Just a few miles away from Caprarola, Cardinal Gamberaia laid
out an even more beautiful water garden in friendly rivalry of
his fellow Cardinal. Vignola designed the garden as an allegorical
procession as the water, which gushes out of the rock at the
top, is gradually tamed by man's civilising influence until it
reaches a calm pool at the bottom. Vignola's genius lies in the
variety of effects he achieves with water as it passes through
the garden. The stone dining table, with the water gushing through
the middle, is a perfect place to dine al fresco. No wonder the
Pope was so eager to seize the villa after the Cardinal's death
in 1587. With immaculate good taste, Prince Charles now uses
it for his Summer School of Architecture.
Address
Bagnaia
Getting
there
A1 to Attiligliano or Orte exit, SS204 (90km)
Telephone
0039 07 61 28 80 08
Opening
times
Park 9am-one hour before sunset Tues-Sun;
Garden and Villa 9.30am -half an hour before sunset daily.
