Villa Bettoni

Bogliaco di Gargnano is home to one of the most beautiful palaces on Lake Garda. The entire complex, divided into three orders, was erected at the behest of Giandomenico Bettoni, commander of the cavalry of Empress Maria Theresa of Austria and lord of Schenna, by the architect Adriano Cristofori, a pupil of Sanmichele, at the beginning of the 18th century. In addition to the villa, the visitor's gaze is also drawn to the beautiful gardens, with an exedra, numerous flowerbeds and a nymphaeum, the design of which was carried out by Amerigo Vincenzo Pierallini between 1764 and 1767. Also noteworthy are the wide staircases in Rococo style and the statues placed at the top of the villa, close to the balustrade that surrounds the grand attic, by sculptor Giovanni Battista Locatelli. They represent mythological divinities: Ceres, Bacchus, Jupiter, Thetis, Pluto, Juno and Mercury, alternating with groups of putti. Of great importance is the inner hall characterised by the presence of numerous works of great value and refinement. Also built according to stylistic features dear to the Rococo and Baroque styles in the second half of the 18th century, it also features, among others, beautiful frescoes by the Galliari brothers, who also decorate the internal parts of the staircase. Access to the atrium is then guaranteed by the presence of three portals accompanied by coupled columns on high plinths, an element that is lacking on the façade facing the lake, which, in addition to the framing of the columns on the portals, also lacks a central balcony. However, terraces with elegant balustrades are present here, one to the north, the other to the south. The main façade is also characterised by the presence of long stucco pilaster strips, which from the string-course fascia reach up to the cornice, admirably framing the eleven windows. (credits Arianna Florioli)