THE GARDEN
The Villa Durazzo area also owes its beauty to its century-old Garden, which stretch out over about three hectares, overlooking the Gulf.
The little “Citrus Garden”, situated on the step terraces above the sea, is the oldest part, dating back to the Durazzo family who, with orange, lemon and grapefruit plants, wanted to create the green backdrop from the sea towards the villa.
The “Italian Garden” was developed in the XIX century; the outline is characterised by the geometrical lines of the box-tree hedges, embellished by numerous cycads, some of which are very rare, as well as roses and several species of camellias of rare beauty.
In the XX century, the final work on the “Romantic English wood” was begun, going down along the slopes of the hill. Here, there is a wide range of palm trees which mingle with holm-oaks, cypresses, camphor trees, lime trees and pine trees, in an impressive mingling of exotic and Mediterranean flora.
The “Centurione Princes’ Secret Garden” from the XIX century, has recently been restored, and can be considered as a small jewel set in a crown of green.
Everything is enriched by statues, fountains, flower beds and paths which wind up to the terrace in front of the Villa. Here the splendid black and white cobbling with its floral decoration dominates, created at the beginning of the twentieth century by Giovanni Franceschetti, in the style and with the technique of the “risseu”, the typical Ligurian paving using stones made round by the sea or river.
Since the end of 2006 the Garden of Villa Durazzo, for its beauty, history and originality, has been included in the circuit of “Great Italian Gardens”, which recognises and promotes the most beautiful historical Italian gardens.
The garden is open all year with free admission. The secretariat office organizes guided tours for groups.