Villa Bettoni has been the residence of the Counts Bettoni since the 17th century, an ancient family from Lake Garda who, in the 18th century, thanks to the lemon trade, were able to accumulate a huge fortune, expanding the old building into a small palace. With a direct view of Lake Garda, the villa, built by three of the most talented architects of the time, has always impressed its guests with the elegant frescoes, the magnificent sculptures, the sumptuous furniture and the precious paintings of the as well as, the beautiful library.
The villa itself has a magnificent facade facing both the garden and the lake. On the balustrade of the side facing the lake, a marble pantheon is enthroned, consisting of sculptures of the gods Bacchus, Ceres, Jupiter, Venus, Pluto, Thetys, Juno and Mercury, made by the sculptor Giovanni Battista Locatelli. During the Italian Social Republic, from October 1943 to April 1945, the villa was the seat of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers of the government led by Mussolini, but de facto dependent on the German Reich. It was the most important institutional building of the so-called "Republic of Salò". The Bettoni family, who still lives there, opens the doors of this historic residence. You will have the opportunity to visit the monumental gardens and the interiors of the palace to admire the original furnishings and the beautiful art collections. Here you will learn about the public and private history of the family, often told directly by family members who sometimes accompany you on your visit.
I highly recommend visiting the villa and the garden. It is one of the most beautiful buildings on the western banks of Lake Garda.