The nobles could not walk around the city walls dressed up, showing off their wealth and their jewels. For this reason, the gorgeous suburban villas were created, mostly in the 18th and 19th century, and they were places where the nobles could indulge in refinement and luxury.
One of such villas is the Villa Duchessa di Galliera in Voltri, a suburban area of Genoa.
Undoubtedly, one of the richest and most influential families in Genoa at that time was the Brignole-Sale family who had the villa built and who kept the property for centuries.
The original name of the Villa in fact bore the name of this family, but then it was renamed after its last owner, the Duchess of Galliera.
When this and other villas were in use, several important personalities and illustrious guests visited these mansions, including dukes, princes, members of the church and even kings and queens.
At Villa Duchessa di Galliera, today the Villa is closed to the public, the main floors are to be restored and the rooms on the ground floor house a kindergarten!
Great location indeed for the little ones.
But the park behind the villa is enormous and it is a free and fun attraction for Genoese people and tourists alike.
There is also a theater, from the 18th century, which today it is the oldest privately owned (yes, because the gardens and park are open to anyone free of charge but officially the property is still privately owned by the heirs of the family) theater in the region.
The theater is divided between a stage, a room for the audience and a part dedicated to the orchestra, which was probably located on the opposite side of the stage, on a mezzanine.
The theater does not host many events but it is certainly a true gem.
Some plays and music events are hosted in the park of the Villa and, this Summer, an event related to Shakespeare is taking place.
The magnificent Italian-style gardens in front of the villa are neat and they have flowerbeds which draw harmonious geometric figures.
They are adorned with marble vases, statues, plants of all sort, fountains and a rose garden which blooms in May.
The gardens are open just a few afternoons a month, but they are visible from above year round because there is a terrace just overlooking them right in front of the entrance of the kindergarten.
Italian-style gardens
The harmonious Italian-style gardens are in sharp contrast with the wild and luxuriant wood behind the Villa. In this area, which was initially part of neighboring territories, the impact of man is present but must not be very visible.
There are a few trails to venture in the park and a system of small and large caves that pierce the landscape, full of waterfalls.
This water is all recycled water thanks to pumps and it comes from the aqueduct nearby.
In these romantic woods, behind the Villa, nature reigns and you will find yourself walking among these caves and being enchanted by the sound of the water and the quiet of the nature that surrounds you. The best time to visit the park is undoubtedly late spring to admire the blooming flowers and summer to enjoy the coolness and shade, away from the crowded beaches.
There is also a Belvedere castle which was very neglected after the Second World War mainly due to some weeds that had become real trees and closed the glimpses of views towards the sea.
Cave and waterfall
The purpose of these gardens was not only to preserve botanical varieties but also to stimulate the visitor's curiosity, so that the forest was then transformed into a labyrinthine path full of stimuli for those who have the opportunity to walk inside. One of the most beautiful views is when from one of the many caves you see some wonderful azalea bushes in bloom or the view on the sea from some of its trails.
There is also a large, fenced area where a colony of deer lives and visitors can feed them, minding their diet which is grass and bread only.
Deer colony
