Giardino Giusti
In 2005, my sister Suzy and I went to Italy. I took an advanced class in Venetian Plaster and she came along to accompany me. We stayed in fair Verona and one day took a walk around the city. We came upon the incredible Giardino Giusti (Giusti Gardens) quite by accident — it’s as if we stepped in from the outside and entered an alternate world. I’m sharing a few pics of our time there.
The Renaissance garden was created in the late 15th century and although nearly destroyed during World War II, it looks today much as it did in the 16th century. There are mazes, hedges, fountains, sculptures and statues, rows of cypress — all as a backdrop to Giusti Palace, the home of Agostino Giusti, Knight and Gentleman of the Grand Duke of Tuscany.
Gorgeous view of the palatial estate above and a closer view below. The color on those windows against the ochre…!
(Below) The statues range from classical to mythological to a wee bit strange. The ones on the right made you feel as if you were being watched by pranksters. All of the structures had the wonderful patina of age to them. Even the fountains had gorgeous moss and lichen. Click on the pics to enlarge.
Intriguing artworks, too. My sister takes a closer look…
At the gardens, you can keep climbing higher and higher — even passing a mascherone, a large grotesque mask — to reach a belvedere with incredible views of both the Giusti estate and Verona itself.
Using the mascherone as a guide on our way to the top...
You can spy part of the manicured hedges peeking through at this height.
An elevated walkway with a gorgeous canopy.
It is said that both Mozart and Goethe visited the gardens as well as kings and emperors. It is one of the oldest gardens in Italy — and I’m so glad to have come upon them and experienced it all with my sister. Below, the beginning of a bittersweet farewell walk overseen by a stately group of cypress tree sentinels — one of our final views. I do hope you’ve enjoyed all of them!
Giardino Giusti
Theresa Cheek
372 days ago
SQUEAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I need to put this on my list to see!!!! Your photos are incredible Regina.
steve shriver
372 days ago
Love it! looks just like my house ;ob
anna sadler
372 days ago
was waiting to see the spot from your hint last week! thx for an amazing article once again, you keep me dreaming Regina! Gorgeous!!
Suzanne
371 days ago
<3 <3 It has been too long since I've glanced at those pics, OMG< thanks for the incredible flash back!!! Your pictures came out WAYYY better than mine and you truly did capture the magic of that garden. <3 <3 <3 Thanks for posting this.
Barbara Clark
370 days ago
The ability to turn a corner and voila (or whatever the italian version of that is) there is a wonderful garden, or building, or plaza…. Tourism by walking around… my favorite thing to do in Italy.
Splendid post!
Regina
369 days ago
Thanks for the comments on the photos since those were pre-blog and I would have definitely taken so much more than I did. Oh, I’m so glad I came across the images to share! I’ve also been looking at my other Italy pics — I may have to compose those in a post, too. Suzy – it was a magical trip, no? I’ll always treasure it.
Val Day
362 days ago
Love the pictures. It is an artist’s haven. thanks for sharing.