GardaNotes

09/10/2025

Tragedy at Su Gologone: speleosub dies during dive

Fatal Dive at Su Gologone: Brescia Diver Luca Pedrali Dead. The Former Mayor of Ponte di Legno Died at the Same Location. This morning, October 9, a tragedy unfolded in the waters of Sardinia when Luca Pedrali, a 60-year-old experienced cave diver from Chiari, residing in Salò, lost his life during a dive at the Su Gologone Springs. According to initial reports, Pedrali experienced a health issue while underwater but managed to surface. Despite the attempts at resuscitation by those present, there was nothing that could be done for him.
Pedrali was renowned for his extraordinary diving skills and held the Italian depth record in Lake Garda at 264.8 meters. In 2014, he also set a national record in cave diving, surpassing 1,300 meters. This tragic event recalls the death of former Ponte di Legno mayor, Paolo Costa, who lost his life at the same location in 2010 while filming underwater for a television program. He too suffered a health crisis during his dive in the karst spring, which had exceeded 100 meters in depth.

09/10/2025

Underwater tragedy in Sardinia: Luca Pedrali from Salò dies

A tragic incident has struck the diving community with the death of Luca Pedrali, a 59-year-old experienced diver from Chiari who resided in Salò. The event occurred in the late morning of Thursday, October 9, at the Su Gologone spring in Sardinia, where Pedrali was participating in an exploratory dive alongside other teams. During the activity, he experienced a health issue but managed to resurface on his own; however, his condition rapidly deteriorated, and despite the resuscitation efforts from his companions and rescuers, all attempts to save him were in vain.
Known for his extraordinary skills in scuba diving, Luca Pedrali had set significant records in the field, including the Italian deep diving record in Lake Garda and the national record in cave diving. His experience and dedication to the world of diving were admired by many. The news of his passing has caused great sorrow among friends and colleagues from the Garda Volunteer Group, who fondly remember him on social media.

09/10/2025

Bardolino and Water: Perspectives at the Geography Festival

Bardolino celebrates water and the prosperity of peoples with the XIII edition of the International Geography Festival, taking place until Sunday, October 12, at the Teatro Corallo. The event, organized by the Culture Department of the Municipality of Bardolino and curated by journalist Paolo Gila, is supported by various institutions including the Veneto Region and the Museum of Sciences in Trento. This year’s theme, “Water and the Prosperity of Peoples,” explores the historical, cultural, and environmental significance of water, analyzing how it has shaped civilizations along Europe’s rivers and lakes. The meetings will be held at the Teatro Corallo featuring contributions from experts in various fields, while a photographic exhibition dedicated to the work of photographer Roberto Troiani will be on display at the Municipality.
During the festival, there will also be tasting moments linked to the “Food Journey,” showcasing traditional dishes from the Garda region prepared by students from the “Luigi Carnacina” Hospitality Institute. Mayor Daniele Bertasi emphasized the importance of water as a symbol of balance and sustainability for the area, highlighting how the initiative represents an opportunity to raise awareness about the preservation of natural resources. Paolo Gila added that the festival aims to promote deep reflection on the complex relationship between humans and the environment, with particular attention to the balance necessary to sustain the wealth offered by the lake.

09/10/2025

Ferdinando Bertoni and Eighteenth-Century Music: A Conference in Salò

Salò is celebrating the musician Ferdinando Bertoni with a conference and a concert dedicated to his legacy, in honor of the three-hundredth anniversary of his birth. The events will take place at the Sala dei Provveditori in the Town Hall, on Friday, October 10th at 8:30 PM and Sunday, October 12th at 5:00 PM. The first event will be a deep-dive discussion titled “Ferdinando Bertoni, a Salò musician in 18th-century Europe,” featuring experts such as Gerardo Chimini and Enrico Raggi, moderated by Flavio Casali. This meeting represents an important opportunity to rediscover Bertoni's work, which left a significant mark on the sacred and theatrical music of his time.
The concert on Sunday will feature the Quartetto del Lago and the Cappella Musicale “G.C. Monteverdi”, conducted by Federico Franchini. The program includes emblematic pieces from Bertoni's repertoire, such as "Veni Creator Spiritus" and the aria “Che farò senza Euridice” from Orfeo. This musical showcase not only honors the legacy of Ferdinando Bertoni but also highlights the city's commitment to celebrating its distinguished local musicians, providing the audience with a valuable opportunity to immerse themselves in 18th-century music.

09/10/2025

Garda Cycle Path: Concerns About Road Safety in Riva del Garda

The Interregional Coordination for the Protection of Lake Garda recently sent a letter to mayors and local administrations, expressing concerns regarding the Garda Cycle Path in the Trentino section, particularly between Riva del Garda and the border with Lombardy. In the communication, the Coordination highlighted the risks associated with the construction of the cycle path, emphasizing the geological instabilities that occurred during the initial phase of the works and the potential safety issues along the SS 45 bis road. It was noted that the instability of the rock could further compromise road accessibility, necessitating thorough consideration by local administrations.
Furthermore, the Coordination has requested that construction work be suspended and replaced with an intermodal navigation system, which has already been adopted in other areas. The letter was also sent to various regional and national authorities responsible for infrastructure. Attention remains high on this project, as any interruptions or instabilities could have significant consequences for road traffic in the area.

