The gardens of the Italian Lakes are a favourite destination for garden lovers and groups. The gardens around Lake Como and Lake Maggiore, in the far north of Italy, are admired throughout the world for their beauty and variety in a magnificent natural location. This book sets out to become the standard work on these gardens as there is nothing of this kind on the market at the moment. It will appeal both to the specialist and enthusiast preparing for a visit. The common factor for all these gardens is their setting in this landscape of exceptional scenery. Lake Como is a deep lake hemmed in like a fjord by towering mountains. Lake Maggiore has more the character of an inland sea, with ferries crossing to the famous island gardens for an afternoon in another world. Both lakes are lined with the towers, villas and grand hotels that speak of a complex history including key events in Italy's struggle to achieve nationhood, inspiration for a string of illustrious writers and composers, and a long line of distinguished visitors. The gardens include: Villa Melzi, Bellagio: an early 19th-century romantic park on the lake shore Villa Carlotta, Cadenabbia: a terraced 17th-century property with woodland Villa del Balbianello, Lenno: a famously picturesque loggia Villa D'Este, Cernobbio: a 16th-century cascade garden with royal connections Villa Cicogna Mozzoni, Bisuschio: an intact 16th-century villa garden Villa Della Porta Bozzolo, Casalzuigno: a rural baroque garden Isola Bella, Stresa: a well-known island garden Isola Madre, Stresa: an island retreat of flowers and birds Villa San Remigio, Pallanza: an Edwardian garden made by two lovers Villa Taranto, Pallanza: one of the world's great woodland gardens

Since the earliest Roman settlements, Italians have been expertly cultivating their land into beautiful and creative displays of nature, where terraces and walkways, plants and flowers, water and statuary are combined to provide a unique ad inspiring setting. The Italian garden has greatly evolved throughout the ages, taking on different forms, favoring different plants, and serving different purposes. Early Italian gardens made use of citrus, still regarded as an essential element for its bright fruit and shiny leaves. The ancient art of the topiary was revived in the Renaissance for its drama and elegance, and the refined parterre was developed to spread forth from the great palazzos and provide a dramatic view from their upper stories. Later, in the nineteenth century, the influence of the English garden took hold, with its meandering paths, asymmetrical lakes, and blossoming trees. In "Italian Gardens, author Judith Wade explores more than five hundred years of this tradition, discussing each of these developments and transporting the reader to thirty-seven of the most captivating gardens of Italy. Eleven regions are visited, from Lombardy and Piedmont in the north, to the island of Sicily in the south. Both small and grandiose, historic and contemporary gardens are featured. Travel with Wade to the aristocratic Villa Favorita in Lugano, where an avenue of cypresses welcomes those who approach; the English-style park of Villa Novare Bertani in Verona, with its seventeenth-century wine cellar; the eighteenth-century Avenue of the Camelias at Lucca's Villa Reale, where the American artist John Singer Sargent painted; and great examples of contemporary Italian landscapes, likeLa Mortella in Naples, which boasts more than eight hundred species of rare plants. As "living works of art" these changing displays of nature grow and bloom with the seasons. Smell the roses and lavender, feel the light

This inspirational book is an illustrated survey of more than 60 major gardens in Italy, from the lakes north of Milan down to Ravello in the south. They include the Villa Balbianello, Isola Bella, Giardini Giusti, Villa Medici, Villa Gamberaia, La Mortella, Villa Lante, Villa d'Este, Giardini di Ninfa, plus some important modern gardens. All the gardens featured are open to the public.

The great lakes of northern Italy--Como, Maggiore, and Garda--are among the loveliest of European settings. The villas built along their shores or on their islands have served as fashionable seasonal dwellings for generations of Italians and have drawn travelers from around the world. This is the first book to focus on the splendid gardens of these villas. 180 color illustrations.

The Rough Guide to the Italian Lakes is the most authoritative guide to this exquisitely beautiful region. Clear maps and detailed coverage of every site and attraction, from dramatic Lake Garda and dreamy Lake Como to scenic journeys and unforgettable hideaways on charming Lake Maggiore and lesser-known lakes such as Orta, Iseo and Lugano. Discover the majestic beauty of Verona, with its unforgettable open-air opera productions, as well as the best shopping in Milan and the finest art in Bergamo and Mantua (Mantova). Knowledgeable accounts of all the major tourist sites and the hidden gems that characterise the Italian Lakes bring the area's Baroque gardens and Renaissance palaces to life. Rely on countless recommendations of the best restaurants, bars, cafés, shops and hotels in the Italian Lakes for every budget and to suit every taste. Follow epic walks and cycle ways, explore lakeside villas, visit medieval villages - all with expert background on everything from local wines to a handy Italian-language menu reader. Relax, draw breath and lose yourself in the beauty of the Italian Lakes, with sharp, intelligent writing from knowledgeable and experienced authors, whether you're planning a day trip or a leisurely holiday. Make the most of your time with The Rough Guide to the Italian Lakes. Now available in ePub format.

The Rough Guide to the Italian Lakes is the most authoritative guide to this exquisitely beautiful region with clear maps and detailed coverage of the best sights and attractions, from dramatic Lake Garda and dreamy Lake Como to scenic journeys and unforgettable hideaways on charming Lake Maggiore and lesser-known lakes such as Orta, Iseo and Lugano. The introduction will help you choose where to go and what to see, inspired by dozens of stunning photos. The Things Not To Miss section runs through all the must-sees, while the Itineraries guide you around the region's highlights. Navigation through the book and on the ground is aided by clear color maps with every chapter. Each map is keyed with all the accommodation, eating and drinking options, nightlife venues and shops that are reviewed in detail in the Listings chapters. You can discover the majestic beauty of Verona, with its unforgettable open-air opera productions, as well as the best shopping in Milan and the finest art in Bergamo and Mantua (Mantova). Knowledgeable accounts of all the major tourist sites and the hidden gems that characterize the Italian Lakes bring the area's Baroque gardens and Renaissance palaces to life. Make the most of your time with The Rough Guide to the Italian Lakes.