Giardino Giusti, Verona

Gardens in Verona

Casa Di Giulietta VERONA
Casa di Giulietta VERONA
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Dependability

Giardino Giusti is a 16th-century Renaissance garden on the Veronetta side of the Adige, a short stroll from the historic centre but far enough to feel like a calm, green escape. It's immaculately kept, with clipped box hedges, slender cypress lines, statues, and tucked-away corners that reward slow wandering rather than rushing through.

What makes it special is how it combines craftsmanship and atmosphere: formal geometry at the lower levels, then a gentle climb that ends with a viewpoint over the rooftops. It's easy to see why this spot is one of the top sights in Verona, and it fits beautifully into a walking tour of Verona as a mid-day reset between churches, piazzas, and river views.

History and Significance of the Giardino Giusti

Created in the second half of the 16th century, Giardino Giusti is one of the most important examples of the Italian Renaissance garden in northern Italy, designed to show that nature could be shaped into order, symbolism, and spectacle. The layout is deliberate: axial paths, sculpted greenery, and ornamental features that guide your eye upward, turning a simple stroll into a carefully staged experience.

The Giusti family’s long stewardship is part of the garden’s identity. Unlike many historic gardens that became public only after major changes, this one still reads as a lived-in, evolving place, where preservation and restoration aim to keep the Renaissance spirit legible while maintaining a real, working garden.

Its setting also matters. From the city, it feels like you step into a quieter Verona, but the belvedere reminds you exactly where you are, reconnecting the garden's calm with the skyline and the surrounding hills. That balance between retreat and viewpoint is the garden's signature move.

Things to See and Do in the Giardino Giusti

Begin with the lower garden, where the precision is most obvious: trimmed hedges, clipped forms, and the satisfying rhythm of cypress that makes even a short walk feel purposeful. This is the best place to slow down, because the details are subtle and the charm is in how cleanly everything is maintained.

Make time for the petite labyrinth, not because it’s huge, but because it adds a playful note to an otherwise formal landscape. Local legend says that lovers who manage to find each other in the maze are destined to stay together, which feels exactly right for Verona’s romantic reputation.

Then do the climb. The steps can look longer than they are, and the reward is real: the upper terraces and viewpoint give you a wide, airy look across Verona’s rooftops, a perspective you don’t often get from street level. If you like places that feel earned rather than handed to you, this is the moment.

How to Get to the Giardino Giusti

Giardino Giusti is at Via Giardino Giusti, 2 in the Veronetta area, a straightforward walk from the historic centre across the river. If you're already exploring around Piazza delle Erbe or Ponte Pietra, it's an easy add-on that doesn't require complicated planning.

For flights, the nearest airport is Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN), with useful alternatives at Bergamo (BGY) and Venice Marco Polo (VCE) if you're building a wider northern Italy itinerary. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Verona on Booking.com. From VRN you can reach the centre by shuttle/bus or taxi, then continue on foot into Veronetta.

If you're arriving by train, Verona Porta Nuova is the main station, and from there a quick bus or taxi ride into the centre makes the final walk to the garden simple and predictable. Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy. City buses also work well if you want a budget-friendly transfer, especially outside peak event times.

If you’re travelling by car, park at the edge of the centre or use a central garage and continue on foot, since the historic streets and traffic rules can make driving slower than it looks on a map. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Giardino Giusti

  • Entrance fee: €13.00 (full ticket); €9.00 (students) & €9.00 (Verona Card holders).
  • Opening hours: (Summer) April, May & September: Daily 09:00–19:00; June – August: Daily 09:00–20:00.
    (Winter) October – March: Daily 10:00–18:00.
  • Official website: https://giardinogiusti.com/?lan=en
  • Best time to visit: Go in the first half of the day for quieter paths and cleaner views from the terraces, or late afternoon for softer light over the city.
  • How long to spend: Plan 60-90 minutes for a relaxed circuit with the viewpoint, or 2 hours if you like lingering for photos and quiet corners.
  • Accessibility: Expect steps, slopes, and uneven garden paths; if mobility is a concern, focus on the lower sections and check the most accessible route at the entrance.
  • Facilities: Keep expectations simple: this is a historic garden experience, so plan café stops before or after rather than relying on extensive on-site services.

Where to Stay Close to the Giardino Giusti

For a culture-heavy itinerary, base yourself in the Centro Storico (around the historic core) so you can walk to Verona’s main sights early and keep evenings effortless; if you prefer a quieter local feel with easy access to the river and viewpoints, Veronetta is a smart choice.

