Gardone Riviera: The Garden City of Lake Garda

Gardone Riviera, located on the western shore of Lake Garda, is known as the ‘Garden City’ due to its diverse and exceptional vegetation. The town features a wide variety of plants, including lemons, cypresses, Tibetan primroses, and various tropical species.

A central attraction is the André Heller Botanical Garden, which houses approximately 3,000 plant and flower species from all continents. Originally opened in 1903 by Arthur Hruska, the park was later expanded and redesigned by Austrian artist André Heller in the late 20th century. The garden includes water features, lily ponds, and sculptures.

With a population of around 2,500, the municipality is part of the ‘Borghi più Belli d’Italia’ (Most Beautiful Villages of Italy) list. This distinction is attributed to its scenic location between the lake and the surrounding mountains, as well as its historic villas and palaces.