Giardini d'Agrumi

The lemon groves of Gargnano, a landscape to discover

Clinging to the Brescia coast of Alto Garda, the lemon groves of Gargnano are among the most fascinating testimonies of Italian agricultural ingenuity: terraced areas enclosed by high stone walls and rows of columns (the pilastri) that supported the winter coverings, built to protect citrus fruits from the cold and push lemon cultivation to these unusual latitudes. Giardini d'Agrumi was created to bring this heritage back to the public, opening normally private gardens and lemon groves for a weekend.

What to experience during the event

The heart of the event is the Cloister of San Francesco, in the historic center of Gargnano (Municipality in the Province of Brescia), where the pomological display with dozens of citrus varieties, the exhibition of ancient agricultural tools, photographic exhibitions, and the bookshop are set up. From here, you can set off to discover the lemon groves scattered among the hamlets and villages of Villa and Bogliaco.

• Visits to historic lemon groves: numerous private gardens and lemon groves open along marked routes, some recently restored;
• Pomological display: exhibition of citrus varieties grown in Garda and Italy;
• Floral installations by landscape designers and architects;
• Educational workshops on citrus cultivation and photographic exhibitions;
• Concerts and musical performances in the courtyards and cloister;
• Tastings and themed market along the streets of the center;
• Boat excursions from the port of Gargnano to admire the lemon groves from the lake.

A recognized quality event

The event is organized by Terre & Sapori in collaboration with the Municipality of Gargnano, the Parish of San Martino, the Pro Loco, and the Slow Food communities, with the patronage of the Lombardy Region. Over the years, it has obtained recognition as an event of national interest, confirming the cultural and landscape value of the Garda lemon groves.