Historical Perspectives on Tourism and Community in Torbole

A new issue of the Giurisdizione di Pénede notebook, the sixteenth published by the Gruppo Culturale, is now on newsstands. Once again, it offers a glimpse into the charming history of the two towns, a history often intertwined, much like the nearly centennial story of the fire brigade.

There is also the Pro memoria of don Gosetti, parish priest of Torbole during the difficult post-war period, from 1919 to 1929. And a story that emerges from the yellowed pages of the «Goldenes Buch» (Golden Book) of the Hotel Garda, one of the first hotels in Torbole. Pages that reveal how different Gardesano tourism once was.

Tourism and Memories

One tradition, that of the «Buch», has almost disappeared nowadays. It was instead present in all hotels, back when tourism was based on a different relationship between innkeeper and guest. A more naive, but genuine and human contact.

Perhaps less «professional», but the tourist was pampered and revered as only family-run establishments knew how to do. After all, this was a customer who almost always returned enough to become a family friend.

It is clear from the album, in fact, that this relationship is depicted. The album from the Hotel Garda is a mix of old images pasted by the tourists themselves and notes and reflections on their stay: often enthusiastic praise for the staff who cared for them with so much love (perhaps with an eye on tips) and some attempts to be original through poetry or skillful writings, sometimes poorly executed.

This was a tourism that indulged in pleasures quite different from those of today, perhaps simply content. On the lake and in Torbole, the main attraction was meeting the climate so highly praised by Goethe.

The Change in Tourism

Arriving alone as private guests by train to Nago, and naturally also in groups—so much so that when buses began to be used, the phrase «carovana» (caravan) was common. Tourism was limited to about 40 days, plus an opening (not for all hotels) at Easter.

It remained the same and habitual until the 1960s, when it quickly evolved into mass tourism, despite its elitist origins. The history of the hotel is dated and intertwined with that of the town.

It practically began in 1864 and continues to this day. However, it was the Gianfilippi family (who purchased it in 1925) that launched it in grand style. When the Gardesane area did not yet exist, excursions took place around the area, either by carriage or by boat.

Enjoyments that also included cuisine at renowned restaurants and the pastry shop of the old Caffè Paradiso, opposite the Sasso dei Bimbi. The story of the old hotel also contains some morbid tales—specifically two suicides.

One of these involved a beautiful young secretary pregnant with her boss, surely out of love. In the new issue of the magazine, also worth noting are stories about the salvagers of Monte Baldo, the interned of Nago, the Amazonian boats of brother Alcide, the chestnut grove, and archaeology.