Taormina ..... Victorian Follies
Giardino Pubblico Public Gardens |
The Villa Communale
more commonly known as Giardino Pubblico
(Public Gardens) is a must see when visiting Taormina, the much loved gardens are an oasis of tranquil quietness away from the buzz of Corso Umberto and
provide's shade from the Sicilian sun. Situated on Via Bagnoli Croce there are
spectacular views across Taormina towards Mount Etna and down to the bay of
Naxos.
The gardens were created by a Scottish lady named Florence
Trevelyan who chose to settle in Taormina in the late eighteen hundreds after falling victim to its charm. It is said
that she was invited to leave England after a rumoured romantic entanglement
with Queen Victoria’s son the Prince of Wales, who was to be the future King Edward
VII.
She married a successful local doctor from Taormina and together
they owned many properties and land including Isola Bella and Casa Silva.
Victorian Follies |
Florence was a nature lover and was always accompanied by
her beloved dogs and animals. Her will stated that her numerous animals
should be taken care of, in particular her parrots, peacocks, pigeons and
canaries so she created the gardens.
The bird feeder buildings that today make up most of the
gardens were designed by Florence referring to them as “Apiary” (The Hives) using them as an observation point for birds
and a serene place to enjoy her English afternoon tea.
To locals the buildings are referred to as the curious and
eccentric Victorian Follies.
Unfortunately now there are only two resident parrots in the
gardens who are very friendly.
The gardens are very well maintained with many exotic
plants, palm trees, bougainvilleas, olive and citrus trees, with cobbled
pathways.
World War Memorial |
There is a war memorial and relics from both world wars including
a human torpedo. Many olive trees in the gardens bear name plaques for soldiers
who lost their lives.
At the main entrance there is a bronze statue of a man and
woman sitting on the bench with angel wings, there is not much known about this
statue but some say that they are free spirited angels who look after the park.
I would love to think that there is a more romantic story behind the couple.
Located by the entrance you will find Taormina's tennis club, we always love to walk our dog Daisy in the gardens and sometimes
if she is lucky she might find a stray tennis ball, which is like winning the
lottery for her.
After visiting the public gardens why not visit Casa Silva
which also possesses a beautiful garden and was once part of the Giardino Pubblico, here you can view
Florence’s property which is now home to Babilonia, Taormina’s language, art
and culture school. Inside through a stone arch there is a lovely bistro where you
can eat in the gardens whilst surrounded by students painting and learning
Italian amongst the citrus trees. Pure Bliss !!!!!
The public gardens and Casa Silva are both featured on the
Taormina Culture route, which was introduced last year for Taobuk, Taormina’s
international book festival. The route twists and turns through Taormina
detailing 21 places where Taormina’s muses found their homes.
For private guided tours of Taormina email me for local contact details
For language and art courses at Babilonia in Casa Silva visit www.babilonia.it
Florence Trevelyan, Public Gardens |
World War Human Torpedo, Public Gardens |
Angels of The Public Gardens |
Views to Taormina from Gardens |
Views to Mount Etna and the Bay of Naxos |
Babilonia, Taormina's Language, Culture and Art School |
Casa Silva home to Babilonia |
Gardens of Casa Silva |
Babilonia Art Class |
Bistro at Casa Silva |
Casa Silva |
Babilonia Language Class Room |
Daisy enjoying her Walk dreaming of tennis balls If you enjoyed this post you might enjoy these ones from my Blog archive Taormina … The English Legacy http://whitealmond-privatesicily.blogspot.com/2017/09/taormina-british-legacy.html Taormina … Miss Hill’s School of Lace https://whitealmond-privatesicily.blogspot.com/2023/06/taormina-miss-hills-school-of-lace.html Taormina … 21 Places the Muses Made Their Home https://whitealmond-privatesicily.blogspot.com/2015/08/taormina-cult-21-places-muses-made.html Radicepura … A Volcanic Botanical Garden https://whitealmond-privatesicily.blogspot.com/2023/02/radicepura-horticultural-park.html 🌸🌺🌷🌻🌼
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Love Sarah & Daisy xxx |