If you are a spring traveller who loves flowers and blooms, you must see Italy in Spring. It is an extremely rewarding sight which enables us to carry out vacation festivities in full bloom! Flowers, birds, and sunshine, what better way to relax and unwind.
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Italy: the Dream of a Traveller This Spring
Ever see beautiful spring portraits that are full of colour, bloom and vibrancy? Italy is no less than a lovely spring portrait come to life. You can experience the fairytale yourself. Make sure to take loads of pictures and pack your sunscreen, because you are off to the sunny adventure of a lifetime. What makes this landscape even more special are the castles loaded with secret gardens. You can have a surreal experience here, which is secluded. We have made a list of Gardens for you to experience this Spring season in Italy.
Villa d’Este Gardens – Tivoli
These gardens are located about 30 kilometres east of Rome. Villa d’Este Gardens were designed by the architect Pirro Ligorio. They were completed in the late 16th century. Therefore, they are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The villa and gardens were created for Cardinal Ippolito II d’Este.
The gardens are famous for their beautifully unique fountains. There are more than 500 fountains to visit. These fountains are not operated by any pump but are fed by gravity. In spring, the roses, pansies, and tulips create a vibrant environment. The terraced design and baroque elements create a fairytale atmosphere.
Must-See
The Fontana dell’Organo, The Hundred Fountains(Cento Fontane)
Botanical Garden of Padua – Padua
This garden’s history dates back to 1545. It was built as an educational place for medical students. The students studied various plant species and their impact on human health. It is one of the oldest academic botanical gardens. It also has a 16th-century greenhouse and a modern biodiversity garden.
This garden is famous for its collection of over 6000 plant species. These species include some rare and endangered plant varieties. The garden has a massive conservatory divided into five parts depending on its vegetation. Mediterranean maquis, Alpine flora, freshwater plants, succulents, and tropical plants. The garden also attracts many bird species and insects.
Therefore, it is a heaven for nature lovers. This place is ideal for learning about vegetation. It also offers a chance to learn about the ancient lifestyle and how they navigated medicine.
Boboli Gardens – Florence
Boboli Gardens are popular as the most beautiful gardens among Italians. Hidden behind the Pitti Palace, these gardens are an open-air museum. The architects Niccolo Tribolo and Bernardo Buontalenti have shown their artistry through the meticulously designed sculptures and fountains.
The terraces laden with roses and azaleas give it an ethereal vibe. These gardens showcase the Italian Renaissance style elevated by the symmetrical patterns. The impressive display of sculptures and fountains makes the experience surreal. Moreover, the gardens have a vast variety of plants, trees, and flowers. Therefore, you can also learn about the historical architecture and nature here.
Must-See
Neptune Fountain, Giambologna’s Bathing Venue, Buontalenti Grotto, Grotta Grande
Bardini Garden – Florence
Baridin Garden is a hidden gem of Florence. The history of this garden dates back to the Middle Ages. The garden was used as a vineyard and orchard. Over the years, it transformed from a utilitarian land to a refined garden. In the 19th century, Stenfano Bardini remodelled this garden and meticulously salvaged its architecture. However, the garden was restored in the early 2000s after a long neglect.
The garden stretches over four hectares. It is famous for its baroque staircase, which connects the upper and lower parts of the garden. This staircase provides a panoramic view of Florence. Visitors can see the rooftops of Florence and the Arno River. It has a blend of formal and informal designs. The wisteria tunnel is another enchanting spot in this garden.
The whole arch of the tunnel is covered with violets. It provides a breathtaking view. Moreover, the garden is filled with many fruit trees, including olive trees. The beds of colourful flowers like roses, camellias, and hydrangea give the place a vibrant personality.
Villa Taranto – Verbania
The Villa Taranto is located on the Western shore of Lake Maggiore. In the 1930s, Scottish captain Neil Boyd Watson McEacharn created these gardens. This 20-acre park has a diverse flora. Moreover, it showcases the perfect blend of English and Italian style gardens.
You can see more than 20000 plant species, including some rare species from around the world. Moreover, its diverse flora attracts various species of birds, butterflies, and wildlife. This place is heaven for a nature lover. These gardens have many greenhouses to maintain the flora. Therefore, this place is ideal for an educational retreat and learning about the ecosystem.
Visitors also come here to enjoy a peaceful day. Moreover, a Tulip week is held at these gardens during spring. During this week, thousands of visitors come here to enjoy the sight of over 80,000 Tulips blooming in every possible colour.
Must-See
Dahlia maze, Fountain of Cupid, Lotus Pond
Castel Trauttmansdorff – Merano
The Trauttmansdroff gardens were created in the 19th century around the castle. Architect Dieter Kienast remodelled these gardens in the late 20th century. The gardens stretch over 12 hectares, featuring diverse flora. The Castel Trauttmansdorff boasts over 80 garden landscapes. The gardens have traditional Italian and international styles.
