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11. Palazzina Storica
Discover the Historic Building in Peschiera del Garda: Heart of the 1917 Inter-Allied Conference and Today a Venue for a Museum and Art Exhibitions.
The Command Building of the Fortress, built in 1854, is now known as the Palazzina Storica, thanks to its significant role during the Great War.
It was inside this very building in Peschiera del Garda that, on November 11, 1917, the famous Inter-Allied Conference took place—a crucial moment following the dramatic defeat at Caporetto. That loss resulted in about 400,000 casualties, including the dead, missing, and prisoners, marking a critical point for the Italian army.
In response to this emergency, the military leadership of three nations—Italy, France, and Great Britain—gathered in the building. Among the participants were the King of Italy, Victor Emmanuel III, and prominent Allied generals, ready to discuss a unified strategy. Their goal was to calmly assess the military situation and establish decisive countermeasures to prevent the collapse of the front. The decisions made in Peschiera del Garda were instrumental in shaping the military conduct and counteroffensives of 1918. Today, a commemorative painting depicting the event and its key figures is still preserved in the historic conference room of the building.
The Palazzina Storica also houses the World War I Museum, featuring documents, artifacts, and historical photographs.
Throughout the year, it also hosts exhibitions of classical and contemporary art, making the building a vibrant cultural hub. The last structure overlooking Parco Catullo is the Padiglione degli Ufficiali, once reserved for the highest ranks of the military. Continuing along the gate to its left, you’ll reach the inner gardens of the Palazzina—well-maintained and pleasant to walk through. From there, a short path leads to the Punto Belvedere, a panoramic viewpoint that offers a beautiful vista to conclude your visit.
