A curious anecdote about the Preonda, the symbol of Bardolino, emerges from a letter dated August 5, 1929, written by the heads of families from the historic center and the hoteliers of Piazza Matteotti. In the letter, addressed to the then mayor, they requested the relocation of the Preonda to another area to reduce the disturbance caused by the young people who gathered around it during the summer evenings. The authors complained about the “chatter and uproar” of the youth, deeming it inappropriate for visitors to witness such scenes. The request was granted, and the Preonda was moved from its current location in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II to the lakeside corner, where it stands today.
The Preonda, a slab of pink marble with mysterious origins, was not just an object but represented the beating heart of the Bardolino community. Once used by fishermen as a table to display their catch, it was also a meeting place for daily discussions and romantic moments. According to local legend, completing a circle around the Preonda would bring good luck to visitors and ensure a safe return to Bardolino.
