Commissioned by Marquis Cesare Michelangelo, the gardens of Palazzo d’Avalos are one of the most enchanting and distinctive spots in the city. Their charm lies in the harmony between nature and human intervention, evident in the late Baroque architectural details and, most notably, in the breathtaking panorama from the viewpoint, overlooking the Gulf of Vasto.
The gardens, often referred to as “alla napoletana” due to the arrangement and use of majolica tiles, evoke the famous Santa Chiara Cloister in Naples.
Two brick pathways divide the space into four quadrants. Along these paths, a series of whitewashed columns support wooden beams, creating a canopy for the bougainvilleas that weave through them. The entrance arches and stone seating, adorned with polychrome majolica tiles, echo the botanical motifs of the numerous plants cultivated here: orange trees, mandarins, lavender, rosemary, mint, blue jasmine, wisteria, myrtle, palms, and various species of roses.
At the heart of the gardens of Palazzo d’Avalos, where the two main paths intersect, stands an elegant well. Along the perimeter, particularly near the entrance wall and the palace’s boundary, archaeological relics from various historical periods enhance the romantic atmosphere of the place.
In addition to being part of the Archaeological Museum route, the gardens host numerous cultural events, especially in the summer, and are a highly sought-after venue for weddings.
