There are endless ways to get lost-or find yourself-in the gardens. Now that the first chill is touching your skin and the grass is covered in dew, or sometimes even a velvety white blanket, the Network's gardens are preparing to breathe in the magic of Christmas. It's the time when nature becomes poetry, and every visit becomes a gift to be shared with those you love.
From the north to the south of the Bel Paese, our botanical treasures preserve atmospheres and traditions that come to life in a series of events to discover, savor, and share. Events that intertwine culture, history, and wonder, transforming every step into an enchanted experience.
From classic
Christmas Markets to the most spectacular
light installations, to
gourmet stays that exude the scent of celebration, our gardens are ready to welcome you in a warm and sparkling embrace.
CHRISTMAS MARKETSThe
Christmas Markets, born in the heart of medieval Europe and initially linked to the
Feast of St. Nicholas, evolved over time thanks to the vision of
Martin Luther, who in 1517 suggested dedicating them to the birth of Jesus. Hence the origin of the markets as we know them today: a world of wooden huts, decorated trees, crafts, gift ideas, and authentic flavors. This is what you'll find strolling through the markets of
Levico Terme,
Venaria Reale,
Villa Arconati, the
Grazzano Visconti Castle, and the
Pietrarsa National Museum.
LIGHT INSTALLATIONSThe tradition of lights also has centuries-old roots. Between the 3rd and 4th centuries BC, the Celts celebrated the winter solstice with fires and lanterns, symbols of life triumphing over the longest night of the year. But it was
Saint Boniface, in 724, who decorated a fir tree with candles for the first time, giving rise to the gesture that still lights up our Christmas today. After the invention of the Edison light bulb, and following the 1917 fire caused by a candle in a tree, the young
Albert Sadacca brought to life the first electric Christmas lights. Since then, that spark continues to create landscapes of pure magic, as happens in the
Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, in the
Gardens of the Royal Palace of Venaria,
Villa Cipressi,
Villa Litta and
Villa Reale di Marlia.
DREAM STAYSFor those who want to experience Christmas through the flavors, aromas, and elegance of a special stay, I suggest you don't miss the unmissable offers of
Villa d'Este,
Villa Cipressi,
Palazzo di Varignana, and the
Labirinto della Masone that combine tradition and modernity in dreamlike settings.
MUSIC, WORKSHOPS, GUIDED TOURS, AND TASTY MOMENTSThe
Great Italian Gardens offer a wide range of musical entertainment, special guided tours, children's activities, and sweet treats, like the ones they have in store for you:
Wherever your heart takes you, follow the star. Choose the enchantment of Christmas in the
Great Italian Gardens.