The Prioria Vittoriale degli italiani

the prioria

the prioria consists of number of rooms opulently decorated , filled memorabilia. notable 2 waiting rooms, 1 welcome guests, 1 unwelcome ones. latter benito mussolini sent on visit in 1925. phrase inscribed him above mirror:

to visitor:
are bringing narcissus mirror?
this leaded glass, mask maker.
adjust mask face,
but mind glass against steel.

the leper s room d annunzio s wake held upon death. name comes fact d annunzio felt being spurned government due continued efforts keep him in gardone, rather possibly in limelight in rome.

the relic room holds large collection of religious statues , images of different beliefs, purposely placed make statement universal character of spirituality. inscription on inner wall reads:

as there 5 fingers on hand, there 5 mortal sins.

d annunzio wished make clear hereby didn t believe lust , greed should considered sinful.

a unlikely relic distorted stering wheel of racing speedboat miss england ii, donated after coppa dell oltranza (unlimited cup) powerboating trophy, organized under d annunzio patronage, held in 1931. miss england ii had crashed in world speed record attempt, killing pilot, sir henry seagrave in 1930 (though winning record nevertheless) , rebuilt race , win @ lake garda following year kaye don @ helm.

d annunzio syncretist (believer in religions) deemed distorted steering wheel relic of religion of courage .