Located in the heart of Southern Italy, Campania is a region renowned for its historic sites, vibrant culture and gastronomic tradition, and astonishing coasts, but among its many treasures, there is a collection of exquisite gardens. Other than their botanical value, these places are rich in history significance, and beauty. This guide will bring you through the 5 best gardens to visit Campania.
1. Augustus’ Gardens in Capri
Perched high above the azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Augustus’ Gardens in Capri offer a mesmerizing blend of natural beauty and panoramic views. Originally established by Friedrich Alfred Krupp in the early 20th century, these terraced gardens are a testament to meticulous landscape design. Visitors can wander through vibrant flowerbeds filled with geraniums, dahlias, and begonias, set against the lush greenery of Mediterranean flora. The gardens are laid out in a series of terraces, each providing breathtaking vistas of the iconic Faraglioni rock formations and the sweeping curves of Via Krupp, a historic switchback pathway carved into the cliffside.
The gardens are not just a feast for the eyes but also a place of historical significance. Statues and busts, including a prominent one of Lenin, are dotted throughout, adding a touch of cultural intrigue. As you stroll through the gardens, the fragrant scent of blooming flowers combined with the gentle sea breeze creates an atmosphere of serene relaxation. Augustus’ Gardens provide a tranquil oasis, perfect for a leisurely stroll amidst Capri’s enchanting landscape, offering a unique perspective of the island’s natural and cultural heritage. If you’re in Capri with our tour, you can easily visit them!
2.The Garden of Reggia di Caserta
Reggia di Caserta is Borbone’s Royal Palace. Before Italy became Italy, Campania was part of the Borbone’s Realm. In 1752, Carlo Borbone ordered the construction of the Royal Palace which was completed only in 1845.
Today, the enormous palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and can be visited as a museum. It comprises 1,200 rooms with opulent interiors, monumental staircases, and lavish frescoes. The palace is surrounded by 120 hectares of garden.
The botanist Andrew Grefer designed the garden according to the so-called “English-style”, and that’s why, other than plants, grass, and flowers, the large garden also showcases fountains and statues. Some of the statues, in particular, originate from Herculaneum archaeological sites (Pompeii, Stabiae, and Oplontis) and from the Farnese collection.
In addition to visiting the garden, there’s nothing stopping visitors from pausing there, sitting on the lawn, and enjoying a few minutes of tranquility under the Campanian sun.
The Caserta garden is also easily accessible due to its proximity to Caserta station. Access to the garden is included in the entrance ticket to the Royal Palace of Caserta.
3. Royal Palace Gardens in Naples
In the heart of Naples’ historic center, in Piazza del Plebiscito, you can admire the majestic Royal Palace of Naples. Like the Royal Palace of Caserta, this palace was also a residence of the Bourbon kings, but it was constructed in an earlier period.
A visit to the palace includes access to the famous Hanging Gardens, designed during the 19th century. To this day, the gardens retain their 19th-century appearance: a central pathway flanked by two rows of lateral flowerbeds. A recent restoration of the garden has also reintroduced the historically present botanical species.
A stroll through the Hanging Gardens of the Royal Palace is a step back in time.
The Hanging Gardens of the Royal Palace are easily accessible, located as mentioned, in Piazza Plebiscito, at the heart of Naples’ historic center. They can be reached by public transport or on foot, strolling through the historic streets.
4. Orto Botanico di Napoli
The Orto Botanico di Napoli, located in the heart of Naples, is a botanical garden founded in 1807 and part of the University of Naples Federico II. Spanning 12 hectares, it showcases over 25,000 plant specimens from around the world, organized into sections like medicinal plants, succulents, and tropical species. Highlights include themed areas such as the palm grove, fern collection, and Mediterranean section, as well as greenhouses housing rare and exotic plants.
This garden serves as both a research facility and a public space, offering educational programs and guided tours. It provides a tranquil escape with walking paths, ponds, and flowerbeds, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and botany enthusiasts alike. The Orto Botanico di Napoli is not only a display of plant diversity but also a center for conservation and environmental education.
5. Gardens of Villa Rufulo
In the heart of Ravello, the historic Villa Rufolo offers one of the most enchanting garden experiences on the Amalfi Coast. Dating back to the 13th century, the villa and its gardens are a blend of Moorish, Norman, and Arabic architectural influences, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere. The gardens are famous for their terraced layout, vibrant floral displays, and breathtaking views over the Gulf of Salerno. Every summer, the gardens of Villa Rufolo become the stage for the renowned Ravello Festival, where classical music performances add an extra layer of magic to the surroundings.
Just a short stroll away from Villa Rufolo, you’ll find the charming Giardini di Principessa di Piemonte. These gardens, named after the Princess of Piedmont, offer a serene and picturesque spot with meticulously manicured lawns, blooming flowers, and shaded benches perfect for relaxation. Overlooking the dramatic Amalfi Coast, the gardens provide a peaceful retreat with stunning panoramic views, making them a perfect complement to the grandeur of Villa Rufolo. Both gardens encapsulate the essence of Ravello, combining natural beauty with cultural and historical richness. Discover them while on tour with us to Ravello!
6. La Mortella Gardens
Not far from the Amalfi Coast lies the island of Ischia. Besides being a tourist destination in its own right, the island is also home to the La Mortella Gardens in Forio. Created by composer William Walton and his wife Susana, it was designed by architect Russell Page in the 1960s.
Thanks to their efforts, a terrain mostly formed of volcanic rock (given its proximity to Vesuvius) has been transformed into a subtropical garden that still houses exotic and rare plants from around the world.
La Mortella Gardens are located in the town of Forio on the island of Ischia. From the port of Ischia, a short bus or taxi ride can take you to the gardens.
Bonus: Minerva’s Garden
In the heart of Salerno lies a hidden green gem: Minerva’s Garden. It’s a true botanical garden that dates back to the Middle Ages when it was primarily used for studying plants and botanical species. Today, aside from its naturalistic interest, the garden offers splendid views of the sea and the city.
Minerva’s Garden is located in the historic center of Salerno and is easily accessible by public transport or on foot.
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