09/10/2025

Mother-son murder in Sirmione: life sentence for Ruben Andreoli

The public prosecutor Ettore Tisato delivered his closing arguments in Sirmione during the trial for the mother-son murder case involving Ruben Andreoli, who is accused of killing his mother, Nerina Fontana. The prosecutor has requested a life sentence, emphasizing the aggravating factor of the familial relationship and arguing that there are neither trivial motives nor mitigating circumstances. The crime, which took place in the home they shared, involved the victim suffering extreme physical violence.
During the proceedings, the civil party's lawyer supported the request for a conviction and submitted a claim for damages. The defense, represented by lawyer Marco Capra, contested the life sentence, asking for the aggravating factor to be dismissed and for mitigating circumstances to be recognized. Final replies and the verdict are expected on October 22.

09/10/2025

Salò and the Blue Ribbon Museum: Paper Sunday 2025

The Historical Museum of the Blue Ribbon in Salò will open its doors for the event "Families at War" during the Paper Sunday 2025, which will take place on October 12, 2025. In collaboration with the Municipal Administration and the Archival and Bibliographic Superintendency of Lombardy, the museum will offer a special opening of its archive, highlighting the theme of family archives. President Sergio Ebranati expressed enthusiasm for this initiative, emphasizing the importance of engaging the public with this cultural heritage.
During the event, which will be held from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Civic Library on Via Leonesio n. 4, visitors will have the opportunity to participate in guided tours led by Director Emanuele Cerutti. These tours will explore how national wars (from 1848 to 1945) influenced Italian families through historical documents such as letters, photographs, and posters. Participation is free but requires reservation at the Salò Infopoint Office at the number 0365 21423.

09/10/2025

Vittoriale Prize in Gardone Riviera: honor to Altan

The XVI Vittoriale Prize will be awarded to Francesco Tullio-Altan, one of the most renowned Italian cartoonists, on Saturday, November 1st at 6:30 PM. Altan, known for creating the beloved character Pimpa and the satirical figure Cipputi, embodies a freedom of expression reminiscent of Gabriele D’Annunzio, to whom the Vittoriale pays tribute through this recognition. His work ranges from children's publishing to political satire, influencing films and animated series as well.
The prize, which consists of a sculpture created by Mimmo Paladino, will be presented by the president of the Giordano Bruno Guerri Foundation at the Museo d’Annunzio Segreto. This event not only celebrates Altan's talent but also his lasting impact on Italian culture; his works continue to provoke thought and laughter across generations. Admission is free until seats are filled.

09/10/2025

Garda Fashion Week: contemporary fashion at Sestino

Glamour, style, and creativity illuminate the local chronicles of Lake Garda with the new edition of the Garda Fashion Week

09/10/2025

Bardolino Grape Festival: success and free shuttle for events

The Bardolino Grape Festival, which concluded on Monday, October 6, recorded a record edition, with over 1,300 glasses sold compared to 2024. This food and wine event attracted an extraordinary number of visitors, thanks to a rich program and the quality of offerings from more than 30 local associations. Among the significant data, the use of the free shuttle stands out, having transported over 5,000 users from Peschiera to Bardolino, highlighting the success of the mobility plan implemented to facilitate movement during the event.
The event saw great participation in traditional activities, such as grape crushing and the children's parade, culminating in a pyromusical fireworks show that captivated the audience. Mayor Daniele Bertasi expressed satisfaction with the organization and traffic management, while the presidents of the involved associations emphasized the importance of collaboration among all local entities. The next edition will take place from October 1 to 5, 2026, promising further innovations and moments of gathering for the community.

08/10/2025

Trenord and Lake Navigation: Growth of Tourism on Lake Garda

In the first nine months of 2025, over 51,000 travelers chose the train+boat packages offered by Trenord and Navigazione Laghi, marking a 42% increase compared to the previous year. This figure, presented during the Ttg Travel Experience in Rimini by Leonardo Cesarini and Pietro Marrapodi, highlights the growing interest in using trains for leisure travel in the areas surrounding Lake Garda, Lake Como, and Lake Maggiore. The partnership between the Lombardy railway company and the government-run navigation service has demonstrated how integrated mobility can not only enhance access to natural wonders but also contribute to environmental sustainability.
During the meeting, Marrapodi emphasized the importance of collaborations between different transport providers to offer more efficient and environmentally friendly transportation solutions. Undersecretary Alessandro Morelli then pointed out that this model of cooperation among the Ministry of Infrastructure, the Lombardy Region, Trenord, and Navigazione Laghi represents a significant step towards more sustainable and accessible mobility for everyone.

08/10/2025

Pink October in Lombardy: prevention of female cancers 2025

In Lombardy, “Pink October” has commenced, a month dedicated to the prevention of female cancers, an initiative that will continue into 2025. The event involves ASST, ATS, healthcare facilities, and local associations to promote free consultations and screenings across all provinces. Throughout October, open days, informational meetings, and free medical consultations are scheduled, with a particular focus on the early diagnosis of oncological diseases.
The regional Screening Centers and Breast Units have organized dedicated prevention days, offering informational pathways and facilitated access to cancer screening programs provided by the Regional Health Service. The regional Welfare Councillor, Guido Bertolaso, emphasized the importance of prevention as a key to the health of women in Lombardy, encouraging them to actively participate in this month’s initiatives.