ALL THE CHARM OF LAKE GARDA AND THE BENEFICIAL SECRETS OF ITS PRODUCTS
The history of the lake through the centuries and the people who made it famous
A lifetime would not be enough to fully enjoy its charms, but all the important events in history are reflected in its waves. In Latin, Secretum meant both a ‘secret’ in the strict sense of the word and a secluded, ‘withdrawn place’, in which to create a ‘blissful solitude’, taken up in the late Middle Ages by Petrarch, celebrating the place of intimate reflection and immersion in nature. Wooded areas, olive groves and lemon houses carved out of the rock and exposed to the sun of Lake Garda: this is the inspirational natural setting in which Secretum Gardae’s products take shape. Essences, fragrances, natural ingredients, as well as the reflections, colours and ancient beauty secrets of one of Italy’s most beautiful lakeside rivieras.
CRYSTALLINE REFLECTIONS OF BEAUTY IN THE MIRROR OF HISTORY
Lush nature and ancient traditions, unspoilt mountain peaks, bays, hanging gardens, grottos, mysterious manor houses with their stone piers: Lake Garda has all this and so much more. A gift from the Alps which has become the cradle of mankind and, still, after millennia, continues to be nourished by sunshine and pure spring water.
The origin of Lake Garda dates back to the ice age: as the Alpine ice receded, millions of years ago, a gentle depression was formed in the Earth’s surface. Endless streams of the purest water from the mountain springs soon began to flow into it. Almost as if to protect its precious heritage, fertile mountains and hills were formed all around the lake. At its centre, five lush islands rose up from the waters full of floral colours and intense fragrances. The lake is the custodian of a great secret of beauty; one glance is enough to make you fall in love with it.
HISTORY BECOMES LEGEND, AND LEGEND BECOMES MYTH
Attracted by its gentle shores, the men who lived here became the custodians of an elixir of life and beauty. The climate and unique characteristics of these areas have allowed lush plants to grow that cannot be found anywhere else in mountain areas. Man is grateful to nature, which in return gives him a feeling of happiness and well-being. If the villas and bastions, harbours and jewels, amphorae and temples celebrate the wealth of the Benaco (‘bennach’ in ancient Celtic), the divine pantheons are no less important. Never were so many places home to nymphs, fauns and votive shrines, gods of the earth, of the seasons, of the winds and of the waves.
During the Middle Ages, as monasteries and convents amassed treasures of rare beauty, towers and fortresses were built around the lake, while villages behind heavy walls bustled with life and trade.
THE GOOD LIFE
Lake Garda is a particularly attractive backdrop for artists and patrons of beauty, as they try to capture the magnificence that the lake has given them. The centuries pass like the boats on the surface of the lake, laden with fresh fish. Beyond the fortifications, the wealthy avidly take over the vast hinterland, celebrating life in the growing number of stylish villas.
And now Lake Garda is on everyone’s lips. Napoleon like Lothair II, Goethe like Dante, Foscolo like Virgil, and so on: Rilke, Klimt, Kafka, Joyce, Lawrence, Pound, D’Annunzio. Everything beautiful and elegant can be found here. Nowadays, the good life is only in the shade of its sophisticated promenades.
If only for a few moments, it is possible to live entire lives by the lake (perhaps this is the secret of longevity that has always amazed scientists). Yet, Lake Garda is not a jealous lover. Much like Secretum Gardae’s products, the Lake is born from an ancient land, inheriting its traditions of treatments and wellness – yes – but without jealously guarding its secrets: in fact, it is ready to share every one of them with you.
