Villa Tretti Transformation Sparks Cultural Preservation Concerns

For tourism and tourists, especially those from abroad, almost everything is done. Even the most important and historically rich residences, which have made the country’s history, are being changed in terms of destination.

This has affected many prestigious properties; today, it unmistakably impacts the most beautiful and famous one, photographed by millions of foreign lenses, featured in newspapers, magazines, and television channels of varying significance, namely Villa Tretti. Tretti is the last owner of the incomparable villa with a turret overlooking Lungolago Marconi, facing the Sirmione peninsula, just a short walk from the old port.

The transformation and protests

Recently, its appearance has changed: on the side bordering via Sponchie, a large opening has been made in the wall. From here, a staircase leads to the rooftop garden.

An immediate letter of protest was sent to the Administration by the cultural association Francesco Fontana, presided over by Professor Giulio Rama, who is seriously concerned about the intervention.

History and importance of Villa Tretti

Originally the residence of the Austrian Marchioness Strauss, who loved to bathe in the hot and sulfurous waters of the Bojola spring in Sirmione, having them brought in wooden barrels by fishermen using a boat capable of maintaining the heat, Villa Tretti was also a point of reference for the Third Reich during the last world conflict, serving as a lookout point for potential enemies from the Brescia shoreline.

It had been the home of the Tretti family for over half a century. It was purchased precisely by lawyer Guido Tretti, who was the podestà during the Fascist era.