Italian Gardens Network Promotes Horticultural Tourism with Spring Season Launch
Grandi Giardini Italiani, founded by Judith Wade in 1997, operates a network of 150 gardens across Italy selected for botanical, artistic, and historical significance. The organization, now led by Bianca Passera after being acquired by Gruppo LarioHotels in 2025, promotes horticultural tourism through online ticketing and diverse programming. The Italian Ministry of Culture has allocated €300 million through PNRR funds for park and garden restoration, supporting 130 projects. Notable gardens include Villa Cimbrone in Ravello, Parco Trevelyan in Taormina, and the recently reopened Orto del Redentore in Venice. Regional botanical networks like Rete degli Orti Botanici di Lombardia also highlight plant collections through educational initiatives.
Key facts
- Grandi Giardini Italiani was founded in 1997 by Judith Wade
- The network includes 150 gardens across Italy meeting strict quality standards
- Bianca Passera now leads the organization after its 2025 acquisition
- The Italian Ministry of Culture allocated €300 million for park restoration
- Horticultural tourism in Italy shows increasing visitor numbers
Entities
Institutions
- Grandi Giardini Italiani
- Gruppo LarioHotels
- Italian Ministry of Culture
- Rete degli Orti Botanici di Lombardia
- Venice Gardens Foundation
Locations
- Italy
- Ravello
- Taormina
- Venice
- Lombardia
- Palermo
- Naples