Around Lake Garda – Limone

A little further from the harbour, in the opposite direction, is the Chiesa San Benedetto, which houses some important pieces of ecclesiastical art. The oldest church, Chiesa San Pietro, sits among olive trees some way from Limone, on the road to Tremosine.

At the southern end of the town, the cliffs edge further away from the shoreline, allowing space for a wide promenade and some hotel development. In high season, the 1000 or so residents of Limone are often swamped by the number of tourists. But tourism is what Limone is about, and it pulls out all the stops to ensure that its visitors thoroughly enjoy their stay.

Throughout the holiday season, there is an extensive programme of free cultural events. Evening concerts, mostly on Sundays, are held in the old town center or on the promenade. There is music for all tastes: Classical Swing Opera Blues Tribute bands Country

Sometimes, the concert is followed by a firework display.

"Art in the alleys," an exhibition and sale of paintings and sculptures, is held on most Tuesdays (10:00 – 22:00) in the alleyways of the old town. Alongside this event, the historic Limonaia del Castèl lemon grove offers guided tours, including limoncello tasting and live music (20:00 – 23:00). The Castèl lemon grove is also open daily from April to October.

Together with the cultivation of lemons, fishing and olive growing were once economically important, and there are also museums devoted to these industries.

• The Fishing Museum is open from 28 March to 31 October (10:00 - 22:00).
• The Olive Oil Exhibition is open from 30 March to 15 October, Monday to Friday (10:00 – 12:00 and 16:00 – 18:00).

The rise of tourism

After the devastation caused by World War I, the people of Limone had to rebuild the fishing and olive growing industries. At this time, Limone could only be reached by water or by tortuous mountain paths.

In 1931, the construction of the Western Gardesana road changed everything. A poor, struggling fishing village soon became a prosperous tourist center. The road, still in use, can be very busy, but fortunately, its position means that it doesn’t visually impinge upon the attractive old town.

The rise of tourism and other socio-economic changes are chronicled in the Museum of Tourism, which is open daily from 28 March to 31 October (10:00 – 22:00).

Walking

There are walking possibilities to suit all levels of fitness and inclination. Throughout the holiday season, free guided walks are on offer. Information about these, along with walking guides, are available at the two tourist offices located near the bus station on the main road and at the far end of the promenade.

Long life in Limone

The inhabitants of Limone enjoy very long lives, and this cannot be entirely attributed to the usual suspects of Mediterranean diet and lifestyle.

A large number of its inhabitants have a gene that codes for the protein A-1 Milano, which is carried in the blood and strips harmful fatty deposits from arterial walls. Following its discovery in 1979, genealogical studies showed that all carriers were descendants of a couple who married in 1644.

The population was small and isolated, so the gene quickly became established. The great hope is that A-1 Milano can be produced commercially and become a major weapon in the world’s fight against cardiovascular disease.