17/03/2025

The Garden of Pojega Reopens on April 1st: the Historic Garden of Valpolicella between Art, Nature, and Wine

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Giardino di pojega villa apertura stagione

A masterpiece of green architecture in the heart of Valpolicella

Within the historic estate of the Rizzardi family, in the heart of Valpolicella, lies one of the most fascinating examples of an Italian formal garden in the Veneto region: the Garden of Pojega. Renowned for its rare teatro di verzura (green theater) and architectural plantings, it is a place where art, nature, and landscape engage in perfect harmony.

Designed by architect Luigi Trezza between 1783 and 1796, the garden was born from the vision of Count Antonio Rizzardi, who wanted a creation that would blend the spectacular, formal elements of Italian tradition with the romantic, informal features of landscape gardens. A space designed to amaze and welcome, in keeping with the Enlightenment ideals of the time.

Over five hectares of beauty and harmony

The Garden of Pojega covers a surface of 54,000 square meters, structured over three levels that follow the natural slope of the hill. Among its architectural highlights are the Tempietto, the Laghetto, the Belvedere, and the Teatro di Verzura, all still preserved according to Trezza’s original drawings, housed at the Biblioteca Civica of Verona.

The garden’s paths unfold in a sophisticated symbolic layout: the Path of Day, the Path of Night, the Path of Knowledge, and the Path of Virtue trace a journey that is both aesthetic and introspective, where nature becomes a metaphor for life’s path.

The restoration: a garden reborn

Thanks to funding from the PNRR – National Recovery and Resilience Plan, the garden has undergone an important restoration and enhancement project. The intervention focused on the botanical aspects, with the planting of agapanthus, irises, tulips, and over 21,000 late-blooming daffodils, expected to flower between April and May.

Paths have been restored, along with over 60 limestone sculptures attributed to Pietro Muttoni, depicting classical deities and exotic animals, creating a fascinating dialogue with the garden’s natural backdrops.

An accessible and inclusive garden

Among the new features for 2025, the garden introduces tools designed to ensure a more inclusive experience:

Immersive audio guide, with a version for children
LIS (Italian Sign Language) video guides
Braille tactile panels
Alternative paths for visitors with mobility difficulties

A new beginning: 2025 season opening

From April 1st, 2025, the Garden of Pojega reopens to the public with new experiences that blend landscape, history, and wine. Visitors can choose from:

Self-guided visits with audio guide
Guided tours by reservation
Wine experiences with tastings of Guerrieri Rizzardi wines, including:
- Amarone Riserva Villa Rizzardi DOCG
- Valpolicella Ripasso Pojega

Other labels from the estate’s vineyards

Tickets, tours, and new experiences to enjoy

Entry tickets can now be purchased online at www.pojega.it, with:

Family-friendly packages
Guardian Card, designed for local visitors

Starting in April, monthly guided tours are also available:

In Italian: every first Sunday of the month
In English: every second Sunday of the month
Always at 10:30 AM, from April to October
Reservation required via the Garden’s website, with tours led by C.T.G. Verona, a cultural and sustainable tourism organization

Events, workshops, and the 2025 calendar

From April to October, the Garden of Pojega hosts a rich program of events, concerts, and workshops for adults and children, in a continuous dialogue between nature, art, and territory.

📞 Information and reservations:
Tel. +39 045 7210028
✉️ Email: info@pojega.it
🌐 Online tickets: Click here