Over 3000 plant species make it a paradise for nature lovers. In spring, the blossoms of tulips, cherry trees, and succulents create a magical environment. Moreover, the backdrop of tall mountains gives it a fairytale vibe.
Enjoy a Mediterranean and Alpine experience at the Castle Trauttmansdroff. The garden also houses many bird species. Visitors come here to enjoy birdwatching. Moreover, its various sun gardens and water lily ponds make it a perfect photo shoot location.
Giardino di Ninfa – Lazio
The Gardens of Ninfa are popular as the most romantic gardens in the world. They were built over the ruins of a medieval town of Ninfa. That town was destroyed in the 14th century. The garden was created in the 1920s by the Caetani family. The garden showcases a sophisticated blend of English and Italian styles.
Visitors enjoy exploring the winding pathways and bridges. Moreover, the ancient ruins decorated with wisteria and roses add to the charm of this place. It has a diverse flora including some exotic plants, flowers, and trees. The garden also houses many bird species, including kingfishers and herons. The spring brings out the vibrancy of this garden. Visitors also enjoy a romantic stroll in the garden. This place is also perfect for a photoshoot.
Parco Giardino Sigurtà – Verona
Parco Giardino Sigurtà is the hidden gem of Italy. This botanical garden has a unique layout. The garden has an entire hillside for garden areas and sightseeing. This historical garden was created in 1617. It is home to some ancient trees and Italian cypresses. The formal layout of this garden provides a scenic view from every corner.
The garden stretches over 600,000 square meters. It is home to forests, ancient woods, and water gardens. It is nearly impossible to cover the whole garden on foot. Therefore, a train service is available to offer a comfortable visit to tourists. This place displays over a million tulips during Tulipmania. Moreover, kids can enjoy their time playing on the farm and maze. They can learn about the vegetation and various animals on these farms.
Villa Cimbrone – Ravello
Villa Cimbrone is perched high above the Amalfi Coast. Its gardens were designed in the early 20th century by the English architect Ernest William Beckett. Therefore, it has a less formal look as compared to its Renaissance counterparts. The mixture of ancient statues, vibrant flowers, and beautiful fragrance gives this place an ethereal look.
The geometric terraces and winding pathways give it an elegant look. The design of gardens is a mix of Italian Renaissance and English landscape style. The villa’s famous Terrace of Infinity provides a beautiful view of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
The gardens have a wide variety of Mediterranean plants, trees, and flowers. Moreover, you’ll also find some ancient trees here. The diverse flora of this place also attracts a wide variety of bird species. Therefore, this place is perfect for birdwatching.
Villa Borghese Gardens – Rome
Villa Borghese Gardens were designed by Cardinal Scipione Borghese in 1617. It was turned from a vineyard to an expansive garden. This beautiful garden features unique English and Italian-style landscapes. The gardens have fountains, sculptures, and a lake. This place offers a break from the bustling life of Rome to visitors.
Its diverse flora features a wide variety of trees, flowers, and shrubs. You’ll also find several bird species here. The tall Italian cypresses cover each side of the winding pathways. Moreover, the garden has the Borghese Gallery, the Deer Park, the Civic Museum of Zoology, and Villa Medici.
It is a great place to explore the history after enjoying the views of the gardens. Moreover, the gallery is an excellent place to enjoy the art and culture.
La Moertella – Ischia
It is a subtropical and Mediterranean garden. It was created by the English composer Sir William Walton and his Argentine wife Susana. The garden is nestled on the volcanic island. The garden has over 3000 species of exotic and rare plants. These species thrive in the island’s unique microclimate.
Moreover, the garden also features a variety of flowers, including orchids and lotus flowers. The towering ferns covering the winding pathways give an intimate environment. The garden also has beautiful fountains and a glasshouse showcasing the world’s largest species of water lily. The most prominent feature of this garden is its smart planting. The bottom of the garden displays an array of subtropical plants. However, the top of the garden has Mediterranean flora. The garden also contains two concert venues.
Travel Tips
Italy is a dream location for many tourists. Therefore, the spring and summer mark the peak season. You can save money by booking a flight in advance. People from the UK can easily find a cheap flight to Italy from the UK.
The public transportation in Italy is a convenient and cheap way to travel within the country. There are also some less costly hostels and hotels for accommodation. They are furnished and clean and some places require a booking.
You have to book your spot in advance if you want to visit those places. Italy follows some rules to maintain the beauty of these gardens. Please do some quick research on the etiquette of these places.
Thanks for taking the time to read this article. I hope this post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips or advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!
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