Villa Celle's 17th-century formal gardens reopen after restoration

On June 8, 2025, the public will once again have access to the formal gardens of Villa Celle, located in Santomato, Pistoia, following restoration efforts supported by Italy's PNRR culture initiative. Established by the Fabroni family in the mid-17th century, these gardens are part of the Fattoria di Celle estate, which boasts an important collection of environmental art that Giuliano Gori began assembling in the early 1970s. Spanning 45 hectares, the park has welcomed thousands of visitors since its opening in 1982. The restoration process included digital mapping of the flora and the creation of new visitor pathways using recycled wood for guides. The reopening will feature a guided tour led by agronomist Simona Giorgini and a concert by I fiori armonici, with historical drawings from the 1660s illustrating the gardens' design.