Italy for me From Italy with love
After crossing the Ponte Romano (Ponte Romano) in Verona to the east bank of the Adige River (Adige), you’ll find yourself in an oasis of peace and serenity. Hidden behind the façade of Via Giardino, the Giardino Giusti and Palazzo Giusti (Palazzo e Giardino Giusti) are among the most enchanting and surprising secrets of the Italian Renaissance.
Here, a profound, almost ringing silence envelops you, offering a welcome escape from the frantic pace of life, dusty Italian streets, and the ever-present honking of drivers. Only upon entering the Giardino Giusti will you understand what the English traveler Thomas Coryate meant in 1611 when he described it as a “second paradise on earth.”
Prince Agostino Giusti, an honorary Knight of the Venetian Republic, was deeply involved in designing this charming garden adjoining his palace.
The garden complex is adorned with numerous statues and fountains, designed in the style of the time, and welcomes visitors through grand gates crowned with elegant obelisks, leading to a delightful tree-lined avenue that guides you to an ancient grotto.
Above the grotto looms a fearsome stone mask, appearing ready to spew great tongues of flame. Giardino Giusti was already bringing joy to its owners in 1570, and it underwent major restoration and renovation in the 1930s.
In the western section of the garden, you’ll encounter an abundance of flowers, paved pathways, and ancient citrus trees growing right up against the walls of Giusti Castle, which dates back to the 12th century.
The warm air carries the scent of lemons and oranges, transporting you back several centuries to the era when distinguished guests like Cosimo Medici, Emperor Joseph II, Goethe, and Mozart strolled through this remarkable park.
Today, since Giardino Giusti is not among the main tourist attractions in Verona, it remains relatively quiet, offering visitors the rare luxury of solitude as they enjoy this enchanting place.
The terraces at Giardino Giusti were intentionally designed to offer breathtaking panoramic views of Verona.
The lower and upper terraces differ dramatically: on one, a young lady visiting Prince Giusti during the Renaissance could play hide-and-seek with her suitor among the maze-like green hedges, while on the other, couples could romantically gaze over the life of the city below. According to legend, if two lovers manage to find each other in the garden’s labyrinth, they are destined to stay together forever.
Opening Hours and Tickets
- Address: Via Giardino Giusti, 2, 37129 Verona (VR).
- Opening Hours: April through September: 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM; October through March: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
- Ticket Price: €11; with the Verona Card – €8.
- Official Website: giardinogiusti.com