VITTORIALE DEGLI ITALIANI
The last residence of the Italian poet Gabriele D'Annunzio in Gardone Riviera.
Both grandiose and kitsch, this architectural complex, which could easily be described as an amusement park (early twentieth century), was built in 1921 by Gian Carlo Maroni for Gabriele D'Annunzio, in memory of the "inimitable life" of the poet-soldier. He lived there until his death in 1938. On 9 hectares planted with trees, a mixture of buildings, streets, squares, gardens, fountains and waterways communicate through a network of arcades and colonnades, all in a green setting, facing the lake. One enters through a triumphal arch bearing the arms of D'Annunzio. The huge open-air theatre, on the hillside, was designed in 1930 on the model of the amphitheatre of Pompeii. Shows are performed here every summer.
The Prioria, the private residence of the famous owner, is quite enchanting. D'Annunzio wanted a house-museum, which was built to his own glory. More than 10,000 objects and 30,000 books are preserved here in a wonderful assemblage. Colorful stained glass windows and heavy stained glass contribute to the atmosphere of mystery in which the man of decadence liked to meditate.
Continuing the visit in the gardens, we cross the Mas 96, a speedboat wedged in the hill. Then, we discover the eccentric wardrobe of the Museo D'Annunzio Segreto. A space dedicated to the feats of arms of the Italian army during the First World War and a mausoleum, which contained the remains of the writer until the 1960s, complete the ensemble.
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