City: Italy
Top Things to do in Italy
10 Gardens in Italy That You Shouldn't Miss
Coordinates: 43°N 12°E / 43°N 12°E / 43; 12
Restaurants in Italy
1. I Giardini di Castel Trauttmansdorff
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,464 reviews
Insights into exotic Mediterranean landscapes and views of the surrounding mountain chains and sun-kissed Merano: The Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle comprises eighty natural and cultivated landscapes nestled into a natural amphitheatre, a wide array of themed gardens, and numerous Artist Pavilions and Experience Stations. Visitors find the extraordinary combination of nature, culture and art at South Tyrol's most popular attraction absolutely enchanting. The interplay of historical and contemporary architecture, a rich variety of events, and seasonal blooming throughout the course of the year all make Trauttmansdorff an experience for all five senses and for visitors of all ages. After being named Italy's Most Beautiful Garden in 2005 and Europe's No. 6 Garden in 2006, Trauttmansdorff was honored with the International Garden of the Year award in 2013, thus joining the ranks of the world's most important and beautiful gardens and parks. The Touriseum, the spirited museum housed inside Trauttmansdorff Castle, now spotlights recent tourism history and features new exhibits about the castle's VIP guests.
Reviewed By T5225ZCalanb - Newport, United Kingdom
Wonderful gardens in the extensive grounds of Trauttmansdorff Castle. The walks in the different areas are well signposted to ensure you miss nothing. There is a Restaurant and Cafe on site whilst the Castle itself hosts an interesting exhibition about tourism ion the Dolomites.
2. Villa d'Este
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,482 reviews
Started by architect and historian, Pirro Liggori in 1549, for Cardinal Ippolito dEste, this famous villa estate is one of the finest examples of Renaissance residence and garden architecture and design.
Reviewed By 109gedask - Zarasai, Lithuania
It's perfect day trip from Rome.... 1 hour and you are in one of the most beautiful place in the World... Ticket cost 10 euros and its really worth it :)
3. Castello di Brolio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 990 reviews
Since 1141, the Ricasoli family has been making wines from the vineyards surrounding their estate, Brolio Castle, making it the world's oldest winemaking operation under continuous family control.
Reviewed By DrMarkV1985 - Aylesbury, United Kingdom
This castle is beautiful and has incredible views of the hills below it, and was the perfect setting for me to propose to my girlfriend! The winery associated with it is gorgeous as well and you get a free glass of wine there with your castle ticket. We are certainly going back someday soon!
4. I Giardini di Villa Melzi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,327 reviews
National Monument and Private Gardens This magnificent villa, built in 1808 for the Duke Francesco Melzi d'Eril, assistant to General Napoleon, is one of the most emblematic examples of neo-classicism in Lombardy.....The Gardens Are visitable March to October every day 9.30 am to' 6.30 pm
Reviewed By armankun - Athens, Greece
A definitely place to visit if you like gardens, trees, nature and walking, beautiful garden, very well cared.
5. Villa Cimbrone Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,943 reviews
Reviewed By lassie64
possibly the nicest thing to do whilst up in ravello. entrance is 7 euros pp and you get to walk around the large gardens and take in the flowers and statues and sculptures etc. best bit is the infinity terrace with amazing views over the amalfi coastline both ways.
6. Giardino Giusti
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,056 reviews
A beautiful Italian garden in the heart of Verona. You can visit the garden and a part of the palace called the 20th-century Apartment.
Reviewed By gabrieleguidoni - Zurich, Switzerland
Giardino Giusti is a stunning 16th century Italian Renaissance garden part of the Manneristic palace of the “Giusti” family and designed by Agostino Giusti, Knight of the Republic of Venice and prominent figure of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, in 1570 over a previously existing 14th century garden. Featuring a splendid park of terraces climbing upon the hill and overlooking the historical center of Verona, the garden is located 7 min walking far from the wonderful 1st century BC Roman Theater in the “Isolo” quartier of Verona, so named as it was an island whose external river branch (“canale dell’Acqua Morta”) has been buried after the 1882 flood. This idyllic and bucolic oasis of peace presents all the inspirational features of the renowned “Boboli Gardens”, Medici’s gardens at Palazzo Pitti in Florence, and is open every day from 9.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. (adults €10,00; 0-10 years old and disabled people free entry, students €5,00; Reduced price for Verona Card holders). Tip: Amongst the cypresses geometrically placed along the main track there is the so-called “Goethe’s Cypress”, a cypress older than 600 years and mentioned by the famous German writer in his book “Italian Journey” (1817) as he saw it during his visit in Verona in 1786.
7. Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,000 reviews
Reviewed By sharonhW264WM - Las Vegas, United States
Castel Gandolfo was declared property of the Holy See in the 13th century, but the castle was not built until the 17th century when other villas and cottages were being built in this area. It was renovated by Pope Pius XI in 1929 and has been used as the pope’s summer residence since them. During WWII 40 babies were born in the bedroom here, to mothers trying to escape the Nazis. Pope John Paul recovered from his injuries here when he was shot in 1980. The current Pope Francis declared that it should be open to the public since he preferred to stay in Rome and work. As we entered the gates of the Apostolic Palace, we passed the small fleet of Mercedes cars used by the Pope and the “Popemobile” with the bulletproof shell. Continuing, we made our way through display rooms showing the costumes of the Swiss Guards, the portable throne used to carry the pope in processions, and other items used by the pope. Next came galleries with portraits of all the popes, followed by a lovely cream, yellow, and gold waiting room where guests who had an audience with the pope were taken first. From there, we went through a series of waiting rooms (ante-rooms). A group of people might be granted an audience, but ultimately only one would actually see the pope. The others in the group would go as far as their “status/permission” allowed them and would wait in their assigned ante-room. The last ante-room was normally reserved for the wife of the man who had the audience. Finally came the magnificent throne room where the pope received the person granted an audience. Following that, all rooms were private. The general public was not allowed—only his private secretaries. A series of offices came next—some with elaborate desks and bookshelves and others with much simpler furniture. Then the pope’s bedroom, which was a bright and airy corner room with creamy yellow walls and mint-green drapes on four large windows. The furniture—a large bed, wardrobe, desk, and table with chairs—was made of beautifully carved wood and looked comfortable and lived-in. The bedroom opened onto a lovely little chapel with an altar and the pope’s own chair and kneeler. Following the chapel was a large gallery which led us back to the square outside. We really enjoyed being able to see this historic place. We have been to Italy on many previous occasions, but Castel Gandolfo was never open to the public before—and could be closed again, at the discretion of the pope. Don’t pass up the opportunity to see it if you can!
8. La Foce
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 247 reviews
From 1925 to 1939, an Englishman, Cecil Pinsent, restructured buildings and created harmonious gardens on this estate. The gardens are open to the public and are also the setting for numerous cultural events throughout the year.
9. Public Gardens (Parco Duca di Cesar)
10. Villa Carlotta
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,254 reviews
Villa Carlotta welcomes you with its magnificent botanic garden and art masterpieces in over 70.000 square metres of gardens and museum. The beautiful villa was built at the end of XVII century by the Milanese marquis Giorgio Clerici in a natural basin between lake and mountains, facing the dolomite Grignas and the peninsula of Bellagio.
Reviewed By 53Upp - East Midlands, United Kingdom
Beautifully maintained gardens. Plenty of plant details. Slightly hilly paths, but easily accessible. Signage good, different routes depending on how much time visitors have, which gives times to completion of visit. Toilets round site and good cafe. House visit also included in the entrance fee. Villa entrance opposite the ferry service.
