Giardino di Pojega Reopens in Valpolicella After PNRR-Funded Restoration

The Giardino di Pojega, an 18th-century Italian garden in Negrar, Valpolicella, has reopened to the public following a complete restoration funded by Italy's PNRR. Designed by architect Luigi Trezza for Count Antonio Rizzardi in the mid-1700s, the garden spans 54,000 square meters across three levels. Key features include a villa, lemon houses, a belvedere, a temple, and a unique Teatro di Verzura—a vegetal amphitheater with boxwood hedges carved into steps, oriented west for sunset views. Over 60 limestone sculptures, mostly by Pietro della Vecchia (Pietro Muttoni), populate the grounds. Water flows from a natural spring through a nymphaeum, fountains, and paths to irrigate surrounding vineyards. The garden also hosted Spanish sculptor Miguel Berrocal's studio from 1967 to 2004. The restoration, led by architect Giuseppe Rallo, focused on conservation, replanting, and enhancing scenic vistas, including reopening the long-closed Belvedere. The Rizzardi heirs plan cultural events such as concerts and readings. The garden is part of a 100-hectare wine estate producing Amarone and Ripasso.