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Garden of the Mortella

In the Bay of Naples, the Island of Ischia Is a Gardener's Paradise

Sep 15, 2008 David Smith

There are many wonderful gardens here, Ischia has been called the Green Island. The one of the composer William Walton is perhaps the most rewarding for the plant lover.

Giardini La Mortella, meaning the place of the Myrtles, was designed by the architect Russell Page in 1956 for Susana and William Walton to complement and surround the house the World Famous English composer had built in a disused quarry overlooking the Bay of Forio. He died in 1983 and the gardens are now opened to the public at certain times. See details below.

Giardini La Mortella's Car Park

If arriving by car, rather than by coach or in one of Ischia's famous mini taxis, be sure to search out the rear entrance. Continue down the lane past the main entrance and turn right and right again, searching for the sign placed high in the trees which marks the final right turn up a steep track to the gardens rear entrance. The free parking gets very busy soon after opening time, but can be almost empty by lunchtime. That’s when all good Italians are enjoying a leisurely meal with wine and conversation.

The Garden’s Sections

Although the garden is laid out on a steep hillside and flows down from the car park to the main entrance it is still wheelchair and pushchair friendly. The garden is laid out in sections: the Lower Garden, The Valley, The Upper Garden and finally The Hill. Paths wind around the steep slopes and two lifts are provided where this is impossible. There are stairs, some of which are very steep, providing more direct access for the able bodied. But the views of the bay, the flowers, the shrubs and trees gathered from around the world are laid out for everyone to see.

Other Features in Giardini La Mortella

Some mornings you will see Signora Walton driving her golf cart around the garden, graciously wishing her guests “Bon Journo.” There is a museum with Walton memorabilia in a recital hall were concerts are given. There has recently been added a splendid open-air theatre where you may watch evening concerts looking over the bay towards the sunset.

Giardini La Mortella is a beautiful place with a real feeling you have been invited by a friend to spend some time enjoying their garden and trees and plants in a magical setting.

Afterwards, perhaps enjoy a late lunch down by the sea in the community of San Francisco. One of the island’s buses goes down the very steep and narrow hill, so island hire cars certainly will.

Opening Times

The garden is open from Easter to November on

Tuesday: Thursday: Saturday and Sunday between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Recitals take place every weekend in the summer and autumn. Saturday's at 5 p.m. Sundays at 430 and 6 p.m.

There are evening concerts in the summer in the Greek theatre overlooking the Bay of Forio.

The copyright of the article Garden of the Mortella in S Europe Travel is owned by David Smith. Permission to republish Garden of the Mortella in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Over Looking Forio