Recent historical research has shed light on the transformation of Gardone Riviera during World War II, when numerous hotels were converted into military hospitals. Between 1943 and 1945, the area’s tourist facilities were requisitioned by German authorities to assist wounded soldiers, highlighting a lesser-known aspect of the history of Lake Garda. The requisition decrees date back to the second half of September 1943, just a few days after the armistice between Italy and the Allies, with buildings such as the Grand Hotel Gardone and the Hotel Roma being adapted to accommodate patients.
The conversion operations required extensive structural work to adapt the spaces to the healthcare needs of the time. Many of the requisitioned hotels underwent significant modifications, transforming common rooms into dormitories and drastically reducing their original accommodation capacity. The compensation awarded to the owners was among the highest compared to other locations, suggesting that negotiations may have begun prior to the armistice. This historical phase represents an important chapter in the narrative of Lake Garda, which continues to be the subject of study by local historians.
