The 16th century Giardino Giusti is the only famous Italian style garden in Verona. It is intersected by a lane lined with cypresses, fountains and artificial caves. Its labyrinth contains some of Europe’s oldest hedges. Between the plants and flowers ancient Roman statues and sculptures are visible. The steep climb to the back of the garden will reward you with a beautiful view over the city centre.
Giardino Giusti Verona
Useful information
Opening hours: April to September: From 09.00 till 20.00; October to March: 09.00 till 17.00. Closed: Never. Entrance fee: 10 Euros (reduced price 8 Euros). Phone: +39 0458034029. Address: Via Giardino Giusti, 2 – 37129 Verona. Public transport: Bus: 31, 32, 33, 91.
History and description
The garden’s history starts in the early 15th century, when the Florentine Giusti family, whose occupation was the dying of wool, settles in Verona. Toward the end of the next century, Count Agostino Giusti, has the fields behind the main building, redesigned. The count got his inspiration for the Boboli Garden in Florence itself. Until this moment the fields were used for fruit and vegetables.
The entrance to the villa leads to a courtyard. The palazzo is on the left and the garden itself is across this courtyard. There is another, abandoned, building on the right. The courtyard is decorated with two fountains, depicting Athena and Apollo.
Once through the garden gate you will find a cypress lined lane in front of you. The area to the left of the lane is rigorously sculpted, while the woods on the right are left for nature to do as she pleases. The perspective is designed to make the lane look longer than it actually is.
The lane ends at the entrance to one of the five caves dug out into the rock. The climb to the top ends at an enormous stone mask. From here you have a beautiful view over the city.
A labyrinth already existed when the garden was created. The present version was made in 1786, however, after a design by the architect Luigi Trezza.
The Giusti apartment
A visit to the apartment where the family Giusti used to live is included in the price. It contains the original furniture and lavish decorations. The building was probably designed in the 16th century by a local architect called Paolo Farinati. In the course of the centuries more and more precious ornaments were added to its interior. During World War II part of the building was used as headquarters of the German Luftwaffe. The family lived there until 1944, when the palace was made inaccessible because of damage caused by bombardments.