The Pojega Garden is one of Italy’s most fascinating landscape masterpieces, a magnificent example of an Italian garden located in Negrar di Valpolicella in the province of Verona.
Commissioned in 1783 by Count Antonio Rizzardi, the park covers an area of 54,000 square meters.
It extends over three levels, perfectly blending the rigid geometry of the hedges with the romantic soul of the hilly landscape.
The garden is renowned for its perspectives and architectural elements created entirely with plants and hedges. Highlights include:
- Verzura or Green Theater: the largest preserved in Italy, an open-air theater carved and shaped between hornbeam hedges, used for performances and shows.
- Il Tempietto: located in the highest part, it is surrounded by cypress trees and features statues recalling classical mythology.
- The Nymphaeum and the Secret Garden: an enchanting and secluded corner featuring water features, lemon groves, and classical architecture.
- The Belvedere: a panoramic viewpoint offering a view of the entire estate and the Valpolicella vineyards.
The term Pojega has deep historical roots linked to the nature and topography of the Verona area. Before becoming the name of the park, Pojega was the name of the agricultural district that the Rizzardi counts purchased in 1649 to start their own wine production.
At the entrance to the 17th-century courtyard is the wine shop of the historic Guerrieri Rizzardi winery, where you can conclude your walk with tastings of local wines such as Amarone and Valpolicella Ripasso.
