ateneo di Salò once again publishes the «Historia della Riviera di Salò», a work written in 1587 by poet, musician, and historian Bongianni Gratarolo and published posthumously at the end of the 16th century.

Following a strictly faithful reprint promoted by the Ateneo about thirty years ago, the Salodian cultural institution now reissues the volume with a renewed appearance, featuring new graphics that make it easier to read (the original characters are very demanding for readers), and most importantly, enriched with a rich appendix that facilitates an in-depth examination of the work.

Annotations and Contributions

The annotations are curated by three members of the Ateneo: Piercarlo Belotti, Gianfranco Ligasacchi, and Giuseppe Scarazzini. “With expertise, insight, and patience – explains the president of the local Ateneo, Dr. Vittorio Pirlo – these three scholars navigated the Salodian archival ocean in search of data, events, and circumstances aimed at serving the study of history from the perspective of truth.”

Content of the Work

The «Historia della Riviera di Salò» is a detailed study (well known to those interested in Garda-related matters) of the Brescia shore of Lake Garda from a historical, cultural, and naturalistic perspective.

“I have described the lake,” writes Gratarolo, “with its islands, peninsulas, and rocks within it: and with the rivers, streams, and torrents that flow into it: and with its ports, promontories, and the shores that surround it.”

Presentation of the Reprint

The reprint will be presented on Monday, December 11th, at 8:45 pm, in the City Hall council chamber of Salò. The event will feature Prof. Mario Arduino, humanist, translator of the Catullian work, journalist, and writer. The guest of honor will be Senator Mario Pedini.