Landslides Shape Garda Coastline: Historical Events and Recent Risks
The landslides that have recently plagued the western Gardesana road recall spectacular episodes such as the destruction of the old Gargnano, which is only a few kilometers from Limone. This is the Brescian shore location caught between two landslides—one to the north that interrupted the road connection with Riva and another that buried the coastal road toward Gargnano.
Changes in the landscape and historical events
The landscape of the northwestern coast of Garda has changed over the centuries not only due to human activity but also because of natural events. For example, several centuries ago, the settlement of Gargnano was located about two kilometers north of its current position, near Villa Feltrinelli, the magnificent residence which is about to be converted into an exclusive five-star hotel and which hosted Benito Mussolini during the Salò Republic.
However, a massive landslide destroyed the ancient village, leading to the construction of houses in a safer location, protected from the whims of the mountain that had caused death and destruction by unleashing enormous boulders (some are still visible) and a large amount of debris.
Rocks and landslide risks
The rocks that plunge into the lake forming the western bank of Alto Garda are very ancient and, therefore, relatively unstable and “sensitive” to atmospheric phenomena. This is well known to technicians and public officials involved in the early 1970s in the attempted reopening of the old “via dei dossi.” This scenic route, which would have linked San Giacomo in Gargnano to the Gardesana, immediately after the first tunnel in Brescia territory, was closed permanently a few days after its grand inauguration, a ceremony fitting for large (and sometimes unnecessary) public works.
The reason? After every heavy rain, boulders and debris “rain” down from the mountain, and it has been impossible to control this phenomenon. Consequently, traveling on that road is too dangerous; robust metal frames and even coverages with reinforced concrete roofs proved ineffective.
Current situation and interventions
Even the Gardesana road between Gargnano and Limone, but unfortunately not only there, is often affected by the “whims” of the mountain. “The landslides that have occurred in recent weeks,” explains Renzo Campani, head of the Limone/Gargnano stretch of the state road, “are numerous and, in some cases, quite large: one involved about 30,000 cubic meters of debris.”
Fortunately, these landslides have always affected sections of road protected by tunnels, allowing the material to fall into Garda without causing damage. For many years, nothing happened, and suddenly, the mountain begins to lose chunks again, sweeping away everything in its descent toward the lake.”
Meanwhile, during the soil remediation work prior to the construction of the new tunnel between Limone and Riva, a large boulder threatening to fall directly onto the Gardesana roadway in the Ponale area was dislodged with explosive charges.