landscape gardens
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There are many great landscape gardens and parks in the near area dating from the Renaissance and Baroque era. Many are in the estate of a villa and open for visitors, even is the villa may not be accessible. One of our favorites is Barbarigo, see below. Watch out, kids might get lost in the maze…
Villa Barbarigo
Villa Barbarigo Pizzoni Ardemani is a 16th-century rural villa, located on over 40 acres (160,000 m2) at Valsanzibio, a frazione of Galzignano Terme, south of Padua; it was built by the Venetian aristocratic family of the Barbarigo. It is girded by a remarkable Baroque garden, with statuary (including a statue of aged and winged time carrying a cuboctahedron), water works, architecture, and even a Boxwood labyrinth. Originally commissioned in 1669 by Zuane Francesco Barbarigo, the villa and its great park were once accessible by canal from Venice. The construction continued under Zuane’s son, Gregorio Barbarigo, a Cardinal and future Saint, with plans by Luigi Bernini.
Villa Emo (Rivella)
The sixteenth century Villa Emo, attributed to Vincenzo Scamozzi, stands at the foot of the Euganean Hills not far from Monselice. Its garden, although a recent creation, is still classically Italian in conception, uniting typically Italian Renaissance elements such as the hornbeam pergola, the orchard and fish ponds while including an exceptional variety and number of flowers.
Address: Rivella, Monselice, Veneto, Italy, 35043
Open: Saturdays 2pm – 7pm Sundays and Bank Holidays 10am – 7pm Daily
Tel. 0429 781987 – 781970
Villa Pisani
An eighteenth century palace with a baroque garden made 1730-40. The central canal which now dominates the layout was made in the early twentieth century.
Address Via Doge Pisani 7, Stra
Open: All year, Daily (except Mondays and public holidays), Open 9am to 2pm
Schio Villa Garden
A park from the seventeenth century with a grotto and a baroque garden designed by Giuseppe Trento and Valeria Fieramosca in the eighteenth century. Villa da Schio is a magnificent eighteenth century mansion set amidst the breathtaking landscape of the Berici hills. The old caves are still used to store a famous wine. Winetasting available.
Parco Sigurtà
Parco Giardino Sigurtà is a stone’s throw from Lake Garda (Valeggio sul Mincio, eight kilometers south of Peschiera del Garda) and is considered one of the five most beautiful parks and gardens in the world. In 2013 the park received the award Il Parco più bello d’Italia, in the category ‘Private Parks’, and in 2015 Parco Sigurta was named 2nd most beautiful park in Europe. The beautiful natural environment spans more than 600,000 square meters. Bike rental available.
Open 6 March to 6 November 2016, every day without a lunch break from 9:00 to 19:00 (last admission 18:00). Grown-ups 12 euro, kids 5+ 6,50 euro.
Isola Bella
1632 began the construction of a palazzo for Isabella D’Adda, from whom the island Isola Bella takes its name. The Milanese architect Fontana and turned the villa into a place of sumptuous parties and theatrical events for the nobility of Europe. The gardens were inaugurated in 1671. Isola Bella in Lago Maggiore has a regular ferry service from Stresa, Laveno, Pallanza and Intra. It plays host to the annual Stresa music festival.