Giardino di Palazzo di Varignana | Grandi Giardini Italiani

History

In 2015, Palazzo di Varignana adjoins to its prestigious outlets three hectares of luxurious Garden already part of the important Italian network “Grandi Giardini Italiani''.

Immersed in the beautiful scenery of the Emilian countryside, Palazzo di Varignana's inspiring Garden was designed by landscape architect Antonio Perazzi who created a magnificent Garden where the countryside, nature and formal features come together with irresistible spontaneity thanks to low walls, terraces, stairs, fountains and a beautiful infinity pool.

Remarkable is certainly the collection of oak trees selected by Mr. Perazzi, for a total of 100 copies with 76 different species, one of the most important arboreal heritage in Italy. After passing a small forestal covered walk of ash trees and other nati- ve plants, one arrives at the Garden's first part where geometric theme rooms open into each other and are harmoniously divided by hedges of ginko biloba, hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) and rows of trees maple (Acer campestre) which accommodate the bushes of roses, grasses, ornamental cherry and dogwood (Cornus mas) offering a view that stretches over the picturesque landscape. Beyond the apple blossom gallery and the roses, a green labyrinth appears (Labirinto Carlico).

It's original plan was designed in 2015 from landscape designer Sandro Ricci who created the harmonious union of the Garden with the existing twenty-hectare park. The originality of the design of the labyrinth derives from the overlap of Ilatro hedges (Phyllirea angustifolia) and an existing orchard. In the heart of the park, the real ornamental Garden winds its way around the former country villa, embracing it on every side.
The five bedroom villa is surrounded by numerous herbaceous species, Mediterranean trees and shrubs, abundant blooms of broom and fragrant osmanthus bushes.
The private park of Palazzo of Varignana and its Garden enriched with seven olive trees Olea europea, secular examples from Southern Italy.

Authentic Italian Hospitality

Nestled in the rolling hills of Bologna, Palazzo di Varignana overlooks the town from which it takes its name. At the heart of the resort stands Palazzo Bentivoglio, a countryside castle with four traditional towers dating back to 1705, beautifully restored to preserve the charm of its history. The main historic building is surrounded by a contemporary village built in stone, with architecture designed in harmony with the surrounding landscape.
This unique and widespread hospitality concept includes 150 rooms, five restaurants, and elegant spaces for weddings, events, and conferences-equipped with state-of-the-art technology. A full spectrum of wellness services completes the offering, with over 4,000 square meters of Varsana SPA, remise en forme programs based on the Acquaviva Method, sports facilities, and outdoor trails.
The restoration project that brought Palazzo Bentivoglio back to life has expanded over time to include the surrounding landscape. Palazzo di Varignana has restored ancient farmhouses and transformed them into six private villas, while also founding its own agricultural estate-now encompassing 500 hectares-to produce high-quality, zero-mile products.
A true highlight of this journey is the commitment to reviving ancient olive varieties. Today, 200 hectares of olive groves-with over 750,000 plants-produce an extra virgin olive oil of exceptional quality, winner of numerous awards and international recognition

Agrivar

Agrivar, the agricultural company of Palazzo di Varignana, was founded in 2015 on the first hills of Castel San Pietro Terme (Bologna), in the Borgo di Varignana. Created with the aim of enhancing the Emilia-Romagna territory through a circular model, over the years it has restored local crops while actively promoting sustainability.

Spanning 700 hectares, the estate cultivates zero-kilometre products that supply the resort's restaurants. At the heart of production are 265 hectares of olive groves, with more than 195,000 olive trees producing a world-award-winning extra virgin olive oil, internationally recognised for its quality and agronomic excellence. The Palazzo di Varignana branded line includes six premium extra virgin olive oils: four single-varietal (Monocultivar) and two blended (Multivarietal).

In keeping with ancient traditions, Palazzo di Varignana cultivates local olive varieties such as Ghiacciola and Nostrana di Brisighella, combining heritage practices with modern, sustainable farming techniques.

The agronomic project also includes 57 hectares of vineyards, featuring both native and international grape varieties. Production encompasses a range of sparkling, white and red wines: Villa Amagioia Blanc de Noirs Metodo Classico Brut, Villa Amagioia Blanc de Blancs Metodo Classico Brut, Chardonnay Colli di Imola, Sangiovese Superiore Romagna DOC, Pinot Nero Rubicone IGT, Albana Romagna DOCG, and Vigneto del Ventaglio Particella 63, all available for tasting in the estate's semi-underground winery.

The estate is further enriched by 3,000 square metres of vegetable gardens, an extensive orchard, and a distinctive and rare saffron production. Among the Palazzo di Varignana branded products are aromatic salts infused with medicinal herbs, premium saffron threads, fruit spreads, and fruit-based beverages.

A deep respect for nature is reflected in a complete experiential offering: guests can explore the extra virgin olive oils through guided tasting experiences and enjoy oil-centric treatments at the resort's spa.

Varignana Farm products to taste

Would you like to add even more flavour to your stay at the resort? Treat yourself to a taste of the fruits of this Eden nestled at the foot of the Bologna hills.

Since 2015, Agrivar, the agricultural estate of Palazzo di Varignana, has been cultivating over 265 hectares of land, producing one of the world's most award-winning extra virgin olive oils, along with fine wines and premium fruit spreads.

You can order a selection of Agrivar's food and wine products directly from the Varignana Food e-shop at e-shop| palazzodivarignanafood.com.

Remember to use the discount code “Giardini” at checkout: with your order, you will receive a complimentary product information sheet detailing the characteristics of the oils and/or wines, along with suggested food pairings.

Find out more

How to get here

By car
Highway A14 (Ancona-Bologna): take the exit Castel San Pietro; turn left following the indications for the Via Emilia until you get to the crossroads for Castel San Pietro. Turn right following the indications for Bologna and drive on Via Emilia for about 8 km. Follow the traffic signs for Varignana on your left, cross the Varignana historical center and then follow the road signs for the Resort.
Highway A1 (Milan-Bologna): take the exit San Lazzaro di Savena, then take the first exit on the right and follow the signs for the road called “Complanare”. Take the last possible exit and keep the left at the traffic circle. Carry on until you find another traffic circle: again, take the third exit (on the left). At the second traffic light, turn right. Go straight on until you find a small bridge on the left: turn left on via Varignana and follow the road signs for the Resort.

By train
Bologna Centrale, Bologna's main railway station, is located 19 km from Palazzo di Varignana. A pick-up shuttle service from the station is available upon request.

By plane
Guglielmo Marconi International Airport (BLQ) is about 11 km from Bologna city center and 30 km from Palazzo di Varignana Resort & SPA; the Resort offers a pick-up shuttle service from the airport upon request*.
Possibility to use a private airfield 10 km from the Resort for both turboprop and jets.

Grandi Giardini Italiani Srl

Grandi Giardini Italiani Srl