History
The park surrounds the house built in the seventeenth century by Marquess Durazzo on the hillside overlooking S. Margherita Ligure and enjoys spectacular views over the Gulf of Tigullio. The small citrus orchard on the terraces facing the sea is the oldest part; it was created by the Durazzo family who planted oranges, lemons, grapefruit to form green side screens to the path climbing up from the sea.
The layout of the “Italian Garden” was developed by the family Centurione who succeeded the Durazzo in the 19Th century. The garden is characterized by the geometric designs of the myrtle hedges embellished by several plants of Cycadacee – among them some rare male plants of Cycas revoluta and an example of Encephalartos. The path is bordered on both sides by a small rose garden dedicated to the actress Virna Lisi and by several varieties of nineteenth century camellias including the famous Lavinia Maggi.
The definitive layout of the English style romantic wood, along the slopes of the hillside, was begun in the twentieth century by Alfredo Chierichetti. Here holm oaks, cypresses, camphors, limes and pines are mixed with palms of every genus, including Phoenix canariensis, Washingtonia filifera and Jubaea chilensis in an attractive mixture of exotic and Mediterranean flora. The park is enhanced by statues, fountains, vases and little paths leading to the terrace in front of the villa, dominated by splendid risseu cobblestone paving, in black and white pebbles, typical of Liguria.
The Secret Garden of the Centurion Princes is not to be missed: in the nineteenth century it was a secret refuge for lovers and still preserves the romantic atmosphere of the time.
The Villa contains an important gallery of paintings from the Genoese school, period furniture, Murano lamps and granolithic paving. The rooms and terraces are available for receptions and events.
