One of the most beautiful places in Vasto is its Municipal Garden, known as Villa Comunale. For over a century, this space has been a beloved retreat where nature, history, and culture blend seamlessly, serving as the go-to spot for relaxation and leisure for locals of all ages.
The Municipal Garden was originally designed as a grand avenue connecting Piazza Marconi—a square built in front of the southernmost stretch of the Caldoresco walls—to the Chapel of San Michele, located atop the Tre Segni hill. The avenue was conceived by engineer Luigi D’Aloisio as a tribute to the fallen soldiers of Vasto in World War I. To honor their memory, 185 silver holm oaks were planted along the path, each tree dedicated to a fallen soldier and marked with a small plaque that remains visible at its base to this day.
On June 2, 1923, the opening of the Viale delle Rimembranze (“Avenue of Remembrance”) marked the inauguration of the first section of the public park, initially named after the Prince of Piedmont. Public fundraising campaigns were later launched to expand and improve the garden, with many contributions coming from Vastesi emigrants abroad. Over time, the park was enriched with a botanical garden, a pine grove, and a small lake, where on May 24, 1929, a fountain sculpted by Vittorio Sanvitale was inaugurated—though it was later removed.
The development of the garden was made possible largely due to the dedication of Francesco Pomponio, known as Don Ciccio, who voluntarily took care of planting and maintenance for years. In recognition of his efforts, the municipal administration appointed him Director of the park in 1932. Under his guidance, the garden continued to flourish, with the addition of an artificial grotto, an aviary, and even a small animal enclosure, which for a time housed a monkey.
Beyond its modest zoological section, which eventually disappeared, the Municipal Garden became, especially in the post-war period, a cherished meeting place for both children and the elderly.
For children, playground equipment was installed—initially made of wood and iron, later replaced with more modern materials. Meanwhile, numerous tables scattered throughout the vast park provided an ideal setting for endless card games among the elderly.
But the garden wasn’t just for these groups. In the evening hours, the park—dotted with benches nestled in lush greenery—became the favorite rendezvous spot for young lovers, offering a quiet retreat under the moonlight.
The Municipal Garden Today
Though the Municipal Garden of Vasto retains much of its original charm, it has undergone some changes over time. Since 2001, it has been renamed after the Princess of Piedmont. In 2007, a large fountain with water features was added to the square just beyond the secondary entrance at the top of Corso Italia.
At this same entrance, a quartz megalith from the gold mines of Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, was placed in honor of the Vastesi emigrants and their contributions to the New World. Meanwhile, at the intersection with Viale delle Rimembranze, a marble monument was installed in memory of those who gave their lives for their country.
Today, just as in the past, the Municipal Garden remains the heart of Vasto, a place where history, remembrance, and daily life come together in a setting of timeless beauty.
