The Vittoriale complex is located in Gardone Riviera. The Liberty-style villa was once the home of Italy’s controversial 20th Century poet Gabriele d’Annunzio - presented to him by the Italian State. He continually dreamt up eccentric additions to the house and gardens filling the rooms with his unusual and often bizarre collections - from religious art to the gilded shell of his dead pet tortoise. In his study is a bust of former lover, Italian actress Eleanora Duse, whose head he kept covered with a veil to avoid distractions. Also on display in the garden is a WWI battleship.
