Poet, soldier, hypochondriac and proto-Fascist, Gabriele d’Annunzio (1863–1938) defies easy definition, and so does his estate. Bombastic, extravagant and unsettling, it’s home to every architectural and decorative excess imaginable and the decor helps shed light on the man. In the 1920s d’Annunzio became a strong supporter of Fascism and Mussolini, while his affairs with wealthy women were legendary.
The amphitheatre is the first major structure one comes across after entering the estate and was clearly based upon classic models, the architect Maroni even visiting Pompeii for inspiration. Its location, like the other buildings of the Vittoriale undeniably offers a majestic view of the Garda lake, it is still used for performances today (Patty Smith, The National, Buena vista social club)
Near you can visit the Botanic Garden A.Heller
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