Discover the best italian gardens in the Roman Countryside
A hidden treasure near the city of Rome: 18 historical gardens that rapresents over 500 years of gardening history
Grandi Giardini Italiani invites you to discover a hidden treasure: 18 historical and botanical gardens in the Lazio Region in Italy that rapresent over 500 years of gardening history: a unique artistic and botanical heritage.
Choose to visit some of these gardens, that belong to the naton-wide network Grandi Giardini Italiani. Spend a wonderful day out with friends and family, enjoy gardens and their landscape. Take part in some of the many events that we organize: concerts, flower shows and school outings. Remeber that nearly all the gardens are open year round!
Ville Pontificie di Castel Gandolfo (Vatican State)
Even before becoming the summer retreat for many Popes, the site of the Pontifical Villas has always been significant since it was once the legendary city of Alba Longa which Titus Livy, Suetonius and Martial considered to be the origin of Rome where the twins Romulus and Remus were born. The Pontifical Villas, resulting from the union of several properties, are enchanting in every season. An exceptionally attractive path winds through this naturalistic and archaeological context, stretching from the Magnolia Garden as far as the panoramic terraces of the Belvedere Garden, passing amidst the ruins of the Theatre and the Imperial Criptoporticus.
The Vatican Gardens, for centuries reserved for the exclusive use of the Supreme Pontiffs, remain an oasis of peace where it is possible to stroll and meditate, admiring nature's beauties. Now open to the public, the Vatican Gardens offer the possibility of admiring a myriad of fountains and archaeological remains which, amongst the little houses, towers and ancient walls nestling in the vegetation, exalt the spiritual and intellectual greatness of the Popes who have inspired and enjoyed this marvellous space.
Giardino di Palazzo Colonna sul Colle del Quirinale (Roma)
Palazzo Colonna offers visitors one of the most magnificent records of Roman baroque in the heart of the city. The Colonna Gallery and its halls are in fact one of the marvels of Rome and contain an impressive collection of works of art: paintings, sculptures and furnishings dating from the 15th to 17th centuries. Its walls and gardens have witnessed the passage of the family Pope, Martin V (1417–1431), twenty-two cardinals, Petrarch, the poet Victoria with Michelangelo, men of arms such as Sciarra, rival of Pope Boniface VIII, Mark Antony II, victor at Lepanto at the head of the papal fleet, and a series of illustrious family exponents, protagonists of Roman history.
An absolute work of art, part of the Unesco Heritage Villa D'este is a must for both garden lovers and anyone interested in the history of Art. Pirro Ligorio had fun creating one of the most theatrical gardens in the world. Don't forget to have a look at the rose collection, and view the fountains and the water chain from the bottom of the garden, where the original entrance was designed. Incredible view from the windows of the Villa, where frescoes often depict floral scenes.
The owner of this rose collection wants to give her visitors the possibility to understand different cultural and historical aspects of her favorite flower. A real day out for rose lovers, that with the help of 130 different itineraries one can spend time discovering old and new roses. One of the most romantic places to get married in, there is a special suite for newly- weds in the rose garden. At closing time the lucky couple are the only ones on the property! Very exclusive.
The Villa was the suburban residence of Emperor Hadrian (reign: 117 - 138 A.D.), who began its construction near Tivoli when he returned to Rome in July 118. It originally consisted of magniloquent residential structures, luxurious thermal buildings, majestic nymphaea, hanging gardens, pleasure pavilions and plenty of fountains with water games. The architectural complex, which extended over roughly 120 hectares (presently one third is open to the public), was probably conceived by the Emperor himself as a demonstration of Power.
Giardini di Orazio - Castello di Mandela (Mandela, RM)
For over 2000 years this area has been famous for its view and its climate, as we read in the fi rst Epistle of the Roman poet Horace. During the 17th Century a secret garden was built high up in the fortress, overlooking the entire landscape, as well as a baroque church with frescoes by the Accademia di San Luca all in perfect condition, as well as the beautiful fresco of Our Lady on the ceiling of the sacresty by Giovanni Odazzi (1663-1731), all worth the visit.
Giardini Botanici di Stigliano (Canale Monterano, RM)
Water governs Stigliano: the nine different springs and two rivers which flow through it make it unique. These waters are thermal and curative and boast a millenary history. After the Etruscans, the first to be fascinated by the enchantment of the place were the Romans, who chose Stigliano as a thermal residence.
A private owned castle around which the owner has created a perfect setting for her love for roses. The result is very romantic and soothing for the eye that wanders from the Castle, literally covered with climbing roses, across the lush lawn out to the nearby forests and countryside. Don't miss the kitchen garden: lively and colourful or the annual Festa delle Rose in May. A Beautiful private chapel for special weddings.
It took ten long years for Maria and Donato Sanminiatelli with Russell Page to create this spectacular botanical garden on the shores of lake Bracciano. Walk round fine camellia and rhododendron collection and the magnificent rose garden. It is also quite impressive in autumn when the trees turn every colour of an artists' palette.
Giardini della Landriana (Tor S. Lorenzo-Ardea, RM)
One of the most important modern gardens in Italy created by Lavinia Taverna with the help of Russell Page. Many gardens in one, romantic and imaginative. From one flowering to the next, every season offers a different view of the garden. Very important Flower show two times a year.
The name ''Villa Bell'Aspetto'' symbolizes the fascination and the mystery that the spectator witnesses when crossing the informal park he finds himself unexpectedly in front of the beauty of the Italian garden, the perspective views towards the baroque palace and the panorama on the sea.
The garden was created in 1985 on abandoned land surrounding a mediaeval house in the Monte Orlando Regional Park, between old Gaeta and the modern city, thanks to the botanical and environmental commitment of Nicola del Roscio. From the start it was intended as a base for experimental research to acclimatise palm trees, since the site enjoys an exceptionally mild micro-climate, protected from cold winter winds by the Aurunci mountains rising from sea level to an altitude of 1533 metres.
This is one of the better conserved giardini all'italiana still existing.12 perfectly balanced parterres in boxwood form a sophisticated geometrical design that lay at the feet of the formidable Castle: the garden seems to reach out in prospective towards the surrounding countryside.
The initials of Ottavia Orsini can be read in the parterres, dating the actual lay out to 1610. Still belonging to the Ruspoli family, this garden has an important place in the history of landscape gardening.
Villa Lante is world famous for its' formal Italian gardens. Neat boxwood parterres are trimmed to geometrical forms. The famous water chain takes one up the hill, where sculptures and fountains remind one of its role as a status symbol for powerful cardinals. Exquisitely Italian in style and taste, well worth the visit also to have an excuse to see the Tuscia area.
The Tuscia area has the highest intensity of Italian historical gardens perhaps in the world. Cardinal Alessandro Farnese commissioned Jacopo Barozzi da Vignola to create this magnificent work of art that unites the architecture of the Villa with the beauty of both the lower and higher gardens .It is well worth the steep walk up the hillside to admire the Pleasure House, the magnificent water chain and the Belvedere fountains.
Centro Botanico Moutan can boast of being the biggest and most complete collection of peonias outside China. It is quite an experience to see so many different peonias in bloom: they cover a formidable area and with the help of well trained guides a visit can become the beginning of a passion for this antique and much loved plant.
There is a small restaurant with a shop where one can find every possible product connected to this plant, from cosmetics to books from all over the world.
The first in time and the most famous ‘Folly' in the world. Privately owned, since Prince Orsinis' time, quite unique. Still tucked away in a ‘holly' wood, one walks from one stone made 'monster' to another. Useful to have a good guide book so as to understand the esoteric and Masonic implications.
