The lakeside of Gardone Riviera, a promenade rooted in the lake, is populated by oleanders, orange trees and colourful roses.

During the day it is a veritable oasis of peace and tranquillity, where time seems to stand still.

It is the meeting point for tourists and residents who can sit in the numerous cafes and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mount Baldo, snow-capped in winter, and the island of Lake Garda that float on the water and is reflected in the blue of the waves.

In the evening it becomes a venue forcultural and musical events, shows and flea markets. It's also where you can enjoyan ice cream, have a drink in one of the many nightclubs or dine in an elegant restaurant.

Gardone di Sotto and Gardone di Sopra (Lower Gardone and Upper Gardone) are connected by a place full of magic: the Botanical Garden. The Hellen - HruskaGarden is like a floral collection with a continental Europeancharacter, where Africa and South America, Asia, Europe and Australia are woven together.

Huge ferns (including the queen of ferns, the Osmunda Regalis)bamboo forests, beautiful Primroses of Tibet, Irisesof every colour grow in the shade of large trees of Cryptomeria japonica, which turns red in autumn tomake the place an even more magical site. A classic Japanese garden invites visitors to cross the bridge, near which a stunning banksiae rose bush blooms with yellow flowers.

The rocky area, faithfully reconstructed with dolomite or granite rocks, cliffs , gorges, ravines, streams and rivulets, host the mountain's complete array of flora, with lots of identification signs listing the scientific name, which turns a walk into a learning opportunity.

You can also admire Indian and Moroccan sculptures in harmony with installations by Roy Lichtenstein, Susanne Schmögner, Mimmo Paladino and Keith Haring.