The Enchanted Garden of Ninfa
I recently visited the Giardino di Ninfa, a once-abandoned garden in the Lazio region of Italy that has been carefully restored to its former glory. The history of Ninfa is a fascinating one; it was once a thriving medieval town until it was abandoned in the 16th century. In the late 19th century, the Caetani family began restoring the gardens, which are now one of the most beautiful examples of an English-style garden in Italy. The garden is filled with over 1,300 species of plants, flowers, and trees, and the Caetani family has worked hard to maintain a balance between the natural environment and the structures within. The garden is also home to many species of birds, butterflies, and other animals. I was particularly struck by the beautiful vistas and the sense of calm that permeates the garden. It’s no wonder that it’s considered one of Italy’s hidden gems.