The Evolution of Garda Tourism and Infrastructure Since the 1930s
A thorough account of the origins and evolution of tourism in Alto Garda, from its earliest «cries» to the present day, has just been added to the list of publications by Benacus. This is a work by Mauro Grazioli: a researcher from Trentino who conducts an in-depth analysis of the tourist development along the upper lake. The title summarizes the subject: «L’industria del forestiere» (published by Unione commercio e turismo di Riva del Garda, printed by Grafica 5 of Arco). The volume leaves no aspect of the changes that have accompanied the evolution of the Garda tourism industry since the 1930s unexamined. That industry, hospitality, has gradually begun to replace and almost entirely take over traditional agriculture and manufacturing activities, though not completely, especially near Trentino Garda. The narrative begins with the earliest, most distant and illustrious poets of the lake (Dante, Petrarch, Bembo, Bonfadio, Cattaneo, Grattarolo), and progresses to the more recent and perhaps most celebrated descriptions of the lake, offered by Goethe. Grazioli’s reconstruction, however, is not limited to literature: the pages are structured around all the key moments that have driven the transformation of the lake, the surrounding villages, the local inhabitants, and their customs. All these elements are closely linked to hospitality and various aspects of its evolution, primarily reflecting the approach between people and the economic contribution involved.
Le infrastrutture stradali e la loro importanza
In this context, particular importance is given to the construction of roads that, from the south, make it possible to reach the upper lake and the town of Riva. The Gardesana Orientale was opened on August 11, 1929 (between Navene and Torbole). By the autumn of the same year, it was possible to reach the upper lake directly from Verona. The text also revisits and revises some of the enthusiastic contemporary comments regarding the construction of the Gardesana Occidentale. “The new road will connect Riva to Gardone, the two major centers of Garda. Only then will hurried travelers be able to enjoy the incomparable panoramas, where rugged rocks intertwine with lemon groves and orange orchards, in a green orgy that is exalted into a symphony of its infinite shades.” The road, which still connects the Brescia side of the lake to Riva, was inaugurated in October 1931, after less than three years of work directed by Riccardo Cozzaglio.
Bruno Festa
