History
Villa Grock is a small “jewel” on the hills of Imperia, where the famous clown Adrien Wettach, aka Grock, lived from 1930 to 1959. Armando Brignole was the engineer from Genoa appointed to design the villa, but it was Grock's strong imagination that actually inspired the bizarre and eclectic shapes that make villa and garden look like a “Stone Circus”.
The original flora of this charming park – that was also equipped with advanced hydraulic installations - has been partially preserved and consisted mostly of Lebanon cedars, firs, cycas, magnolias, palm trees, olive trees and a quantity of flowers.
Its main feature is still an elegant fishpond: an exotic looking temple with spindle-shaped columns stands in its middle and is linked to the garden by a low bridge. It all contributes to transport visitors in an enchanted world of clowns and fairies.
Very often Grock's ironic and benign face “pops up” from the architecture, taking the visitor by surprise.
As soon as you walk through the imposing main gate you are immersed in a magical atmosphere, surrounded by an original and impressive architecture. You cannot help holding your breath as if Grock himself would welcome his visitors performing, one after the other, his circus stunts
After a long period of decay, Villa Grock was restored to its former glory. The complete renovation of the building, in full compliance with the original plan, has once again disclosed its refined splendor.
