Castello delle Rose di Cordovado | Grandi Giardini Italiani

History

The castle was built on the site of a prehistoric fortified borough and subsequent Ancient Roman settlement. Only the shielded towers of the original structure and part of the boundary walls remain, enclosing a 12th century church, the 15th century Agricola palace, mediaeval cottages and Villa Freschi Piccolomini dating from 1511. The property passed by marriage to the Freschi di Cuccanea Counts and the Piccolomini of Siena.

The villa is surrounded by a romantic park created in the early 19th century by Count Sigismondo Freschi, who ingeniously exploited the defence moats, hills, boundary walls and stones from the Roman road as landscape features. This choice leads to the impression of being in a different place at every few steps, strolling under secular trees. There is a real treasure to be found at the exit to the park: a sun-shaped maze of damask roses, inviting long walks amongst inebriating scents, immersed in the light, colours and extraordinary energy of the roses. They are ancient, exclusively spring-flowering varieties, not a limiting feature but rather a virtue since they offer a unique, unrepeatable seasonal moment. When in flower, thanks to the great passion of Benedetta Piccolomini and her wish to share so much beauty, the rose garden is open to guided tours, exhibitions and conferences (''Omaggio alle rose'' 16-17 May in 2020).
The park and maze are only treated with biodynamic products, with excellent results for the plants, bees, butterflies, glow-worms and birds.

In the “Se Son Rose”* Emporium, next to the Cordovado Castle, it is possible to find “Se Son Rose” cosmetics made from organic ingredients wherever possible. The “Se Son Rose” Coffee Bar in the mediaeval hamlet, offers moments of enjoyable evasion where time stands still and regains its original value, with a choice of products, organic wherever possible, to delight the palette with delicate, pleasing tastes in an intimate, discreet atmosphere.

*Ed. note: the proverb “se son rose fioriranno” – literally, ‘if they are roses they will bloom' - can be translated as “time will tell”.

The Great Green. Eco-sustainable practices

The Castello delle Rose di Cordovado is actively committed to promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. Over the years, it has implemented several initiatives:

◈ Enhancement, Implementation, and Redevelopment of Plant Heritage

Cataloguing of centuries-old trees by the official responsible for monumental trees in the Region.
Expansion of the park with the planned creation (in 2025) of a 6000 m² labyrinth of oil-bearing Damask roses.
Annual planting of new trees and shrubs to reinforce the hedgerows surrounding the park and to replace species that have died.

◈Eco-Friendly Green Space Management

Since 2015, no herbicides, chemical fertilizers, insecticides, or pesticides have been used. Instead, exclusively biodynamic treatments are applied, particularly for boxwoods and roses-following the principles of regenerative agriculture aimed at enriching soil life.
Grass mulching and the deliberate presence of deadwood in forested areas are practiced to support biodiversity and soil health.

◈ Water Conservation
Thanks to the humid climate of Friuli, no irrigation systems are needed. In addition, biodynamic treatments strengthen plants, and soil protection practices have made the park completely self-sufficient in terms of water usage.

◈ Use of Ecological Materials
For several years now, a compost has been produced using manure from small farms (where no antibiotics are used), garden leaves, weeds, and pruning waste. Biodynamic preparations are added to this mix to support the composting process and retain the nutrients essential for soil fertility.

◈ Biodiversity Conservation and Enhancement
Each year, native plant species are planted along the park boundaries to create a dense, protective buffer that supports both the health of the park and the presence of beneficial birds and insects.

◈ Wildlife Support
Birdhouses, feeders, bat boxes, and bug hotels have been installed. The park itself is already a natural refuge for wildlife due to the organic maintenance practices applied throughout the green areas.

Grandi Giardini Italiani Srl

Grandi Giardini Italiani Srl