Alice Baron
Discovering Santa Margherita del Gruagno
16Nov2021
Palazzo Freschi Piccolomini
Inside the fortress stands Palazzo Freschi Piccolomini. The building was constructed in the late 16th century in classic Venetian style, with a central drawing room and other rooms on either side. The green space in front of the villa’s entrance is in the shape of a heart and is bordered with hornbeams. It is called La Cavallerizza, because the driveway that runs along the perimeter was formerly used by the horse-drawn carriages that accompanied guests to the house. We visit some of the rooms with close interest: the space that charms us most is the library, in which one can breathe an air of knowledge and culture.
At the back of the building, the park reveals all its beauty to visitors. Green meadows are dotted with daisies that are growing in abundance in this first flush of spring. Designed by Carlo Sigismondo Freschi in 1820, the large garden is home to maples, Japanese pagoda trees, hornbeams and a beautiful example of a magnolia.
Damask rose
Following the gravel-covered walkways, we arrive at what is the park’s main feature: the labyrinth of damask roses. The rose of Damascus, also known as the Queen of Roses, originated in the Middle East and is cultivated mainly in Bulgaria and Morocco. It is collected by hand in nurseries in the light of the early dawn to extract high-quality essences. Stroking the petals reveals its delicacy while from its heart emerges a fragrance arrives that drugs the senses.
We deliberately lose our way in the maze to contemplate the landscape around us. We would never move from here, if it were not that the warmth of the sun was telling us that it was time to leave this magical place.
The little church of San Girolamo in Castello
Information:
The villa is open for visits during the Castelli Aperti event and at weekends in May, when the rose garden is at its most splendid.
Alice Baron
Marina Del Colle
Francesco Nguyen
Michele Angelicchio
