Genoa's Villa Durazzo Pallavicini has been given the 'Il Parco più Bello Award' for the 'Most Beautiful Public Park in Italy', topping the list of over 1,000 parks in Italy.
Located in the neighborhood of Pegli, around half an hour to the west of Genoa's city centre, Villa Durazzo Pallavicini is a beautiful 19th century park that was renovated by the Municipality of Genoa and reopened in autumn 2016.
Built by the set designer of Genoa's opera house, the Teatro Carlo Felice, the romantic-style park is split into four fairy tale inspired theatrical 'acts', which are further divided by 'scenes' that guests can walk through.
Villa Durazzo Pallavicini was built between 1840 and 1846 at the request of Italian nobleman Marquis Ignazio Alessandro Pallavicini and is an example of an Italian romantic-style garden. The park offers panoramic views from Portofino's mountain to Capo Noli and the four 'acts' of the eight-hectare garden takes guests past lakes, streams, waterfalls, rare plants and ancient structures.
Elisa Serafini, Culture and Territorial Marketing Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Genoa, said: “This award reminds us that Genoa is rich of hidden treasures in every neighbourhood, from east to west. It's a great honour that the Villa Durazzo Pallavicini has been recognised as the most beautiful park in Italy and we hope it will encourage more people to visit the park and the city of Genoa.”
