Bezzecca Hosts Last-Day Exhibition on Ponale’s History and Landscape
After just a couple of days from the presentation of the book on Giacomo Cis, another successful event took place in Bezzecca with the opening of the photographic exhibition “Cliffside on the Lake”. Today is the last day to visit it, with hours from 6 PM to 10 PM, curated by the Associazione Pinter of Riva del Garda on behalf of the Museo civico, the Unione dei Comuni della valle di Ledro, and the Comune di Bezzecca. On this occasion, a small gem was reopened—the former kindergarten.
It should be noted that this was the first cultural initiative signed by the Unione dei Comuni, and honoring a figure who united the entire valley is seen as a promising sign.
Event details and cultural significance
The authorities present assured their interest in the , a historic environmental monument of European importance, not only owned by the Comuni di Riva e Molina. Regarding the Roman front, Honorable Marco Boato expressed his interest; while for the Province, Assessore Iva Berasi guaranteed that something will happen in the fall, even if the road will be reopened at one’s own risk.
Concerning the 170 photographs and documents displayed, these represent a stark selection from the extensive material found in institutions and by collectors. Ponale was indeed one of the most photographed sights in our region since the late 19th century.
Most of these photographs are unpublished and contain some real gems. They depict scenes of life attempting to illustrate how Ponale was a world where people fought in the First World War on two fronts, but also where lovers met at its Belvedere.
Some visitors have spent moments in cars, bicycles, or on foot; others worked there, or passed through the Ponale port ascending the narrow, wild valley; some wrote poetry and watercolors, while others prepared alarming geological reports.
In essence, this exhibition explores the splendors and miseries of Ponale, as the title suggests, because its perch above the lake offers a unique thrill of verticality but also extreme fragility, as the walls are crumbling.
Documentary and conclusions
The exhibition is also enhanced by a video documentary by Mauro Zattera titled “The Ponale Road”, which in about fifteen minutes retraces all these stages.