Giardino Monumentale di Valsanzibio | Grandi Giardini Italiani

History

The Monumental Garden of Valsanzibio was created based on plan drawn by the Vatican Architect and 'Water Engineer' Luigi Bernini following a vow made by the Barbarigo family to ward off the plague of 1630/31. Cardinal Gregorio Barbarigo, later Bishop of Padua and future Saint, inspired the garden's high symbolism by commissioning Bernini to create an allegorical path of purification that would be a monumental emblem of the iter perfectionis that leads man from Error to Truth, from Ignorance to Revelation. Over sixty statues, largely attributed to Merengo, along with an equal number of smaller sculptures, are integrated with architecture, waterfalls, fountains, and water features across 15 hectares set in the unspoiled natural landscape of the hills.

The salvific itinerary begins with the pagan gateway dedicated to Diana. Once arrival was by boat through the Sant'Eusebio fishing valley (hence ValSanZibio), now a mere vestige. On entering one skirted the Diana Pool, the rainbow fountain and the fishpond dedicated to the Winds; then along the Great Avenue with statues, fountains and water games to the Lynx stairway. Eight allegorical figures encircle the Ecstasy Fountain in the square of the villa, the final destination of the symbolic itinerary.

A topiary house, a box maze and a hermitage are alongside the path. A little island, with many-coloured rabbits, is the only warren of ancient Roman inspiration still existing. A monument to Time on high ground is the keystone of the path to salvation. The garden is still intact thanks to the Barbarigo family until 1804, then the Venetian patrician Marco Antonio Michiel, from 1835 the Counts Martinengo da Barco, then the Counts Donà delle Rose and from 1929 the aristocrats Pizzoni Ardemani, who still own it. After having repaired the extensive damage from the last war, they restored springs, cisterns, canals and reservoirs to bring back the splendor of 16 fountains, 4 fishponds, 3 water games, rivulets and pools.

Grandi Giardini Italiani Srl

Grandi Giardini Italiani Srl