Maria Gardena, the stage name of Emma Tiezzi (Rovereto, 1901 – Bologna, 1989), was an Italian actress and a leading figure in Italian silent cinema. She made her screen debut in 1920, quickly establishing herself as one of the most acclaimed divas of the period thanks to her elegance and modernity. Her career is particularly associated with director Gennaro Righelli, who directed her in successful films such as *La casa di vetro* (1920) and *La fanciulla, il poeta e la laguna* (1922). Her other significant performances include *L'incognita* (1922) and *Il richiamo del sangue* (1923). With the advent of sound film, her popularity declined, and she made only one sound film, the comedy *La signorina dell'autobus* (1933), after which she permanently retired from the screen. Although she did not receive formal awards by modern standards, her main recognition was the widespread acclaim from audiences and contemporary critics, who established her as one of the icons of 1920s Italian cinema.