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The Vittoriale degli Italiani, monument by d'Annunzio
- Category What see Lake Garda and Verona
The Vittoriale by Gabriele d'Annunzio, an open-air museum in Gardone Riviera on Lake Garda
Number of views: 9713Agriturismo - Where to stay overnight
- The Vittoriale degli Italiani
- The Entrance
- The Amphitheatre
- The Prioria
- Schifamondo
- The Park
- Vittoriale degli Italiani (video):
The Vittoriale degli Italiani
The House-Museum of Gabriele d’Annunzio was purchased by the poet for 130,000 lire from Heinrich Thode, a refined German art scholar expelled from Italy in 1918. Thode was forced to sell his villa, rich in works of art, rare books, and collectibles, which d’Annunzio transformed into a true monument to himself and to the Italian heroic ideal.
D’Annunzio, seeking peace after his wartime experiences, chose this villa overlooking Lake Garda for its secluded and quiet location, stating his desire for “a thirst for silence after so much noise, and peace after so much war.”
Over time, he also purchased the surrounding land, creating a monumental complex that, with the support of the State in exchange for its future donation, became a true memorial citadel: the Vittoriale degli Italiani. Today, this place is an open-air museum filled with installations, memorabilia, military monuments, and unique testimonies from the 20th century.
Every corner of the complex offers surprising and unexpected discoveries: an SVA airplane, a real warship, and even a submarine tell the story of the poet's deep connection with war and adventure. Here are the main highlights of the site:
The Entrance
The monumental entrance was designed to impress. It features two grand arches and a majestic fountain, adorned with a bronze quote taken from one of d’Annunzio’s own works. From this point, visitors can choose to turn right toward the amphitheatre or left toward the Prioria, the poet’s private residence.
The Amphitheatre
Designed by Giancarlo Maroni and inspired by the ancient theatre of Pompeii, the open-air amphitheatre still hosts concerts and cultural events today. Its harmonious integration with the landscape makes it one of the most iconic venues on Lake Garda.
The Prioria
The Prioria was d’Annunzio’s private residence. Each room in the house had a specific function and symbolic meaning, reflecting the poet’s personal and aesthetic world:
- Mascheraio Room (waiting room)
- Music Room
- Globe Room (the villa's library)
- Leda Room (bedroom)
- Leper’s Room (for meditation)
- Relics Room
- Lily Room
- The Workshop (creative studio)
Schifamondo
Schifamondo was meant to become d’Annunzio’s new home, but the poet died in 1938 before he could ever live there. The building, once again designed by Maroni, includes corridors and a study reminiscent of a ship's bridge. Today it hosts the D’Annunzio the Hero Museum, dedicated to the poet’s military exploits and Italy’s role in World War I.
The Park
At the highest point of the Vittoriale stands the Mausoleum, built from Botticino marble and housing d’Annunzio’s remains. Nearby, by the Dolphin Fountain, visitors can view the MAS96, the vessel used in the legendary Buccari Raid.
Continuing through the cypress trees, one encounters the Puglia warship, donated by the Italian Navy in 1923. It is installed on the hillside and is considered by many the most striking monument of the entire complex.
