History
The Gardens of Villa della Pergola, overlooking the sea, were created at the close of the nineteenth century, a rare example of a Mediterranean English park preserved in its entirety: 22,000 square metres of poetic har- mony of Mediterranean vegetation, rare plants and exotic flora.
Already in 1908 they were recognised by William Scott, in his historic-artistic guide The Riviera, as being amongst the marvels of the Riviera, worthy rivals to the Mortola Gardens. The Gardens proudly claim a unique history closely linked to the English community. Over the years the property changed hands between important English families including the Hanburys, already owners of the renowned Mortola Gardens.
After a spell of neglect and deterioration, the Gardens were saved from the threat of property speculation in 2006 and carefully restored under the direction of Paolo Pejrone, with particular attention to recuperation and conservation as well as the creation of the acclaimed botanical collections together with Silvia Arnaud Ricci. Two of the more spectacular collections are those of wisteria, 34 varieties in the largest Italian collection, and agapanthus, now the most important in Europe with over 500 different species. The flowering seasons of both are not to be missed, respectively in April and June. The renowed collections of citrus, cactus and secular myrtles enhance the Gardens.
Visitors can stroll through the romantic arbours linking the various levels of the Gardens, admiring banksiae roses together with delicate waterlilies and luxuriant lotus flowers in the little lakes and fountains. Amongst cluster pines, cypresses, Lebanese cedars, evergreen oaks and a masterfully planted citrus collection next to jacarandas, araucarias, including the prehistoric Wollenia nobilis, palms, tree ferns, cacti and many other plants from every latitude.
Villa della Pergola, part of the Relais & Chateaux family and the Dimore Storiche Italiane Association, is immersed in these Gardens; within is the Ristorante Nove, with a Michelin star. In 2022, the Gardens received the prestigious ''Most Beautiful Park in Italy'' award, and in 2025, they became a Partner Garden of the Royal Horticultural Society.
