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The Museum
The Vittoriale, the impressive monument located in the hills of Gardone Riviera, deserves to be described as a citadel which was constructed following the wishes and plans of the poet Gabriele d'Annunzio (1863-1938). The most important points of attraction on this vast estate are the Prioria (the house of the poet) and the Auditorium or rather War Museum, where the legendary airplane SVA 10 can be admired, in which d’Annunzio undertook his famous and daring flight above Vienna. Also housed in the Vittoriale are the new shipping museum Museo di Bordo, the cruiser Puglia, the anti submarine motorboat MAS 96, the Mausoleum, the veteran cars Isotta Fraschini and Fiat Type 4. These and further curiosities are exhibited in a 9 hectare large green oasis with Mediterranean vegetation– even the Vittoriale park and the private gardens have a historical context.
The building Prioria, which was restructured and furnished according to plans by d'Annunzio, gives an insight into the poet’s life and into a whole epoch – the original furnishing and the collections of valuable objects reflect the poet’s personality and his “inimitable life”.
History
Gabriele d'Annunzio arrived in Gardone Riviera in February 1921 after the historic episode of the occupation of the town of Fiume. His first idea was to take possession of Villa Cargnacco for one year. This building used to belong to the famous German art historian Henry Thode, who in his first marriage was married to Daniela Senta von Bülow, Cosima Liszt’s daughter and Richard Wagner’s stepdaughter. After World War I the estate was confiscated by the Italian government as payment for war damages.
As early as October 1921 d'Annunzio purchased Villa Cargnacco and already in November the young architect Gian Carlo Maroni (1893-1952) started the reconstruction works on the villa. Later the very same architect Maroni was commissioned by d'Annunzio with the Santa Fabbrica del Vittoriale and chosen to carry out and make come true the taste and eccentric demands of the poet. Out of this cooperation the large complex, which d'Annunzio later named Vittoriale degli Italiani, was created in the years from 1921 to 1938.
Services for visitors
The grounds of the museum complex Vittoriale can be visited every day free of charge. When taking part in a guided tour visitors can also visit the poet’s former living quarters and the War Museum, which shows and exhibits the rich and valuable estate collected by d'Annunzio’s during his military service. A new attraction is the museum “D’Annunzio segreto”, with more than 150 objects which have never been shown in the public. Visitors find a Café-Bar and shop with publications, souvenirs and small gifts all to do with d'Annunzio.
New
On request one can book guided tours of the park. For school classes educational workshops are on offer and on Sundays children can take part in creative activities in an art studio.
Bookings and further information under prenotazioni@vittoriale.it or didattica@archiviodannunzio.it
Opening times
April to September:
Vittoriale:
Open daily from 8.30 – 20.00
Museum "D'Annunzio Segreto"
Open daily from 9.30 – 19.00
Guided tour of the Prioria (d'Annunzio’s living quarters):
Tuesday to Sunday 9.30 – 19.00 (groups every 7 min.)
Guided tour of the Museo della Guerra (War Museum):
Thursday to Tuesday 9.30 – 19.00 (groups every 50 min.)
October to March:
Vittoriale (grounds):
Open daily 9.00 – 17.00 (weekend till 17.30)
Museum "D'Annunzio Segreto"
Open daily from 9.00 – 13.00 and 14.00 – 17.00
Guided tour of the Prioria (d'Annunzio’s living quarters):
Tuesday to Sunday 9.00 – 13.00 and 14.00 – 17.00 (groups every 10/15 min)
Guided tour of the Museo della Guerra (War Museum):
Thursday to Tuesday 9.00 – 13.00 and 14.00 –1 7.00 (groups every 60 min)
Admission charges
Vittoriale (incl. D'Annunzio segreto) 8€ / 6€*
Vittoriale + giuided tour 12€ / 10€* (on advance booking, max 15 p.)
Vittoriale + Prioria 13€ / 9€*
Vittoriale + guided tour of the Museo della Guerra 13€ / 9€*
Vittoriale + Prioria + guided tour of the Museo della Guerra 16€ / 12€*
*Concessions are for groups of school children, children from 7 to 12, over 65s. Children under 7 years are admitted free of charge |