If you want a classic, walk-everywhere base close to the garden side of the centre, Due Torri Hotel puts you near major churches, river crossings, and an easy walk to Giardino Giusti. For a comfortable historic-centre option that works brilliantly for sightseeing loops, Hotel Accademia keeps you central without feeling far from the garden. If you’re leaning into Verona’s romance and want to stay right in the heart of the old town, Relais Balcone di Giulietta is a memorable base for early starts and late strolls.

Is the Giardino Giusti Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you want Verona to feel slower and more layered than a sequence of monuments. The garden is beautiful in a disciplined, Renaissance way, and the climb to the upper terraces gives you a viewpoint that feels like a genuine payoff rather than a quick look.

It's also a great counterbalance to a city day. After stone streets, churches, and piazzas, the greenery and quiet pathways reset your pace, while still staying firmly in “Verona” thanks to the skyline views and the garden's long, local history.

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

Giardino Giusti works well for families because it's not a “don't touch anything” experience; it's movement, discovery, and small moments of play. The maze becomes a mini-mission, and the terraces turn the visit into an adventure with a goal at the top.

To keep it smooth, treat the climb as optional depending on energy. Even the lower garden delivers plenty of beauty, and you can pace the visit with short breaks rather than trying to cover every corner.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, this is Verona romance without the crowds of the most famous photo-spots. The garden's geometry, hidden corners, and the legend of the labyrinth create an atmosphere that feels intimate even when other visitors are around.

Plan it as a gentle highlight: go earlier for calm, then finish with the viewpoint and drift back toward the river for an aperitivo. It’s the kind of place that makes a day feel thoughtfully designed rather than accidental.

Budget Travelers

Budget travellers will appreciate that this is a paid attraction that actually delivers time and atmosphere, not just a quick “tick-box” interior. It’s a strong value if you’re choosing a small number of ticketed stops and filling the rest of your day with free walks and viewpoints.

To maximise the day, pair the garden with free nearby sights like river promenades and historic squares. That way the ticket becomes your one “structured” experience inside a wider, low-cost walking route.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (5,711)

Giusti Garden, at Via Giardino Giusti 2 in Verona, is a formal, tiered public garden dating from the 16th century, offering terraces, a small maze and a climbable tower that reward visitors with sweeping views over Verona and the river; paths are easy to follow, there are toilets and vending machines, and tickets often include access to a well-preserved 19th-century apartment with colorful furniture and wall paintings. Visitors praise the restored areas, guided tours, and the pleasant planted interiors and note ongoing renovation work; families and children enjoy the maze and terraces, while those with mobility issues should check accessibility in advance.

Monica Widman
a week ago
"A gem that luckily is slowly being restored. Definitely worth the visit and the tour guide's passion made a wonderful addition. Not sure aboutwheelchair accessibility, call!..."
Carolina V
4 months ago
"Lovely garden with easy and intuitive paths and stu ing views of Verona. There’s toilets inside and you can get snacks and drinks from machines. Theticket also includes the 19th century apartment visit that is so gorgeous and very well preserved, you can see all the colorful furniture, wall paintings and more. I also like that they keep all windows open and there was many plants inside which makes pleasant to walk there...."
David Bryan
5 months ago
"Beautiful Italian style garden with mainly evergreen trees and plants. Great little maze for a bit of fun. Children would love it. Great terrace atthe back. With a climb up a small tower to reach the top terrace. Fantastic views of the east bank of the river and Verona. Not great for wheelchair users or someone with walking difficulties. There is some renovation works happening at present but don't be put off...."

FAQs for Visiting Giardino Giusti

Getting There

It’s in the Veronetta area at Via Giardino Giusti, on the east side of the river from the historic core. It’s close enough to feel central, but it’s often calmer than the busiest streets.
Cross the river toward Veronetta and head for the quieter streets that climb gently away from the waterfront. The approach is straightforward, and the garden’s entrance area is well signed once you’re nearby.
From Verona Porta Nuova, take a bus or taxi toward the centre and then walk the final stretch into Veronetta. This avoids a long walk from the station and keeps your steps for the garden itself.
Parking is easier at the edges of the centre than right beside the garden, and walking the last part is usually the simplest plan. Driving can feel slower than expected because of limited access streets and local traffic rules.

Tickets & Entry

You can enjoy the surrounding streets and nearby viewpoints for free, but the garden itself is ticketed. The best experience is inside, where the design and terraces really unfold.
It generally covers access to the garden routes, terraces, and the key features like the maze and viewpoints. If special exhibitions or extra areas are available, they’re usually clarified at entry or online.
Booking ahead is helpful in peak summer and on weekends when lines can form at popular times. If you want flexibility, arrive earlier in the day when entry tends to be smoother.
Yes, seasonal schedules are common, with longer opening in summer and shorter winter hours. Checking close to your visit is wise because special events or maintenance can occasionally adjust timing.
The most common surprise is how photo shoots can be regulated, especially professional sessions. If you’re planning anything beyond casual photos, it’s worth checking the garden’s guidance in advance.

