Isola del Garda Opens for Riviera Hotels Guests This Summer
Isola del Garda will be accessible to tourists this summer, but only if they are guests of the hotels along Riviera dei Limoni. The hoteliers of Alto Garda Brescia and the Cavazza family, owners of the island, have signed a memorandum of understanding that officially formalizes this initiative.
History and features of the island
Historically, Isola del Garda, located off San Felice, between Salò and Manerba, has been home to a monastery. According to tradition, this island, the largest in the Garda Lake, was purchased in 1220 by San Francesco d’Assisi himself, who designated it as a retreat for the friars of his order.
During the Napoleonic period, however, the monks were forced to leave. Later, in this paradise corner, Count Luigi Lechi built his residence; the noble figure also used this location as a center for Risorgimento conspiracies.
In 1860, the island changed ownership again, being acquired by the Italian Government, which built some barracks and maintained a military garrison there for a time.
Subsequently, the island’s purpose changed once more, and it became the property of Duke Gaetano De Ferrari, a native of Genoa. It was he who shaped the current architectural style of the island by commissioning architect Luigi Rovelli to design a large neo-Gothic villa.
Architectural and landscape description
The building inspired by Venetian palaces was constructed between 1900 and 1903. The surrounding English-style park is equally suggestive and beautiful; it is a large space featuring centuries-old plants, exotic species, citrus, olive trees, and laurel groves. The scenography is complemented by fountains, artificial caves, and channels.
Access and guided tours
This dreamlike place will be accessible, only by reservation, to guests staying at the hotels located along Riviera dei Limoni, in the area between Salò and Limone. Visitors can reach Isola del Garda by speedboat and will be accompanied during the tour of the area and the villa by a multilingual guide.
