One of the highlights of the western shore of Lake Garda, indeed of the entire region around Lake Garda, is the Vittoriale degli Italiani. The sprawling estate in Gardone Riviera, just a stone’s throw from Eden Reserve, was created according to the ideas of Italian poet and folk hero Gabriele D’Annunzio (1863 – 1938), who bought the property 100 years ago. Today, the villa and other buildings are museums, and the extensive grounds with parks and gardens are open to the public. Ten years ago the Vittoriale degli Italiani was even awarded the title of “Parco più bello d’Italia” (Italy’s most beautiful park) for its outdoor facilities.
Open-air stage with a magnificent panoramic view of Lake Garda
At the centre of the park is an open-air theatre with around 1,500 seats, modelled on Taormina’s ancient theatre in Sicily and the amphitheatre of Pompeii. From this open-air theatre, which has been renovated and clad in red marble for the first time, according to D’Annunzio’s plans, visitors look out onto a magnificent panorama, with Lake Garda, the Isola del Garda and the Rocco di Manerba as a spectacular backdrop. A wonderful place for the Festival Tener-a-mente, renowned Italian and international artists perform in this unique atmosphere every June.
Many great names from the world of pop, jazz and blues have performed on this unique stage, including Patti Smith and Lou Reed, James Taylor and Joan Baez, Keith Jarrett, Ludovico Einaudi and even the New York City Ballet. The amphitheatre, situated under the stars and in the beautiful park of the Vittoriale, means a concert visit is a truly unforgettable experience.
A music festival of increasing popularity at the Vittoriale degli Italiani
Tener-a-mente 2019, the last event before the pandemic, attracted over 24,000 spectators. Since 2010, the number of visitors has more than doubled and even tripled within 20 years and now, every year, almost every event is sold out. If you want to attend one of the concerts, just contact the Eden Reserve concierge. The programme of the Tener-a-mente festival is listed at www.anfiteatrodelvittoriale.it.
Titleimage © Maurizio Andreola
