Touring
the Renaissance gardens of Rome provides not only a verdant retreat
from the bustling city, but also a lesson in history. During the
sixteenth century, gardens became a place to display wealth. Gardens
of this period contain grand walkways and plants that are pruned
into severe geometrical shapes. Pegasus, the winged horse, is always
found at the edge of the renaissance garden because he symbolizes
freedom and wilderness. Explore the following Renaissance gardens:
Villa
Borghese – originally a park for Cardinal Borghese, the grounds
are the largest and most sumptuous in the city.
Villa
D’Este – contains some of the most stunning fountains and is located
in Tivoli, 30 minutes outside of Rome.
Villa
Medici – now the home of the French Academy, is located at the top
of the Spanish Steps.
Vatican
Gardens – enclosed by the Vatican City walls, it is possible to
see parts of the gardens from the Basilica’s cupola or from the
museum windows on the way to the Sistine Chapel.
Botanical
Gardens – located below the Gianiculum hill across from Villa Farnesina,
the gardens include an excellent selection of orchids housed in
the conservatory.
Villa
Farnesina – contains frescos by Raphael that depict plants and flowers
popular in the 1500’s.
Source:
National Italian American Foundation
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