Villa d'Este reopens secret garden with Italo Calvino tribute

The Giardino dei Melangoli at Villa d'Este in Tivoli reopened to the public on March 25, 2023, after extensive restoration. The garden, previously inaccessible, features over 10,000 bulbs and rare botanical collections. The project Delizie Estensi also pays homage to Italo Calvino on the centenary of his birth, linking his trilogy 'I nostri antenati' to different areas of the villa: the Roseto del Cardinale (restored with ancient rose varieties) corresponds to 'Il visconte dimezzato'; summer initiatives at the Peschiere evoke 'Il barone rampante' with water gardens of irises and water lilies; autumn brings 'Il cavaliere inesistente' with fruit trees at the Gran Viale; and winter features a charity Christmas tree at the Chiostro for children's gifts. Andrea Bruciati, director of the Villae of Tivoli (Villa Adriana and Villa d'Este), emphasized the importance of the Roman countryside ecosystem and the recovery of unexplored garden corners. The project underscores the Renaissance concept of 'natura artificiata'—artificial nature designed to amaze visitors.