🇮🇹 10 of the Best Public Gardens in Italy
Italy isn’t just famous for art, history, and food — it’s also home to some of the world’s most stunning gardens. From formal Renaissance layouts to relaxed coastal escapes, these gardens offer inspiration for anyone who loves a beautifully kept lawn and landscape. Here are 10 of the best public gardens in Italy to add to your travel list.
1. Boboli Gardens – Florence
One of the most famous gardens in the world, Boboli Gardens is a masterpiece of Renaissance landscape design. Expect grand lawns, statues, fountains, and sweeping views over Florence.
2. Villa d’Este – Tivoli
Known for its incredible fountains and terraced gardens, Villa d’Este is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The symmetry and planting design here are perfect inspiration for anyone thinking about structured garden layouts.
3. Giardini di Ninfa – Lazio
Often called the most romantic garden in the world, Ninfa is a semi-wild space built around medieval ruins. It’s full of roses, streams, and lush green lawns that feel completely natural.
4. Isola Bella Gardens – Lake Maggiore
This baroque garden on an island is full of terraces, statues, and perfectly kept hedges. The contrast of formal design with the lake backdrop makes it unforgettable.
5. Villa Carlotta – Lake Como
Villa Carlotta’s gardens are famous for spring rhododendrons and azaleas, plus wide lawns with perfect views across Lake Como. A must-visit if you love plant collections.
6. Gardens of the Vatican – Rome
These private gardens (bookable by tour) combine Italian, French, and English styles. Expect topiary, sweeping lawns, and tranquil fountains in the heart of Vatican City.
7. Borghese Gardens – Rome
Rome’s largest public park offers shady paths, fountains, and big open lawns for picnics. It’s a great place to relax away from the city bustle.
8. Villa Rufolo – Ravello
Perched high above the Amalfi Coast, these gardens offer stunning sea views framed by colourful flowers and Mediterranean trees.
9. Parco Giardino Sigurtà – Verona
This enormous park has over 600,000 tulips in spring, long avenues, lakes, and some of the most immaculate lawns you’ll ever see. A real inspiration for lawn lovers.
10. Royal Palace of Caserta Gardens – Campania
Often compared to Versailles, this 18th-century masterpiece has long water features, sweeping lawns, and grand staircases — a showpiece of Italian baroque design.
Why Visit Italy’s Public Gardens?
Exploring these gardens isn’t just about seeing plants — it’s about soaking up centuries of design ideas. From perfect lawns to naturalistic planting, they’re full of inspiration you can bring home to your own garden in Morecambe, Lancaster, or anywhere in the UK.