A path leading you from the hills to the lake, where you can admire the ancient Pra dela Fam lemon grove.

Set off from the car park of the Arcobaleno Park and walk along Via Panoramica in the direction of Aer. Turn left into via dei Patrioti and follow the signpost 265 in the direction of Oldesio. After crossing Strada Provinciale 38 and then the bridge of the Baès valley, you will reach the crossroads with trail 260. This panoramic path is about 1,3 km long and leads to Pra de la Fam, where the lemon grove of the same name is located.
On your way back, we suggest you retrace your steps walking uphill on route 260, until you cross the Bassa Via del Garda (266), leading to Gardola via Oldesio. As an alternative, a shuttle bus service runs between April and October.
 

1-THE WATERFALL ABOVE THE LEMON GROVES
The cultivation of lemons required large amounts of water. That is why lemon groves were usually located near streams. We highly recommend you admire the beautiful waterfall, located in the last stretch of the Baès stream before it flows into the lake. To reach it, follow the old metal pipeline on the right for few meters.
 

2-THE LEMON GROVE PRA DELA FAM
Before the Gardesana road was built, the path connecting Oldesio with Pra dela Fam used to be the only land access to the lake area of the village.
The name of the site where the lemon grove is located is owed to a historical fact. Fishermen caught up in bad weather often had to stop in that spot and wait for the storm to pass. Since no refreshments were available there, the place was named Pra dela Fam (“the meadow of hunger”).
As the economy of that time was mainly based on agriculture, coal production, trade in chestnut wood and olive growing, the cultivation of lemons was an important introduction.
The presence of the lake has always provided a favourable microclimate. Specifically, its considerable mass of water and the rocky walls shielding the crops from wind and heat were relevant factors providing the ideal environment for lemon cultivation.
Lemons were imported to Europe by the Arabs and were originally cultivated for pharmaceutical purposes. They reached our region thanks to the Franciscan friars.
Using wooden panels and removable glass windows, the lemon grove was entirely covered from November to March. Thus isolated, it served as a big greenhouse providing the exotic plants with shelter.
The lemon house was renovated in 1985. A structural reinforcement was carried out alongside the renovation of the roof and windows, accurately reproduced in their original style. Since then, the cultivation of lemons has resumed. Today, the lemon grove is still covered regularly, according to the traditional cultivation techniques.
Since 2011, it has become part of the national eco-museum. At the museum, visitors can discover a unique habitat for lemons and other citrus fruits, such as mandarins, citrons, grapefruits and bergamots.
Since 2017, the lemon grove has been open to public for guided tours and tastings. In its small shop, you can taste and buy organic products made from the fruits of the lemon grove, such as limoncello, lemon syrup, citrus jams and citrus oil.
For further information, visit the official website of Pra dela Fam.
 

3-THE EDUCATIONAL OLIVE TREE GROVE
The educational olive tree grove is managed by the cooperative Latteria Turnaria from Tignale. Across the grove, among ancient trees, you can find information boards describing oil processing and production techniques.
Tignale is particularly proud of its organic extra-virgin olive oil. The oil is made from hand-picked olives of the 'Casaliva' and 'Gargnà' varieties. Both are grown on terraces in the local area according to tradition. The cold pressed oil looks golden yellow and has a fruity taste. On your visit to the oil mill, you will have the chance to taste and buy this product. If you are interested, you will also get to learn everything about the oil production process.