Let’s discover together some parks and gardens in Umbria and Tuscany where the territory and art interact, enchanting those who pass through them.
Among the green hills and enchanting landscapes of Umbria and Tuscany are hidden real botanical jewels that combine art, nature and creativity. They are unusual gardens, surprising places that offer an unforgettable sensorial and cultural experience.
Tuscany
IL GIARDINO DEI TAROCCHI
A stone’s throw from the sea and in the heart of Maremma, Il Giardino dei Tarocchi of Capalbio (Grosseto) is a sculpture garden created between 1979 and 1996 by the French artist Niki De Saint Phalle.
Inside there are gigantic sculptures, 12-15 meters high, covered with mosaic tiles, highly colored glass and mirrors, typical of the artist’s style, and depicting the twenty-two major Arcana of the Tarot cards.
An esoteric park inspired by architect Gaudi’s Parc Güell in Barcelona, which manages to transport those who visit it on a surreal journey, between fantasy and reality.
IL GIARDINO PENSILE DI PIENZA
A walk in Val d’Orcia certainly includes a stop in Pienza (Siena). From the main square you can access Palazzo Piccolomini and its secret garden in an instant. From here the view is simply breathtaking: the gaze takes in the landscape of Val d’Orcia, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, up to Mount Amiata. The first Renaissance hanging garden, it is made up of four flowerbeds bordered by double box hedges and laurel trees, with a central fountain.
At the back, the garden is closed by a wall covered in ivy. Inebriated by an atmosphere full of peace and beauty, this garden is a place of contemplation where there is the perfect fusion of man and nature, typical of the humanistic age.
Umbria
IL PARCO DI BEVERLY PEPPER
Designed and planned by American artist Beverly Pepper, it is the first monothematic park of contemporary sculpture in Umbria and the first by the artist in the world. Located near Todi (Perugia) this park represents a fascinating combination of contemporary art and nature. It houses twenty sculptures donated to the city, coming from the artist’s private collection and created with materials such as iron, stainless steel and stone in different artistic periods (from 1960 to the 2000’s).
The park extends for two hectares, connecting the Renaissance Temple of Santa Maria della Consolazione and the church of S. Fortunato, passing through the Rocca, the highest point in the historic center of Todi.
LA SCARZUOLA
In the Umbrian countryside, near Montegabbione (Terni) you will find La Scarzuola, an architectural and landscape complex unique to the world. Surreal and magical, this place was created by the famous architect Tomaso Buzzi and represents a sort of “ideal city” that combines architecture, theater and symbolism. It owes its name to a scarza (straw) hut which, according to tradition, Saint Francis built during one of his pilgrimages on the spot where a fountain had miraculously flowed from the laurel and rose he had planted.
La Scarzuola presents itself with its eccentric architecture, theaters and temples, such as the “Teatro della Concordia” and the “Città Buzziana”, which following one another along the side of the hill, blend with with surrounding nature creating an evocative and mysterious harmony.
Dreaming of living or investing in Italy?
Great Estate handpicks the best prestige properties in Tuscany, Umbria and the most beautiful Italian destinations. We help you find the property of your dreams and achieve a conscious and worry-free purchase, valuing your time and your projects.
