The ruins of a medieval city are surrounded by the vibrant colors of nature in the Garden of Ninfa, creating a breathtaking refuge. Spread out over more than eight hectares, this garden is a riot of aromas, colors, and textures at any time of year.
More than 1300 plant species can be found there, including 19 different types of magnolia, birch, water iris, and a stunning display of Japanese maples; the New York Times has named it the most beautiful and romantic garden in the world.
The Lazio Region has recognized Cisterna di Latina, a beautiful park straddling the boundary between Norma and Sermoneta, as a Natural Monument.. Ninfa, an old Roman city named after a shrine to the Naiad Nymphs, gods with curative powers, is home to this internationally renowned historical garden.
In 1921, Gelasio Caetani planted the seeds for what would become the Ninfa Gardens, which today bloom among the ruins of a castle and many churches and bell towers from the Middle Ages. Some of these landmarks were renovated as part of the garden’s construction. Streams and ponds are connected by picturesque bridges, and vibrant flowers from around the world make this area feel like something out of an Anglo-Saxon paradise.
The Caetani Foundation, which also owns the Castello di Sermoneta and the Pantanello Natural Park, has decided to allow visitors inside the castle’s prisons for the first time, allowing them to see 150 graffiti works from the 18th century that were created by soldiers of the Napoleonic troops who occupied the fortress.
The gardens are only exposed to the public for a limited number of days between April and November each year to avoid upsetting the delicate ecosystem.
Visit http://www.giardinodininfa.eu if you want to know more about this evocative paradise and plan a day trip there.
