Did you know that Italy is home to beautiful villas and gardens which are open to the public? Over the past few years, a growing number of international travellers have come to Italy to follow their passion for horticultural tourism. 

Gardens in Italy have ancient origins. In the Middle Ages they were utilized exclusively for food production. Then, in the late Renaissance era, the true Italian-style garden was born - a place of pleasure and amusement that was beautiful to behold. In the 15th century, these gardens gradually expanded to include architectural elements and symmetrical lawns with a more elegant, orderly and elaborate style. Relaxation areas and secret gardens also became a part of the design.

Today you can visit an array of Italy’s gorgeous gardens. Here are five regions we’ve chosen for travelers with a green thumb!

Foto di: Daniel70mi Faciola (Flickr.com)

Lombardy

Let’s start our horticultural journey in a region full of gardens and villas: Lombardy. 

Smack dab in the heart of Milan are Indro Montanelli gardens, a verdant oasis perfect for a relaxing break after visiting the city. The gardens were originally designed by architect Piermarini, and then renewed in the 1800s. Today they are home to horse chestnuts, cypress trees, and a centuries-old sycamore.

Just a few kilometers from Milan in Castellazzo di Bollate you’ll find Villa Arconati. Here the Italian-style garden, chestnut and beechwood trees blend harmoniously with the palace’s lavish architecture, water fountains and sculptures. Take a guided tour of Villa Arconati or attend one of the classical music concerts scheduled in the warmer months.

Just a little further away, Lake Como is a botany lover’s paradise. Visit Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo, where 8 hectares of enchanting gardens offer lovely panoramic views. Strolling through the grounds you can admire many varieties of camellias, a sea of multicolored azaleas (especially in April and May), lush vegetation and over 3,000 meters of bamboo. Don’t miss the museum devoted to farm machinery and ancient tools once used by the villa’s gardeners.

If you plan to stay an entire weekend or longer, take a look at our agriturismi in the province of Milan and Como.

Sicily

Heading south to the island of Sicily, we suggest visiting the gardens at Villa Tasca d'Almerita, Tenuta Regaleali and Le Stanze in Fiore in Canalicchio.

The first can be found on the edge of Palermo’s historic center, and is one of the loveliest residences on the entire island.

Villa Tasca d'Almerita is immersed in lush vegetation, amidst almond trees, palms, and so much more. Take a romantic stroll around Swan Lake, which is surrounded by a green and black bamboo forest.

Nearby – only 50 km from Palermo – you’ll find Tenuta Regaleali, one of central Sicily’s oldest feudal lands. The beauty of this place lies in the contrast of its lush green gardens and mosaic of olive groves and vineyards with the golden wheat fields and dry hills.

Siciliy’s newest botanical addition, Le Stanze in Fiore in Canalicchio, was completed in the year 2000 and boasts approximately 900 species of rare tropical and sub-tropical plants. Truly unique, it takes visitors on a sensorial itinerary amidst colors, scents and the sounds of water. Don’t miss the Oriental gardens, which were conceived as a site of meditation and feature very particular plants.

Looking for an authentic overnight stay? Check out our agriturismi in the province of Palermo and Catania.

Lazio

If you’ve already been to Rome’s Cupolone, then perhaps you’ve already admired the Vatican Gardens from above. Occupying about two-thirds of Vatican City, the gardens have provided Popes a place of relaxation and meditation since 1279. In that year, Pope Niccolo III planted a fruit orchard, lawn and garden. Today you can take a fascinating two-hour tour of the peaceful gardens and learn about their evolution over centuries of papal history.

Thirty kilometers from the capital and close to the sea, you’ll find Giardini della Landriana. Legend has it that after buying the land, the marquise Lavinia Taverna was gifted a packet of seeds. She planted them and the result was so amazing she continued to expand the garden. Thanks to her efforts, Giardini della Landriana abounds with roses, medicinal plants, olive groves and an array of Mediterranean vegetation. Two important seasonal events take place here, one in the fall and the other in spring, both devoted to the world of gardening and botanical nurseries.

Make your trip even more memorable by staying at one of our agriturismi in and around Rome.

Piedmont

If you’re passionate about horticultural tourism, Piedmont is full of surprises! Kids will love Villa Pallavicino in Stresa, where the garden’s main attraction is over 50 mammal and bird species including kangaroos, zebras, llamas and alpacas, plus parrots, toucans and pheasants.

Then there’s Oasi Zegna in Trivero in the province of Biella. In its alpine woodlands you can go “forest bathing” - a practice aimed at reinvigorating the body and mind by absorbing trees’ bioenergy. In September, the views at Oasi di Zegna are particularly spectacular.

Of course, Piedmont is also home to more classic gardens like the ones surrounding Castello di Miradolo in San Secondo Pinerolo and Castello di Pralormo in the province of Turin, both which were inspired by traditional English gardens. And don’t forget Giardini della Reggia of Venaria, a splendid example of 17th and 18th century design. Grottos, fountains, the ruins of the Temple to Diana, flower and rose gardens all make this place utterly spellbinding. 

Lastly, outdoor enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Parco la Mandria for its trekking, biking and guided excursions into the very heart of nature.

Sleep well in one of our agriturismi near Stresa, Trivero or in the province of Turin.

Campania

We can’t talk about gardens in Campania without first mentioning Reggia di Caserta. Quite similar to Versailles, Reggia di Caserta has an English-style garden with sycamore, palm, pine and cypress trees, rare and exotic plants, and the Aperia, a greenhouse dating back to 1826. There’s also an Italian-style garden with a lovely fish pond, the Margherita fountain, and the famous Grande Cascata with statues of Diana and Acteon.

For a panoramic view of the Amalfi Coast pay a visit to Villa Rufolo in Ravello. Also called the “garden of the soul”, it was built in the 11th century and boasts more rooms than there are days in a year! The garden is found on two levels and can be accessed from a tree-lined road. The atmosphere at Villa Rufolo is truly enthralling, especially considering its long past - the villa’s beauty was praised by Boccaccio in the 14th century.

Next, head to the isle of Capri where Villa San Michele embraces the wind, sun and sounds of the sea. Built by a Swedish doctor in 1885 as his residence, the immaculately maintained villa boasts a Greek tomb and granite sphinx that overlook Capri’s magical view.

For an unforgettable holiday, check out our agriturismi in the province of Caserta, Salerno and Naples.

Foto di: Massimo Frasson (Flickr.com)