Italian gardens are of themselves brilliant examples of artistic expression. Renowned worldwide for their elegance, symmetry and romanticism, they embody a true elegance and a desire for the aesthetically pleasing. They are the perfect blend of natural elements with man-made sculptures and fountains, the combination of which makes for a harmonious visual spectacle. In the following guide, we will take a journey through some of the most exquisite Italian gardens for you to visit next time you are in the Bel Paese.

A collection of Italy’s best loved gardens

Let’s explore some of the most loved Italia gardens. From the fascinating Boboli gardens to the Hanbury Gardens, each oasis offers an insight into the styles of the times with symmetric shrubberies, quaint bridges and fountains and colourful flower beds.

Boboli Gardens, Florence

Located behind the Pitti Palace, the Boboli Gardens are one of the most famous examples of Italian gardens. Created by the Medici family in the 16th century, these gardens are an open-air museum, with ancient statues, artificial grottoes, fountains and an amphitheatre. Don’t miss Buontalenti's Grotto, a masterpiece of Mannerist architecture, and the Neptune Fountain. The Giardino del Cavaliere, located on the hill, offers a panoramic view of Florence.

Villa Taranto Gardens, Verbania

Located on Lake Maggiore, and set within 16 acres of parkland the Villa Taranto Gardens are known for their incredible botanical variety and fabulously elegant water features. Enjoy spectacular views of snowy mountain tops as you wander the lush gardens. Created by Scottish Captain Neil McEacharn in the 1930s, the gardens are home to over 20,000 species of plants from all over the world.

Gardens of the Royal Palace of Caserta

The Royal Palace of Caserta and its grounds are located on the outskirts of Naples, is the perfect expression of Italian Baroque architecture and will amaze even the most discerning of visitors. The gardens of the Royal Palace of Caserta, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, extend over 120 hectares and are comprised of beautifully curated gardens. Created for King Charles of Bourbon in the 18th century, the gardens include scenic fountains, waterfalls and statues.

Garden of Ninfa, Cisterna di Latina

Often described as the most romantic garden in the world, the Garden of Ninfa is a peaceful oasis that spans over 8 acres of land and built on the ruins of the medieval city of Ninfa, on the Pontine Marches. The delicate ecosystem means that it can only be visited on certain days of the year. The garden is loved for its lush flora, with exotic trees, roses and rare plants growing wild and naturally, including cherry trees and climbing roses.

Villa Borromeo Gardens, Isola Bella

On Isola Bella, one of the Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore, the baroque gardens of Villa Borromeo are a triumph of elegance and symmetry. Arranged on ten terraces, the gardens offer panoramic views of the lake and are home to exotic plants and white peacocks. The ten different terraces suspended over the island burst with different colours depending on the season and obelisks and fountains are plentiful, mainly created by the Milanese sculptor Carlo Simonetta. Providing the visitor with a true taste of decadence and the best of Italian gardens.

Bardini Garden, Florence

Less well-known than the Boboli Gardens, the Bardini Garden offers a more intimate yet equally fascinating experience. Set on a hill beneath the medieval walls, the garden offers stunning panoramic views of Florence. The gardens are divided into three separate areas: the Italian garden, with its magnificent baroque style; the English wood, which is an Anglo-Chinese garden filled with exotic plants and the agricultural park, complete with fruit orchards and wisteria.

Parco Giardino Sigurtà, Valeggio sul Mincio

 This oasis is located just a few kilometres away from Lake Garda, is one of the most beautiful parks in Europe. Centuries old trees and luscious green lawns adorn this 600.000 acre park together with thousands of tulips, narcissus and muscari, that come into full bloom in March. The Sigurtà Garden Park is famous for its huge lawns, flower gardens and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Hanbury Gardens, Ventimiglia (Liguria)

Located on the Ligurian Riviera, the Hanbury Gardens are a splendid example of an Italian garden with exotic influences. Created in the 19th century by English philanthropist Sir Thomas Hanbury, the gardens extend over 18 hectares and are home to plants from all over the world. It’s one of the world’s most famous botanical gardens that include an Australian eucalyptus forest, bamboo, a great number of succulents and the Giardinetti, a scented garden full of roses and peonies.

Great connections from Fiumicino airport:

Travelling from Fiumicino airport is a breeze as you can enjoy connections to all the major cities and easily reach any one of these fabulous gardens. The railway station is located just inside the airport and there are frequent Trenitalia connections to Rome and then on to Venice, Florence, Naples and many more. 

Each of the gardens we have mentioned offers a unique space in which to immerse yourself in nature. Not only this, but you will be able to appreciate an enormous amount of flora species, some of which are centuries old, such as the forests of Parco Giardino Sigurtà or the blooding wisteria at the Bardini Gardens.

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