Gardaland, Amusement park in Castelnuovo del Garda, Italy
Gardaland is an amusement park in Castelnuovo del Garda on the eastern shore of Lake Garda in northern Italy. It spreads over patches of woodland and lawn, distributing its attractions across several themed zones with roller coasters, water rides, and stage shows for children and adults.
Livio Furini bought the land at Castelnuovo del Garda on 19 October 1971 after visiting Disneyland in California, and the park opened on 19 July 1975 with an investment of 200 million lire. Merlin Entertainments took over in 2006, and the 50th anniversary fell in 2025.
Several rides and areas draw on medieval and Venetian motifs rooted in the Veneto region. On sunny days, families gather between attractions to eat and rest in the shade of mock castles.
The park is reachable by car via well-signposted access roads or by shuttle bus from Peschiera del Garda train station. Inside, shaded rest areas and toilets are distributed throughout, making hot summer days more comfortable for visitors.
The park's mascot is Prezzemolo, a young dragon who became the symbol of Gardaland in 1984. In 1993 a competition to modernise his image was won by a local cartoonist, and the character also starred in an Italian animated television series.
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