Visiting Experience

An hour can work if you focus on the main paths, the maze, and the viewpoint. You’ll get a more relaxing visit with 90 minutes, which allows for unhurried wandering.
Yes if you want one place that feels distinctly “Verona” beyond the headline landmarks, especially for views and atmosphere. It’s also a great way to balance a day that’s otherwise church-and-piazza heavy.
Pair it with Ponte Pietra, a river walk, and a loop back to Piazza delle Erbe for an easy, scenic circuit. This combination keeps the day varied without needing transport.
It’s best in fair weather because the paths and steps are part of the enjoyment and can be slippery when wet. If rain is light, a shorter visit to the lower garden can still be worthwhile.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

It appears in many classic itineraries, but not every tour includes it because groups often focus on the core piazzas and Roman sites. That makes it a great independent add-on if you want something a little less standard.
Independent visits work very well because the garden is easy to navigate and the enjoyment is sensory and visual. A guided visit is most useful if you want deeper context on Renaissance garden symbolism and design.
Start at the garden, walk down toward the river, cross at Ponte Pietra, then loop through the historic core toward Piazza delle Erbe. It’s intuitive, scenic, and doesn’t require constant map-checking.

Photography

Yes, especially for symmetry, cypress lines, and terrace perspectives that frame Verona’s rooftops. The garden rewards patient shots more than quick snaps.
Late afternoon often gives warmer light over the city from the viewpoint, while morning can be calmer for clean garden compositions. Choose based on whether you prioritise light or fewer people.
Casual photography is usually fine, but organised or professional shoots may require permission. If you’re planning anything formal, check the garden’s stated rules before you arrive.
The upper terraces and belvedere-style viewpoints give the most iconic “Verona from above” shots. In the lower garden, straight paths lined with hedges and cypress deliver the best Renaissance symmetry.

Accessibility & Facilities

Accessibility can be challenging because of steps, slopes, and historic surfaces, especially if you want the upper terraces. A good approach is to prioritise the lower garden and choose a shorter, flatter route.
Facilities are typically limited compared with large museums, so it’s smart to plan café and restroom breaks before or after. The surrounding neighbourhood has plenty of options once you return to the main streets.
There are quieter spots within the garden where you can pause, and the surrounding area has small cafés once you exit. Building in a short rest makes the climb-and-viewpoint section more enjoyable.
It’s suitable, but strollers can be awkward on steps and steeper sections. Many families find it easier to park the stroller for the upper levels and treat the climb as a short “adventure” portion of the visit.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Head back toward the historic core around Piazza delle Erbe if you want maximum choice and atmosphere. For something quieter, look for small spots in Veronetta where the pace is often gentler.
A classic pairing is the garden followed by a riverside stroll and then a casual bite in the central lanes. It keeps the day walkable and lets you shift from greenery to city life smoothly.

Safety & Timing

Yes, it’s generally pleasant, especially around the river routes and well-travelled streets connecting to the centre. As always, keep an eye on belongings in busy areas and stick to well-lit routes at night.
Morning is best for calm and easier walking through the main paths, while later in the day is best for warm light and a more romantic mood. If views are your priority, late afternoon can be the sweet spot.

Nearby Attractions to the Giardino Giusti

  • Ponte Pietra: Verona's most picturesque river bridge, perfect for photos and a scenic crossing between Veronetta and the historic core.
  • Teatro Romano: The Roman Theatre site with hillside seating and a sense of Verona's ancient layers beyond the Arena.
  • Piazza delle Erbe: The city's lively historic square, ideal for a post-garden snack and people-watching among ornate façades.
  • Torre dei Lamberti: A central tower climb that rewards you with another great viewpoint, complementary to the garden's skyline vistas.
  • Verona Cathedral (Duomo): A richly layered cathedral complex that adds quieter, atmospheric culture to a centre-day itinerary.

The Giardino Giusti appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Verona!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

(Summer) April, May & September: Daily 09:00-19:00; June - August: Daily 09:00-20:00.

(Winter) October - March: Daily 10:00-18:00.

Price:

€13.00 (full ticket); €9.00 (students) & €9.00 (Verona Card holders).

Address: Via Giardino Giusti, 2, Verona, VR, Italy
Verona: 1 km
Official Website

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