Italian Gardens of Campania and Lazio - DELETEDPAGES - Art History Abroad - Art History Abroad
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"They say there is no such thing as a perfect moment but when we stepped into the Sistine Chapel, deserted, standing empty just for us, it wasn't just a perfect moment but a mind-blowing, perfect hour. What more can I say other than, thank you with all my heart for a truly life-changing trip."
LF Gap Year Course 2007
Italian Gardens of Campania and Lazio
For many years we have marched you through wonderful gardens focused only on arriving at the villas and the treasures within. We have tutted as people try to loiter by fountains or pause to smell the orange blossom. If the truth be told, we also feel a pang of longing as we enter the musty interior leaving behind the dappled sunlight and the smell of lavender. So we have decided to indulge ourselves in a week of pure gardens, with maybe a bit of fresco thrown in for good measure.
I have struggled to reduce the numbers of interesting gardens into a manageable timetable. After much deliberation I decided to begin in the south which offers a variety of gardens from formal renaissance style to untamed wildflower meadows. We shall visit well known and loved gardens such as Lady Walton's garden on Ischia, with its mix of lush vegetation, intense fragrances and remarkable views. We shall also spend time in hidden private gardens such as Castello Ruspoli, where we have been invited for lunch. We will delve into the art and crafts movement with a private visit to the Giardini della Landriana designed by Russell Page and the Marchesa Lavina Taverna. After a delicious al fresco lunch in the gardens we will wander through the many ‘stanze' of blossoming orange trees and antique roses planted amongst lavender and thyme. We have also arranged a visit to the gardens of Ninfa, rarely open to the public due to its fragile nature. This is possibly the perfect garden, a true Eden. Created around the ruins of the 13th century village, Ninfa is a vision of fertile planting. Roses and honeysuckle scramble up ruined towers and archways, ancient streets are lined with cypress and lavender and all watered by mountain springs flowing through the garden in intricate streams. We will study the development of garden design from Hadrian's Villa to the formal gardens of the Villa D'Este at Tivoli, not forgetting the mannerist gardens of Villa Lante and Bomarzo with their playful programs of fountains and sculpture.
Charlie Winton and Alys Fowler (presenter of Gardeners' World) will accompany the group.
