GARDONE RIVIERA

The Gardone Riviera, is one of the most appreciated resort of the Brescian bank side, and has a climate which is particularly favourable. The microclimate of this region is particularly mild even in the coldest winter months and make of Gardone a centre which is highly regarded by guests, mostly German tourists, which come here in every period of the year. Its geographical location enhances a very favourable climate condition. This little town, in fact, is located on the lake along Garda island, closed on the northern side by Pizzolo and Spino mountains that stop the cold northern air streams.

Its climate conditions allow the flourishing of a rich Mediterranean vegetation, which covers even the hills around the inhabited centre. The scene is completed by olive and laurel trees together with the constant presence of cypresses. Thanks to its location, Gardone seems to be absorbed in an eternal spring, enhanced by suggestive Villas completely integrated in the landscape.

From an historical point of view, we have to underline that the very near town of Fasano, already raised in Roman age and was one of the first human settlement of the boundary. These are proofs of a Lombard presence in Gardone dating back to the seventh cent.
In a small period of time it became a feud of brescian episcopate, and from the sixteenth cent. of the so called "Magnifica Patria" which was allied with Venician people against the expansionist projects of the Milanese Viscounts. After "Worms Diet" (1521) it became a part of the territories which where under the control of Venice until the falling of the lagoon town (1797).

San Nicola parish church, located in Gardone di sopra, is composed by an elegant eighteenth century building realised on the site of an ancient church. The beautiful front underline neo-classical elements and is placed side by side with a Romanesque bell tower. The baroque inside presents a picture by Zenon Veronese, The falling of the Holy Spirit, while the chorus has a painted altar piece made by the young Palma. Other very interesting buildings are: San Marco tower and Alba Villa made in neo-classical style with an elegant prospect with columns and an elaborate triangular kettledrum, the S. Antonio Abate a Morgnaga Romanesque church, S. Faustino a Fasano eighteenth century church and the Hruska botany garden, realised from 1910 on by the homonymous professor that collected there some exemplars from Mediterranean Alpine and Africal fauna.