The park of Villa Cittadella Vigodarzere Valmarana
An evocative and mysterious journey through the paths of a garden that is a work of art
Where is
What it is and where it is
As I passed through the gate, a tree-lined avenue opened before my eyes. Even then I thought it was wonderful; what I did not know was that the show had not yet begun. A little further on I was greeted by a perfectly manicured lawn of incredible size. To the side is a forest leading to a pond with a small island in the middle. Small architectural structures and a few sculptures pop up here and there, like clues promising to lead me to a sensational discovery.
Why it is special
To refer to the villa's park with the word "garden" is somewhat reductive. The landscape has been designed by a hand so skillful, that of Jappelli, that it is itself a work of art that unfolds in a crescendo of emotions. I seem to see it changing before my eyes in a return to the Ancient, to the possibility of seeing perfection and balance in Nature.
Not to be missed
If you love mystery you are in the right place. Just think, there is a small island in the lake linked to Masonic rites. Other reminders of Freemasonry are scattered among the trees, and although they are fictitious, they are very evocative. For example, there are the remains of a small temple, a chapel, a crypt, and fake burials of Knights Templar. One would wonder if a fake grail was also hidden somewhere!
A bit of history
Villa and park have two patrons: Antonio Vigodarzere and his nephew Andrea Cittadella. It is Antonio who decides to use almost 13 hectares of the Saonara property to create the garden, having over 35,000 trees planted. His choice is dictated by a social purpose: this is 1816, a time of famine and poverty. The creation of the park brings work, and thus relief, to the now starving villagers. The design of the garden and villa is by the great landscape architect Giuseppe Jappelli. The complex now belongs to the Valmarana Family, which oversaw its restoration, allowing it to be fully usable.
Trivia
World War II left its traces here as well, destroying much of the artificial cave complex that accompanied the mystery path. Fortunately, all is not lost and it is still possible to enter the large cave, with the gigantic simulacrum (as many as 4 meters) of Baffomete, a regenerative deity with the attributes of Cybele and Venus.
Old and new...rebirth
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