18–19 April 2026
Lemons — today a simple accent in a glass or on a plate. Yet centuries ago, this golden fruit shaped everyday life along the western shore of Lake Garda.
To cultivate the finest citric fruits, farmers once ferried fertile soil all across the lake to Gargnano. Stone by stone, they built remarkable shelters against the winter cold: soaring terraced structures climbing the hillsides, some rising more than ten meters high. These extraordinary gardens became known as limonaie.
The History of 700 Lemon Gardens
For generations, citrus influenced this land — its culture, its social life, its architecture. At its height, nearly 700 limonaie traced the shoreline. Over time, disease, changing tastes, and the rise of artificial citric acid dimmed their importance, and the lemon trade slowly faded.
From this quiet decline, renewal began: Today, dedicated hands in Gargnano are restoring the historic gardens, keeping an ancient tradition alive. Hidden behind sun-warmed walls, visitors can wander through secret terraces and discover up to 80 different citrus varieties — a living mosaic of fragrance, color, and history.
Giardini d’Agrumi – The Lemon Festival
On 18–19 April, more than 20 of these lemon gardens open their gates for Giardini d’Agrumi. Restaurants celebrate the harvest with lemon-inspired menus, while artists bring creativity to the terraces.
We are proud to take part in this celebration, opening the gates of our Limonaia Fondo Crocefisso and inviting you to experience the magic of these gardens.
Come and celebrate with us. 🍋
(Dogs are, of course, very welcome on the walks)
See all participating lemon gardens here: https://www.google.com/maps/
