Bologna's secret gardens open to public for Diverdeinverde weekend

Over fifty private gardens in Bologna and its surroundings will open to the public from May 18 to 20 for the annual Diverdeinverde event, organized by Fondazione Villa Ghigi. The gardens range from Italian and English styles to modern and historic, designed by landscape architects or owners, featuring plant collections, statues, fountains, wells, icehouses, and contemporary art installations. Notable gardens include Palazzo Tornani, accessible via a secret passage through an artist's studio, originally a convent and pilgrim hospital; Giardino del Guasto, a contemporary garden on ruins of Palazzo Bentivoglio; Palazzo Sanguinetti, with banana trees and 19th-century trompe-l'oeil; Palazzo Agucchi, an Italian garden with statues, fountains, and gazebos; Orti di Orfeo, extensive vegetable gardens of the former convent of Santa Maria della Vittoria; and Villa Altura, a historic hillside garden with panoramic views. The event also features exploratory projects inspired by nature, including an imaginary river with sculpture, photography, and architecture, a garden with sound rooms, a jungle in an urban garden, and children's workshops. Side activities include concerts, nature readings, and the opening of the ancient Serre dei Giardini Margherita, now a youth gathering space, cultural center, and restaurant. The Sere in Serra program offers light conversations on urban greenery and environment. Visitors can access gardens by reservation even in weeks following the event.