Verona is mostly famous for the Roman Arena that hosts incredible theatrical shows and concerts during mild season, Juliet’s house (to much queue for me I am afraid, but romantic indeed), Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Signori (both must be visited).
I was planning a visit with some friends to see an exhibition.
Google map was my tool to locate the museum. While I was fiddling with this tool that allows virtual flights over the globe, I came across a writing that was naming a place : Giardino Giusti.
My passion for gardens tempted me to deeper virtual investigation.
What I found out, literally thrilled me. I knew I had to miss some hot spots places if I wanted to include this as an alternative to my explorations, but this garden had to be scheduled in my fast day trip to Verona.
We took an early morning train from Milano and in less than 1.30 hr we were delivered to the our final destination. Walking distance from the station towards the Arena there is a Tourist Information Office that will give you all the tips you need, including daily supscription to Verona Bike.
There are many pick up-return points, including one off the train station which will come in handy at the end of the day. Cycling is the best way to discover this town, very bicycle friendly.
Before renting your two wheels, you can visit the Roman Arena which is a few steps away, then find your way to the Garden (you will be given city maps with many details including bike parking stands).
The Giusti Garden under autunmal sunsetting light
Giardino Giusti is a private garden in Palazzo Giusti del Giardino, owned by the same family since XVI century.
Pure Renaissance quintessence designed at the end of 1400 and reshaped as we see it today in 1570 by Agostino Giusti, a tuscan noble man insipred by the beauty of the Boboli Gardens in Florence, who moved to Verona from Tuscany.
As you approach the property, time will stop and rewind in the past as if by magic. You can enter and walk across the dark poarched area. The garden lit by sun light takes shape beyond the embattled stone wall.
The avenue of centuries old cypresses is topped by a stalactite grotto with a monstruous mask. This is also the main axes between the italian gardens designed on either sides. Topiary box hedges shape an ornamental garden on the left and a maze on the right. This is not a simple maze, but one of the oldest example you can see in whole Europe.
Slowly make your way up to the belvedere on top of Colle San Pietro (Saint Peter’ s Hill). When we reache the top it was 6 o’clock on a saturady afternoon and all the bells of Verona churches started to strike time while the beautyful view towards the city was taking shape in front of our eyes. Stunning and breathtaking.
Details of the garden from the Belvedere
Do take your time to relax, slow down and meditate. This is a “not to be missed” jewel. Cosimo de’ Medici, Addison, Geothe and Emperor Joseph II, Mozart and Gabriel Faurè, to mention just a few, visited this place.
A master gardener makes a superb work to maintain this outstanding atmosphere.
You can catch an early morning train from Milano and in less that 1.30 hr you are delivered to Verona station. Walking distance, towards the Arena, there is a Tourist Information Office that will give you all the tips you need, including daily supscription to Verona Bike. There are many pick up-return points, including one off the train station. Cycling is the best way to discover this town.
I will have to come back to visit Museo di Castelvecchio, renovated by great italian architect Carlo Scarpa between 1958-1974, but if you plan a two-days trip, do not miss this tour, too
Listed in Grandi Giardini Italiani. Check here for complete listing
via Giardino Giusti, 2
37129 Verona
Open 7/7
Summer 9am-8pm
Winter 9am-5pm
Tips for foodies on the go
I cannot suggest any place in particular, but the area around Ponte di Pietra on the south bank of River Adige had a welcoming and authentic flavour.
