Rosella Orlandi is a unique figure in the panorama of Lake Garda. At 79 years old, she is the last fisherwoman remaining on the shores of Italy’s largest lake. Her story has been told in various interviews with newspapers, including here on Gardanotizie in 2006, as well as on national and German television networks, garnering great interest and admiration.
A life dedicated to fishing on Lake Garda
Rosella began fishing as a child, helping her father Gino. It was he who passed on the passion for the profession and taught her fishing techniques. With him, she also learned the submerged geography of the lake, knowing every corner and its secrets.
After her father’s death, Rosella continued to fish with the help of an elderly man named Mario. Initially, she sold fish with a wheelbarrow, a cart, and a bicycle. But after some time, she got her driver’s license and married Carlo, another fisherman she had known since she was young.
The solitude of fishing
Rosella’s life has not been easy. She lost two husbands: Angelo in a car accident shortly after their marriage, and Carlo due to a heart attack in 1988. After the death of her second husband, Rosella decided to continue fishing alone despite acts of vandalism against her equipment. The first time she went out on the boat alone, she found the oars sawed off. But her determination did not waver, and she continued to fish with great passion.
Anecdotes and adventures on the lake
During her over sixty years of work, Rosella has experienced many adventures on Lake Garda. She has recounted various anecdotes, such as finding bombs from World War II in her nets. She still remembers the sound of the bombs whistling underwater and the fear she felt when she pulled them out while fishing.
Rosella has also helped many tourists in distress return to shore when their boats broke down. She has demonstrated great courage and skill in catching large fish, such as a pike almost as long as her and a catfish so heavy that she struggled to pull it up.
Faith and hope
Despite the difficulties encountered along her journey, Rosella thanks the Lord for her life on Lake Garda. She feels protected by faith and hope, which have always been by her side during the toughest moments.
Rosella Orlandi represents a precious testimony of an age-old tradition linked to fishing on Lake Garda. Her story is an example of dedication, passion, and resilience that deserves to be told and preserved for future generations.
Italian Version
