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THE LEmON GROVES OF LAkE GARDAHistorical gesturesSeveral fonts dating back to the monks of the con- vent of Saint Francis of Gargnano, recall the intro- duction, in the XIII century, of lemon trees originating from the coast of Ligu- ria. Four centuries later, the first lemon groves on stepped terraces were es- tablished. These are struc- tures destined to protect this kind of plant from the cold and snow. Due to their shallow roots in fact, these citrus fruits do not resist temperatures closeto zero degrees. The lem- on groves are built with a support wall at the top which offers shelter from the cold north winds and accumulates warmth dur- ingthedayaswellasa fixed part made of stone or walled pillars on which are placed wooden beams. On these, from November to March, covers made from frames and glass are placed; a protection capa- ble of guaranteeing the re- use of the air and perfect exposure to the sun.The climates, the intelligence, the charm...The fresh fragrance of citrus fruits, the monolith of rough stones placed to offer protection from bad weather and to maintain the warmth of the sun which is the last stop for the generous branches and... then the vivid green of the leaves which dance to the sweet melody of the breeze from the lake. These are the lemon groves of Lake Garda, praised by Johan Wolfgang von Goethe in the chronicle of his travels in Italy, a precious and “miraculous” treasure chest which will come true thanks to the synergy between an extraordinary microclimate and the intervention of man.THE PRà DE LA FAm LEmON ORcHARDJust like a wonderful step way which climbs from the crystalline waters of Lake Garda, the Prà de la Fam lemon orchard, one of the most beautiful of the Riviera, is situated in the port of Tignale, set right on the opposite bankfrom our boutique hotel. The first restoration work started in 1985 and has restored to this important site the splendour of time past, planting over 80 cit- rus trees as well irriga- tion systems, lighting and heating.As well as being equipped with modern technology, this lemon orchard, trans- formed into an eco muse- um, can be defined to all effects an historical testi- mony to how, at one time, this kind of culture was made.–3–